The History of Ipanema Neighbohood in Rio de Janeiro

Caminhos Language Centre is located in one of the most famous and traditional areas in Brazil: the Ipanema neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. This is not one of the most famous districts of Rio. Ipanema is also in close proximity to other famous and interesting areas such as Leblon, Copacabana, and Lagoa.

Of course, we know Ipanema is well-known throughout the globe, if not for its beach, for ‘The Girl from Ipanema’ song. This song is so famous, artists from all over the world have done covers in several languages as well.

Want to learn a little more about the history of the Ipanema neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro? Join us!

Early Years

During the colonization era in Brazil, Ipanema was nothing more than a coastal paradise. The land was home to indigenous people and wildlife.

Fast forward to 1894, José Antonio Moreira, the Earl of Ipanema, owned a farm in the region and founded Villa Ipanema. His land was subdivided later and officially became one of the city’s boroughs. Planning on selling plots of his land, the Earl built streets and plazas, attracting people to this area.

In the early 20th century, the development of Rio was leaving its center and moving southward. Likewise, people started to move to neighborhoods like Flamengo, Copacabana, and Ipanema.

Growing as a neighborhood

In 1902, the first streetcar line got to Ipanema, making commuting easier, as well as urbanization. After that, the development of the neighborhood did not stop.

In the ’60s, with the growth in density in the neighborhood, houses were demolished and taller buildings were built. And so, Ipanema quickly became one of the noblest and most expensive areas in Rio de Janeiro.

Today, Ipanema is home to over 40,000 inhabitants. Moreover, there are more than 20,000 households spread over its 308 hectares. The Ipanema beach is 2.6 kilometers long, connecting Arpoador and Leblon Beaches.

Ipanema Beach

Ipanema Beach is a gathering spot for many groups, who choose certain parts of the beach as their main meeting point. From sporty people playing volleyball and footvolley to the LGBT community meeting near the rainbow flags along the shore. From surfers who rather stay at Arpoador to Brazilian celebrities at Posto 9. You will surely find your crowd along the beach.

It was on this beach that great names of Brazilian music used to meet up in the ’60s. Singers and songwriters like Vinicius de Moraes and Tom Jobim were always around. Inspired by Helo Pinheiro — an Ipanema resident who always passed by them wearing a bikini — Tom and Vinicius wrote the famous ‘The Girl From Ipanema’ song in 1962 when Helo was only 17.

Around Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro

The attractions in Ipanema are also popular.

• Arpoador Beach is the most popular place to watch the beautiful sunset in Rio de Janeiro.
• The Girl from Ipanema Park borders Ipanema and Copacabana and offers plenty of space for outdoor activity in Rio de Janeiro.
• Nossa Senhora da Paz church showcases the wealth of the colonial era.
• The view of the Morro dos Irmãos is one of the famous landmarks of Rio.

Ipanema Neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro

Nowadays, Ipanema is an upper-middle-class neighborhood, surrounded by theaters, restaurants, bars, and hotels. It is the right choice for tourists who wish to come to Rio de Janeiro and enjoy the city. The beach is crowded on sunny weekends and the promenade is a great place to walk at night, meet new people, make friends and have fun like a true carioca.

Read more: What To Do in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro.

Caminhos Language Centre is the largest and most exciting Portuguese school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We have an excellent infrastructure, over 15 experienced Brazilian teachers, and a friendly multilingual support staff. We are the only school in Brazil able to offer Portuguese group courses throughout the year on 10 different levels. Moreover, our school also offers more than just Portuguese lessons for foreigners, we offer you the complete Rio de Janeiro experience. Every day we organize 100% free and fun activities for you to socialize and practice your Portuguese. We can also help you with a student visa for Brazil and accommodation in Rio de Janeiro.