Side Trips from Rio
Description:
There's no shortage of things to see and do in Rio de Janeiro city itself, but it's well worth taking the time to uncover the treasures of Rio State. Idylllic tropical beaches, charming colonial villages and interesting mountain towns are all there to be exlored. This five-day guide suggests some great places to visit outside the city.
Author: Lucy
Day 1 - Rio de Janeiro
Holiday makers coming to Rio in search of a beach vacation should consider making their base in Ipanema, a chic neighbourhood with a stunning beach, good nightlife and some of the city’s best restaurants. The neighbourhood is relatively expensive, by Rio standards, but there are some good deals to be found on cheap flights to Rio as well as cheap hotels in Rio. Praia Ipanema is a good value option with fantastic beach views, while budget travellers will find a warm welcome at the friendly Hostel Harmonia. After breakfast at the hotel or hostel, (and Brazilian breakfasts are very good – usually involving tropical fruits, cheeses, meats, bread, cakes and, or course, strong coffee), take a bus to Centro (you’ll need to head to Praca 15 de Novembre) and jump aboard a ferry to Ilha da Paqueta, a dinky little island where there are no cars, just pony-drawn carriages, and the pace of life slows almost to a halt. Ferries (R$5 each way) take around one-and-a-half hours to arrive at the island, and depart roughly every two to three hours. There are also catamarans, which take 40 minutes but cost around twice the price of the ferry. On your way over, make sure to admire Ilha Fiscal, the bright-green palace that looks like something out of a fairytale. Enjoy a spot of lunch on the island, hire bikes or boats, and just relax and enjoy the slow pace of life. There’s enough here to keep you occupied for a few hours, but it’s unlikely you’ll want to stop the night – instead, head back to Rio and enjoy your evening meal in Ipanema – Capriocciosa is a good, if slightly pricey, bet for pizza fans, while holidaymakers staying at Hostel Harmonia might want to sample the wares at New Natural, the excellent wholefood restaurant next door.
1
Praia Ipanema
Location:
view in google mapsAvenida Vieira Souto 706 Ipanema
Ipanema
22420-000 Rio de Janeiro, BR
Phone:
+55 21 2141 4949 / +55 21 2540 49492
Hostel Harmonia
Location:
view in google mapsRua Barão da Torre 175, casa 18
Ipanema
22411-001 Rio de Janeiro,
Phone:
(0055 21) 252349053
Ilha de Paquetá
Location:
view in google mapsBaía de Guanabara
20010-010 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Phone:
+55 0800 703 21114
Ilha Fiscal
Location:
view in google mapsBaía de Guanabara
20010-010 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Phone:
+55 21 25447992 (Tourist information)5
Capricciosa Pizza
Location:
view in google mapsRua Vinícius de Moraes, 134
Ipanema
22411-010 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Phone:
55 21 2523 3394 / 55 21 2523 11696
New Natural
Location:
view in google mapsRua Barao de Torre 171, Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Phone:
55 21 2287 0301Day 3 - Rio de Janeiro
Spend the day exploring Paraty and/or taking a boat out to the surrounding islands, before heading back to Rio. Enjoy good value meals and drinks at Torre do Barao, a refreshingly unpretentious spot. Head to the ferry terminal and jump on board a ferry or catamaran to Niteroi, Rio's less celebrated sister city.
1
Choperia Torre do Barão
Location:
view in google mapsRua Venicius de Moraes 146, Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Phone:
55 21 2247 1835Day 4 - Rio de Janeiro
Head to the ferry terminal and jump on board a ferry or catamaran to Niteroi, Rio's less celebrated sister city. A bus ride from the ferry terminal will take you to beautiful beaches, wonderfully quiet during the week, while the contemporary art museum is well worth a visit for the views alone, not to mention the modernist building itself. On the way back, stop off at Amarelinho in Centro for drinks and a bite to eat before heading back to Ipanema.
1
Niterói
Location:
view in google mapsNiteroi
Across Guanabara Bay
24020-090 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2
Museu de Arte Contemporanea de Niteroi
Location:
view in google mapsMiranda da Boa Viagem
Niterói
24210-390 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Phone:
21 2620 24003
Amarelinho
Location:
view in google mapsPraca Floriano 55-a
Cinelandia
24001-970 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Phone:
55 21 2240 8434Day 5 - Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro state is home to countless beautiful beaches and tropical islands, many of which can be found close to the towns of Angra dos Reis and Buzios. Taking an organised day trip can be a great way to explore these places, and lunch is generally included in the price. If you're pressed for time on your Rio vacation, choose the spot that appeals most to you and book the trip accordingly. Of course, weather in Rio is not always perfect, and if it rains you won't want to be beach hopping. Instead, take a trip away from the beaches, up to the mountain town of Petropolis, where you will find plenty of rainy day options such as museums and palaces to be explored. On your return, grab a pizza at Zona Sul or, if you're self-catering, stock up on goodies to cook at home.
1
Angra dos Reis Day Trip and Schooner Cruise
Location:
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil2
Petrópolis
Location:
view in google maps60 meters north of Rio
25770-320 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
3
Buzios
Location:
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil4
Pizzaria Zona Sul
Location:
view in google mapsAv. Nossa Senhora de Copacabana 936
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Phone:
55 21 2256 4477