Copacabana Beach
Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana is one of the world's greatest beaches. Copacabana Beach is about 4.5 km (3 miles) long and the Copacabana District in Rio consists of some 110 streets in 4 narrow blocks all along it. In that narrow strip live around 350,000 people, making it one of the most densely populated areas on earth.
The beach itself is so wide that it is more of a sandy park than a beach. People play soccer there, as well as volleyball and other sports. If you go for a swim, never leave your gear unattended, as petty crime flourishes on the beach and your stuff will be gone. Many people head for the beach in their bathers and a towel so they got nothing to worry about.
In 1923 the Copacabana Place Hotel was opened. It was the first luxury hotel in South America and Copacabana Beach has been famous ever since. More hotels followed and casinos were opened. In 1948 Copacabana came in the news, as three Argentine girls were sunbathing there in two-piece swimsuits; something that was unheard of until then.
There are always many things happening on the beach during the day. In the evenings the sidewalks are filled with music and people drinking, dancing and celebrating. There are many bars with strip shows, known as boites in Copacabana, as well as prostitutes. Copacabana is the center for Rio's sex industry.
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