Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Ipanema area of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil was made world famous by the song "The Girl From Ipanema." Years later, however, Ipanema is still as vibrant a vacation destination as ever, as it combines beaches, golf, fabulous scenery and the famed Brazilian fun-loving attitude to make for a great South American vacation.

Ipanema's beach

Ipanema's stretch of beach provides inspiring views of Rio de Janeiro.

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Ipanema's beaches, Brazil

The beaches of Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro are usually crowded and crazy on the weekends.

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Beaches of Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro

In Rio de Janeiro, Ipanema is one of the most famous, and popular, tourist destinations.

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Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro

Sun and fun are tops on the beaches of Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

William K. Wolfrum/GolfPublisher.com

Feijoada, a Brazilian delicacy

At Caesar Park Hotel, Saturday means a feast of feijoada, a Brazilian delicacy.

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Ipanema souvenir vendor

The beaches of Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, are packed with vendors.

William K. Wolfrum/GolfPublisher.com

Ipanema - Brazil - mountains

The surrounding mountains of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, help make it a standout destination.

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Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro

Sun and fun are tops on the beaches of Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

William K. Wolfrum/GolfPublisher.com

Ipanema in Brazil

Sun and fun are tops on the beaches of Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

William K. Wolfrum/GolfPublisher.com

Cariocas

Some young Cariocas (as those from Rio are called) enjoy Ipanema's beaches.

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Garota de Ipanema, Brazil

The bar Garota de Ipanema is where the song "The Girl from Ipanema" was born.

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Favelas

While Ipanema is safer than many parts of Rio, you are still close to the dangerous favelas (slums).

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Rio de Janeiro's beaches

Sun and fun are tops on the beaches of Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

William K. Wolfrum/GolfPublisher.com