Day trips around Rio de Janeiro

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As well as the Wonderful City’s most famous attractions, such as the Christ the Redeemer statue and the Copacabana beachfront, the state of Rio de Janeiro is home to a host of other, equally beautiful, tourist destinations, not only along its coast but also up in the mountains.

Here are some of our suggestions for day trips, which you may end up enjoying so much that you decide to extend your stay:

1 – Paraty

Located on the South coast of the state and accessible within 3 hours via the Rio-Santos 101 highway, the historic little city of Paraty has roughly 39 thousand inhabitants, and is known for its colonial architecture and literary heritage. In addition to its cultural features, Paraty has plenty of natural beauty, including Trindade – a popular ‘hippy’ beach – and the Saco do Mamanguá, considered to be Brazil’s only fiord.

2 – Angra dos Reis / Ilha Grande

A two-and-a-half-hour drive from the capital, this municipality on Rio’s coast has no less than 365 heavenly islands – that’s right, one for every day of the year! 

Accessible by car or by bus (leaving the Novo Rio Bus Station), the best thing to do once you arrive is to catch a boat to one of its famous beaches, most of which are dotted around the many islands. Take your pick from Lopes Mendes, on Ilha Grande (white sands and clear blue waters); Lagoa Azul (great for a dip); Praia do Dentista and Cachadaço (a rocky beach with turquoise water).

3- Búzios

The city of Armação de Búzios (normally just called ‘Búzios’), is a peninsula resort town. A two-and-a-half-hour drive from Rio, once there it’s easy to see why Brigitte Bardot fell in love with this charming little fishing town in the 60s, propelling the place to international popularity. Búzios boasts over 20 beaches, hotels and B&Bs, for all sorts of tastes.

4 – Arraial do Cabo

One hundred and sixty kilometres from the capital (two and a half hours by car), and not far from Búzios, this little piece of coastal paradise is perfect for those who enjoy a swim in crystalline waters, or boating and kayaking trips around some of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches. 

Highlights are the Praia do Farol and the Prainhas of Pontal and Atalaia – true natural delights which act as the starting points for several national and international cruises.

5- Petrópolis

Of all these options, this one is the nearest to the City of Rio. A mere 60-minute drive separates the two municipalities. One can easily make a day-trip to Petrópolis, and enjoy walking around its lush, peaceful streets before heading back to the capital. High up in the mountains, the ‘Imperial City’ has a much fresher, more agreeable climate than its neighbour, and offers interesting tours around its old buildings, such as palaces and the Imperial Museum, which tells an intriguing tale of Brazilian history.

The Cathedral of São Pedro de Alcântara, neogothic in style and located in the city centre, is known as the Imperial Mausoleum, as it houses the gravestones of Dom Pedro II and Princess Isabel, members of the Portuguese Royal Family and hugely important figures in the history of Brazil’s independence.

The city is also where to find the House of Santos Dumont, an interesting museum which shows the living quarters and personal possessions of the Brazilian inventor of the aeroplane, right where he used to live and use them. With all this history, fantastic parks, cafés and restaurants, Petrópolis is a great choice for a winter day trip.

6- Parque Nacional do Itatiaia

Located on the triple border between the states of Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and São Paulo – 3 hours from Rio’s capital – it is Brazil’s oldest national park. Inaugurated in 1937, it is a favourite destination for mountain climbers. The rock formations – in particular the Pico das Agulhas Negras and the Prateleiras, right up at the top of the park – are the main attractions for those who enjoy hiking and climbing.

As well as natural beauty, the park is environmentally significant: it is the starting point of hundreds of water springs and is an important Atlantic Forest reserve, serving as a refuge for a rich and diverse fauna.

As it is all the way up in the Mantiqueira Highlands, the park’s temperatures are low day and night, so it is always a popular destination with those looking to cool down for a few days. During the summer months, its crystal-clear waterfalls are an open invitation to jump in and be refreshed in as natural an environment as one could hope for! 

Visit the BBMAG Business Directory to find Brazilian and South American service suppliers and classifieds in London and internationally. 

For more information about Brazil, travelling to Brazil, Holidays in Brazil and Brazilian tourism, please also visit VBRATA Visit Brazil Travel Association, a London-based travel organisation specialised in Brazil.

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