Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro: Petrópolis, Niterói, Paraty and Ilha Grande

The coast and mountains around Rio are among the most beautiful in Brazil, but distances are longer than they look. Two of these trips work as day trips, and the others are much better with at least one night.

Niterói

The city across the bay, 20 minutes away by ferry from Praça XV in Centro, which the VLT serves. The crossing gives some of the best views of Rio's skyline and mountains. Oscar Niemeyer's Contemporary Art Museum, a flying saucer on a cliff, is the main reason to go. It's an easy half day.

Petrópolis

About an hour and a half into the cool mountains to the north, Petrópolis was the summer retreat of Brazil's emperors. The Imperial Museum, in Pedro II's summer palace, is the highlight, alongside the neo-Gothic cathedral and the Crystal Palace. Go by bus, tour or Uber, and bring a layer, as it's noticeably cooler than the city.

Paraty

A colonial port town of whitewashed houses and cobbled streets, around four to five hours south of Rio. Paraty and Ilha Grande were listed together by UNESCO in 2019 for their culture and nature. Boat trips run to islands and beaches in the bay. It's far too far for a day trip, so plan two nights.

Ilha Grande

A large, mountainous island with no cars, rainforest trails and beaches including Lopes Mendes, often named among Brazil's most beautiful. Travel by bus or transfer to Conceição de Jacareí or Angra dos Reis, then take a boat to Vila do Abraão, the island's main village. Allow two or three nights, ideally outside the wettest summer weeks our best time to visit guide describes, and combine it with Paraty if you have a week.

Búzios

A peninsula of small beaches and a lively resort town, about three hours east. Popular with Argentine and Brazilian holidaymakers, it's busy in summer and at weekends. Go for a couple of nights, not a day.

What we'd skip: the one-day bus tours that cram Paraty or Ilha Grande into a single long day. You'll spend most of it on the road.