Rio Getaways: 3 Most Popular

There are 3 main destinations outside of Rio that people go for weekend: Búzios, Ilha Grande, and Paraty.

These 3 spots are the top favorites among foreigners and locals alike. Mostly because they fulfill the ECB requirements: easy to get to, close to travel, and each with beautiful postcard-worthy views. So, it’s no wonder these names are repeated so frequently when you start venturing beyond the sandy beaches of Ipanema.

When it comes to choosing the best Rio getaways, there’s no wrong choice, but in case you’re a Libra like me, you may need a little help, so here’s some basic information about each location, how to get there from Rio, and my top recommendations for each.

one of the popular Rio getaways — Catching sunset in Búzios – picture by Ben Gelbart

Búzios

The closest (and most expensive) of the these 3 exceptional Rio getaways is Búzios – aka Armação dos Búzios.

Búzios is a resort town known for its stunning beaches, nightlife, and chic vibes.

So, if you’re looking for an upscale vacation destination outside of Rio, Búzios is only around 2.5h away.

The main street here to check out is Rua da Pedras. On this beautifully cobblestoned street is where you’ll find plenty of boutiques, restaurants, bars and hotels. By day the street is the place to go shopping and by night it is the place to go out.

I took a daytrip here from Rio, which I really don’t recommend. The uber was pricey, the ride was long, and there wasn’t nearly enough time to really explore the place. So, if you have the time, I recommend spending more than a day here.

Enjoying the sun poolside – picture by Ben Gelbart

Top things to do here.

With close to 20 beaches to choose from, you’ll have plenty of exploring and watersports around to keep you occupied.

For those that enjoy being in the ocean, snorkeling is one of the top activities to do here. And Praia da Tartaruga is the place to go for it as it’s known for being the best spot around to swim side by side with the turtles that often frequent the area.

How to get there from Rio?

By bus: Leave from Novo Rio Bus Terminal or Galeão Airport

Duration: 3.5h-4h

By car: Take Br-101 and Via Lagos

Duration: ~3h

NOTE: It is possible to go by Uber (as are most Rio getaways), but it will cost you a bit to get there.

Ilha Grande

By far one of my favorite Rio getaways is Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is a large, beautiful island full of mountainous jungles and spectacular beaches.

Between day hikes, night hikes, sunrise hikes, boat rides, secluded beaches – there’s plenty of nature here to keep you bustlin’ around the island for days.

There aren’t many vehicles on the island, so there aren’t a lot of roads either. Meaning wherever you wanna go, you gotta go by foot – or boat.

If you go by boat, be sure to plan your ride back as well.

After a certain hour boats stop taxi-ing people around and the price to get you back to the other side of the island greatly increases, especially if you don’t have many others with you. I’ve been on that side of the bartering table and it is not an easy (or a pretty one) to be on. Plan your trip ahead!

Vila do Abraão

On the island, there is one main village called Vila do Abraão. This is where all the ferries and water taxis come and go.

In the village, you’ll also find groceries, restaurants, bars, hotels, campgrounds, and a ton of tour agencies.

Top things to do there

During my time there, part of the island – where a majority of surfers go – was closed off due to high waters. So most of the hikes, like the most popular to Lopes Mendes beach, my group and I conquered alone, without a guide.

Rio getaway to Ilha Grande — My tour guides for Praia Lopes Mendes

This particular hike takes about 2.5 hours, but it was well-worth it.

I recommend taking plenty of water and food for the trek. Even with the beach being as popular as it is, there you won’t find any places to grab from along the way.

In my opinion, though, the number one thing to do in Ilha Grande is the Night Hike/Sunrise Hike to Pico do Papagaio.

most beautiful Rio getaway — Sunrise at 6:45 in the morning from 982m- Pico do Papagaio

I went with a tour guide. I wouldn’t say it’s 100% necessary to do so, but I liked going with someone that knew the right spots to be in, who could provide interesting facts about the local environment, and had access to headtorches.

The hike starts around 2am. It’s an arduous trek, but the reward is priceless.

How to get there from Rio?

By bus (Option 1): Leave from Rodoviário Novo Rio Bus Terminal and head in the direction of Mangaratiba. (Mangaratiba is the closest town to Rio where you can catch a ferry to Ilha Grande.)

Duration: ~2h

NOTE: Ferry operating times are limited. Check schedule prior to planning your arrival

By bus (Option 2): Leave from Rio bus terminal and head to the second closet town to that will take you to the island: Conceição de Jacareí. (Definitely the better option of the two, as Conceição de Jacareí is situated closer to Ilha Grande, meaning you don’t have to be on the ferry as long -~20mins for the fast boats, 50mins for the slow boat).

By car: Take BR-101. Best taken by day, as the there are plenty of scenic views along the way to take in.

NOTE: You will have to leave your car either in Mangaratiba or Conceição de Jacareí for the duration of your stay. For that reason, I highly suggested you opt to take the bus to save you the money and the trouble.

Duration: ~4h

Historical Rio getaways — Wet streets of Paraty

Paraty

Located a little further along the coast, heading towards São Paulo is the small colonial town of Paraty.

Paraty has beaches and jungle for the outdoorsy type, but the main attraction here is the center. The charming historical center with its unmistakable one to two-story high white concrete buildings. Each with their own brightly color painted doorways and shingled rooftops that sit atop the small cobblestoned streets. I mean, really, the place is beautiful. So if you’re looking for more historical Rio getaways, Paraty’s the place.

And, because this preserved U NESCO town is compact and the streets are built quadratically, it’s the perfect place to explore on foot.

Rain or shine, Paraty is postcard-worthy.

Plus, if you make it here in late summer, you may get the chance to experience the famous International Literary Festival of Paraty (aka FLIP). This festival is widely known for bringing together a number of great international authors for panels and readings. But the cultural programs don’t stop there. FLIP also offers a wide range of concerts, workshops, film exhibitions, and other many activities.

NOTE: If you go by car, keep in mind that parking is quite limited, especially during FLIP. However, if you plan to visit any of the nature residing outside the historical center, a car is an excellent option.

Poco do Tarzan Paraty — Diving in – ***Poço do Tarzan***

If you’re into more adventurous Rio getaways…

If you have the time and you’re moving around freely with your own private transport, I highly recommend venturing outside the picturesque architectural town and into the jungle.

One perfect place to start is Poço do Tarzan. Paraty’s own little natural waterpark.

In the upper part of the space, you’ll find relaxing pools of water.

The further upstream you explore, the more you’re able to enjoy the beautiful ensemble of the nature around you.

Then, as you start to move further down, there’s a bigger pool of water being fed by a small waterfall. Here you’ll see many brave souls jumping from the top of the waterfall into the refreshing pool below.

Continuing on, there’s a tasty restaurant with the occasional live music. And with only a short descend downstream, you’ll find where the real fun begins.