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Calçada de Copacabana: A Timeless Promenade

Stroll along Rio's iconic wave-patterned promenade, a symbol of Brazilian culture and artistry, at Copacabana Beach's famous sidewalk.

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The Calçada de Copacabana is more than just a sidewalk; it's an iconic symbol of Rio de Janeiro. Featuring a mesmerizing wave pattern in black and white stones, this promenade stretches along the entire Copacabana Beach, blending art, culture, and the vibrant spirit of the city.

A brief summary to Calçada de Copacabana

  • Av. Nossa Sra. de Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana, State of Rio de Janeiro, BR

Local tips

  • Visit during sunrise or sunset for stunning views and fewer crowds.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and stick to well-lit areas.
  • Enjoy a refreshing coconut water from one of the many vendors along the promenade.
  • Take a stroll to Forte de Copacabana at the south end for panoramic beach views.
  • Explore Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana for shopping, dining, and a taste of local life.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From anywhere along Copacabana Beach, the Calçada is directly accessible. Simply walk towards the beach and you'll find yourself on the iconic promenade. It stretches the entire length of Copacabana Beach, from Leme to Arpoador. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by Metro, use the Cardeal Arcoverde, Siqueira Campos, or Cantagalo stations. From any of these stations, it's a short walk (less than 10 minutes) to Avenida Atlântica and the Calçada. Numerous bus lines also serve Copacabana. Check for bus routes that run along Avenida Atlântica. A single metro or bus fare costs approximately R$4.65.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available throughout Rio de Janeiro. Simply request a ride to Copacabana Beach and ask to be dropped off at any point along Avenida Atlântica. A short taxi ride within Copacabana typically costs between R$20 and R$40, depending on traffic and distance.

  • From Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport (GIG)

    To reach Calçada de Copacabana from the airport, you have several options. A taxi or Uber ride will cost approximately R$120-R$160 and take 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take the Frescão bus for R$24.85, or a combination of bus and Metro for around R$12.20. The bus and Metro journey will take approximately 1.5 hours.

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Discover more about Calçada de Copacabana

The Calçada de Copacabana, Portuguese for Copacabana Sidewalk, is one of Rio de Janeiro's most recognizable landmarks. This iconic promenade stretches for approximately 4.15 kilometers along the famous Copacabana Beach, featuring a distinctive mosaic pattern of black and white stones arranged in a wave-like design. The history of the Calçada dates back to 1905 when Mayor Pereira Passos initiated a plan to modernize Rio, then the capital of Brazil. Inspired by the Rossio Square in Lisbon, Portugal, the original design, created by engineer Pinheiro Furtado, was intended to pay homage to Brazil's colonizers. The wave pattern, known as "Mar Largo" (Wide Sea), symbolizes the meeting of the Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean in Lisbon. The stones, consisting of white calcite and black basalt, were imported from Portugal, along with over 30 skilled Portuguese cobblers to install them. In the 1970s, during the expansion of Avenida Atlântica, the promenade underwent a complete renovation. Landscape designer Roberto Burle Marx modernized the design, changing the direction of the waves from perpendicular to parallel with the sea, creating a more integrated and fluid visual experience. The Calçada de Copacabana has since become a cultural icon, appearing in numerous films, songs, and works of art, and is recognized worldwide as a symbol of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil. Today, the Calçada is an essential part of the Copacabana experience, inviting visitors and locals alike to stroll along the beach, enjoy the ocean breeze, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Rio. The city of Rio de Janeiro continues to train its employees in the art of maintaining the sidewalks, taught by professionals from Lisbon.

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