- Great place!
- Nice place!
- Ok place.
Macumba Beach
Female opinion
I like to go to Macumba beach when I am tired of the crowded city and need a quick escape place. It is much easier to reach, than Prainha or Grumari. The end of Praia da Macumba is an ideal place to be all by yourself. On workdays the only visitors of the beach are surfers, a few locals and residents of a big camping territory located across the road. Macumba beach has the strongest waves I have ever experienced in Rio.
Male opinion
One of the many nice beaches of Rio de Janeiro. It is not very conveniently located, so it is less crowded than most other big beaches. Especially towards the further part, the closer part has many people from the local favelas. The waves in Macumba are good for surfing, but steep shore and strong back-currents make it dangerous to go into the water without a board.
Praia da Macumba (oficially named as Praia do Pontal de Sernambetiba) is located in Recreio neighborhood, between Pedra do Pontal and Canal de Sernambetiba.
Macumba is a religious cult in Brazil that combines Christian and voodoo elements. The beach got this name because many Umbanda and Candomblé religions´ followers used to perform their rituals on this beach. Even today you can see some people practicing macumba on the shore of Canal de Sernambetiba.
Macumba beach is a paradise for surfers and those looking for less crowded beaches.
Tips for Macumba beach
- Take care of the steep shore and strong waves. It is easy to get knocked off your feet and taken off the shore by a back-current.
- It is a great place for surfing. Sometimes the water is full of surfers, if you are a beginner, then better find a calmer beach to practice.
Praia da Macumba safety
During the day it should be a safe beach to visit. But leave before the dark, as the area can become dangerous for a tourist. Many groups of the local youngsters, having been drinking on neighbouring Recreio beach all day, are going home and waiting for the bus. If you stay late, consider taking a taxi or Uber to any bus station in Barra.
Quick facts
Type: beach
Touristic: no
Getting there: takes a long time
Minimal transport: bus + walk
Length: 1,3 km
Cost: free
Other names: Praia da Macumba, Macumba Beach, Praia do Pontal de Sernambetiba, Praia de Sernambetiba
How to get there
Address: Av. Recreio dos Bandeirantes
Hood: Recreio dos Bandeirantes
From Ipanema, General Osorio:
1. Take the bus to Recreio (buses that have Recreio written as destination).
2. Get off the bus at Pedra do Pontal, Recreio (ask the driver to let you know).
3. Walk along the beach promenade away from Rio.
4. Continue until you reach a rock formation.
5. Climb over it or pass it from the right. You have arrived.
