It was a warm summer evening in Rio de Janeiro.
Sky pink and birds dancing over the mountains afar, we watched in awe as the orange glowing sun set over the South Atlantic Ocean.
It was a moment in time that will stay with us forever.
The magical Arpoador sunset is quite the spectacle in Rio de Janeiro.
It is usually a rare occurrence for the sun to display itself setting over the eastward facing Brazilian coast.
However, when midsummer rolls around something beautiful happens, causing hundreds of people to flock to the rocky Arpoador Peninsula with picnic blankets and cameras to capture the breathtaking event.
Gracefully situated between the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema in the Southern zone of Rio de Janeiro, Arpoador Peninsula offers some of the most incredible views in the city.
As you climb your way up the tiny steps to the peninsula, you will notice two amazing yet contrasting scenes either side of you.
To the left you can watch the sparkling blue surf slowly roll in and crash over Copacabana beach and to the right you can witness panoramic views across Ipanema Beach and the mountains in the distance.
As the sun begins to set out in the ocean, right next to Two Brothers Hill on the Ipanema side, the crowd claps and cheers to celebrate the rare spectacle.
How to get to the Arpoador Peninsula:
Situated between the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, Arpoador Peninsula is quite difficult to miss.
Head towards either one of them and you’ll soon come to a rock formation that stretches out into the ocean.
To get around the peninsula you can climb over the rocks or use the small steps located all over.
Best time to see the Arpoador sunset:
In the middle of summer the average sunset in Rio de Janeiro occurs at approximately 7:30pm.
To skip the crowd on arrival and find a good spot to watch the sunset without too many heads in the way we recommend getting there between 6:30pm and 7pm.
This gives you time to set up and relax and also ensures you don’t miss a thing.
What to bring:
- Camera
- Chairs/blanket
- Snacks
- Swimwear – if you want to take a dip after
- Your loved ones – tip: It makes a lovely spot for a date
Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro:
We stayed a short taxi ride away in Copacabana at El Misti, Rio. We found this place to be one of the best priced in the area with a fantastic social atmosphere, delicious daily breakfast and air-conditioning inside the rooms.
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Where was the most incredible sunset you’ve ever seen? We’d love to find out. Comment below or hashtag #viatheworld on your favourite Instagram pics so we can see, add it to our bucket list and re-post to inspire everyone else!
Want to see the Arpoador sunset? Stick it on your bucket list by pinning this image on Pinterest  >>
Thank you to El Misti Hostel, Rio for hosting us during our stay in Copacabana. As always, all opinions are our own.
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