Copacobana, unsurprisingly, is a huge tourist
trap – depending on where you stay, the degree of safety is different but we
obviously picked the rougher end of town.
The beach front is full of bars and kiosks
selling cocktails but there is an extreme lack of public toilets – in fact, I
can’t find any so the only option when desperate is to piss on the beach. Which
obviously makes it stink. It seems extremely edgy after dark and we realise
that is is probably one of the top areas for thieves as pissed tourists wonder
around by the beach turning themselves into massive targets. There are huge
chain hotels, some looking hugely luxurious, providing a massive contrast to
the homeless family 100 metres up the road. Copacobana beach has turned into a victim of it’s own success and
it’s not really that pleasant.
Mind you it is cheap – and it has tones of
hotels – it is much more affordable than its very close and hugely different
neighbour Ipenema which has tones of class and no beach kiosks. Those who sell
on the beach in Ipenema have makeshift stalls that are packed up every day and
the beach remains beautiful and unspoilt. It also has the benefit of mountain
views and the Christ of Redeemer on the hill Lucky Ipenema. Lucky tourists who can afford
to stay there. I would definitely come back – and possibly choose the safer end
of the very accessible and affordable Copacobana.
Beautiful Ipenema, providing a solution to the lack of public loos
Our mate didn't realist this was the gay bit. Stupid!
No comments:
Post a Comment