Copacabana, Brazil
Most people have heard of the area in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil called Copacabana. That is largely due to the popularity of the song written about it. It is also famous for its four kilometer-long beach of beautiful white sand. Copacabana is actually a district and while there are nice sandy beaches and trendy clubs, there are also slums in the area. If you go there for a vacation you are bound to have a good time, but you should also be careful and aware. There are pickpockets that come from the slum areas and have perfected their craft better than you can believe. You will be relieved of your wallet or your expensive camera equipment before you know it and they will be long gone before you realize it. It is best to keep these things locked up in the hotel if you can. It is also wise not to advertise yourself as a tourist if that is possible.
To imagine what the area must have looked like before it became what it is today it must have been truly breathtaking. The majestic green hills rise up behind the beach and the beach is made up of sparkling white sand. There are small islands in the harbor that would make it look like something out of a postcard. It is the stuff of screensavers all over the world.
Fortunately or unfortunately, its beauty has meant that it has attracted many people. There are hotels and restaurants, clubs and bars piled almost on top of one another. It is actually one of the densely populated areas in the world. To give you an idea of just how many people, the area has over 20,000 inhabitants per square kilometer. Consider that some areas are going to be more or less dense than that and you can imagine that elbow room is at a premium. As is often the case, this leads to crime, and along with the pickpockets, there is also prostitution and other crimes going on. With so many potential victims and customers it would be difficult to ensure that this did not happen.
Because it is so crowded, if you plan to go there, instead of trying to get there or get around by car, try to use the metro. There are three metro stations in the area at the moment, and another is being constructed as the city attempts to keep pace with the phenomenal growth it has experienced. The metro is quick and convenient. If you do decide to approach by car, there are three major arteries that lead into the area but you may want to leave yourself a little extra time or leave early in the morning if you wish to spend the day there.
Copacabana is certainly a sight to behold. It is known for some of its wild parties, in particular New Years celebrations there attract millions of people. If you want to see a spectacle, then you should go. If you don’t like crowds, this might not be the best place for you. Copacabana also plays host to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.