Pedra do Arpoador

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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - APRIL 5 2015: Crowds gather on the rocks of Pedra do Arpoador in Rio de Janeiro to watch a spectacular sunset., License Type: media, Download Time: 2025-05-22T13:30:23.000Z, User: lonelyplanetmedia, Editorial: true, purchase_order: 65050 - Digital Destinations and Articles, job: Global Publishing WIP, client: Global Publishing WIP, other: Pia Peterson Haggarty // SS Comp Ingestion

At the far eastern end of Av Vieira Souto, this rocky point juts out into the water and serves as one of Rio's best places for watching the sunset. Throughout the day, you'll spot fishers casting off the rock, couples stealing a few kisses and photographers snapping that iconic length of Ipanema Beach that stretches off toward the towering peaks of Dois Irmãos.

You'll also see large flocks of surfers jockeying for position offshore. Around the western edge of the rock is the tiny, secluded Praia do Diabo (Devil's Beach); it's a fine place to take in the views, but swim with caution. A very rustic gym is built into the rocks (Fred Flintstone–style barbells with concrete weights and chin-up bars).

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