Rio de Janeiro is by far one of the most visited cities in Brazil and South America. Because of its many things to do and see, it is sometimes called the “Marvelous City.” Most tourists come to Rio when planning a trip to Brazil.

However, there is much more to Brazil than Rio. If you travel just outside The Greater Rio Area, you’ll find many exciting places to see and experience.

When I travel, I like to experience the country as a whole. You can’t judge an entire country off of its largest tourist city you know. So without further adieu, here’s a look at some of the best destinations to visit within the Greater Rio Area.

Armação dos Búzios, State Of Rio De Janeiro

Armação dos Búzios, often referred to as “Búzios” is a beach town roughly 110 miles away from Rio De Janeiro. Back in the day, the city used to be a quiet fishing village but it slowly gained international fame in the 1960s when Brigitte Bardot, a French actress visited the city and loved it.

Nowadays, Búzios is one of the most popular beach towns near Rio. Not only is it a bit safer than Rio, but the town is home to over 20 beaches, which means snorkeling, swimming with wildlife, and boat tours are abundant here. There are also a few top-tier resorts in the area such as The Cliffside Luxury Inn, A Concept Hotel & Bar, and Vila Da Santa Hotel Boutique & Spa, perfect for a relaxing retreat.

While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the cobblestone streets of Rua das Pedras, the town’s main strip. This is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or two or enjoy some local cuisine at the many restaurants and cafes along the strip.

Petropolis, State Of Rio De Janeiro

Petropolis is yet another paradise close to Rio. It’s located in the mountains north of Rio and takes approximately an hour by car to get here. Petropolis is often referred to as the “Imperial City” because it was once the summer residence of Brazil’s royal family.

Stepping into Petropolis is like stepping back in time, into the 19th century to be exact. the older buildings are so well preserved and the overall architecture makes you feel like you’re on a movie set. Because of its history, Petropolis is the perfect city to visit if you’re interested in learning about Brazillian history. Make sure to stop by the Grand Imperial Museum or the immaculate São Pedro de Alcântara Cathedral where you can get up close and personal with some of Brazil’s historical artifacts and learn more about the colonial history of Brazil.

Petropolis is also an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts too. With the backdrop of the mountains, there are plenty of hiking trails especially surrounding the Atlantic Forest. The best option would be to take an organized tour into the mountains, just to be on the safe side. Here are a few tour options that may be of interest to you!

Petrópolis Teresópolis Trekking Expedition – 03 days – Serra do Órgãos – Rio de Janeiro
Jeep tour to Vale do Amor and Cachoeira in Petrópolis
Pedra do Sino Trekking – 02 days – Serra dos Órgãos – Rio de Janeiro

Paraty, State Of Rio De Janeiro

Between the lush mountain tops and the warm waters of Brazil’s Costa Verde, Paraty is a small colonial town that hasn’t changed much since 1667, when the city was originally founded. It kind of feels like stepping back into the colonial era when you visit. Paraty is approximately a 4-hour drive from Rio de Janeiro, so it’s great for a weekend trip or a couple of days.

Although Paraty is mostly known for its colonial history, it’s also a great spot to indulge in some pretty, mountainous views. Praia do Sono via Trilha Laranjeiras is one of the best spots to admire the mountains within the city. The contrast of the beach and lush, rocky mountains make it a perfect spot for a hike. Another great place to visit is Serra da Bocaina National Park. Here, you can truly immerse yourself in Brazil’s nature with many waterfalls and miles of rainforest to explore.

Ilha Grande, State Of Rio De Janeiro 

Ilha Grande is must must-visit when in Rio and is likely one of the most convenient on this list. You can easily visit on a day trip (we’ll elaborate on that later on!) To get to Ilha Grande, you’ll need to take a boat which takes approximately 4 hours or sometimes less. So if you’re up for the ride and you aren’t prone to seasickness, Ilha Grande is the perfect paradise to visit in the state of Rio De Janeiro.

I visited Ilha Grande while I was in the Rio area and let me tell you, it was quite the slice of paradise! I felt like time had stopped and I was free of all of the stress I was under. Believe it or not, it’s actually an island just off the Atlantic coast. Sometimes it’s referred to as “Big Island” but it’s only about 120 miles long. Most people come to the island for surfing or sunbathing but surfing seems to be the main attraction here.

Ilha Grande is mostly a place to relax but don’t let that discourage you if you’re looking for a more active vacation. There are many hiking trails on the island including the dense Atlantic Forest which is home to many unique species such as the Jaguar, Ocelot, Brown Throated Sloth, and more. So while Ilha Grande is the furthest destination on the list, it’s definitely a spot you can’t miss, especially if you have extra time.

Arraial Do Cabo, State Of Rio De Janeiro

Arraial Do Cabo is often dubbed the “Brazilian Caribbean,” and for very good reason. It’s a hidden gem to be honest, one that’s home to several crystal clear, white sand beaches and a plethora of beautiful, luxury hotels that will make you feel a little on the bougie side.

Like every other destination on this list, it is located in the state of Rio De Janeiro and isn’t too far from Rio. It shouldn’t take you any longer than two hours to drive here. Arraial Do Cabo is a coastal paradise, perfect for a relaxing vacation or a retreat from life. Snorkeling, Swimming, Scuba Diving, and Boating are all a right of passage here and a good way to enjoy the year-long sunny weather.

The highlight of Arraial do Cabo for me is Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia, one of the most popular beaches in Brazil and it’s quite the adventure to get there. You’ll need to drive along the small, winding roads with views of the coastline before getting to the secluded beach. Make sure to have your cameras ready for the drive, if you’re not driving of course!

Cabo Frio, State Of Rio De Janeiro

Cabo Frio is yet another beach town, relatively close to Rio De Janeiro. It’s very similar to Cabo Do Arraial but with a smaller population and fewer crowds. This is the perfect spot to find some of the most pristine beaches in Brazil, with turquoise, blue waters that make you feel like you’re swimming in a pool rather than the ocean. Praia do Forte, the most famous beach within city limits, stretches for miles and is bordered by a bright and bustling promenade lined with bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

But Cabo Frio isn’t just about white sand beaches and fancy hotels. The town also has a rather interesting history that dates back to the 16th century. Cabo Frio was a well-established colonial town back in the day and its architecture/historical monuments such as The São Mateus Fort, reflect that. So if you really don’t want to, you certainly don’t have to spend all of your time at the beach but you should spend at least a few days in Cabo Frio. It’s easily one of the best destinations in The Greater Rio Area.

Angra Dos Reis, State Of Rio De Janeiro

Angra Dos Reis is an excellent destination in the Greater Rio Area. In fact, you could visit Angra Dos Reis for just the day if you’d like. The islands are still a bit “lowkey” so it’s a good place to visit before mass tourism takes over. There are approximately 365 islands that make up Angra Dos Reis and the islands range from tiny, uninhabited spots to luxurious resorts and beaches so you really get to choose your experience based on your preferences.

It’s rather hard to visit the islands on your own so a day trip is the best option, especially if you want to visit multiple islands. If you’re looking to day trip it, here are a few options that may be of interest to you.

25 – Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande
Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Tour from Rio with Boat Ride and Lunch
Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Day Trip with Schooner Cruise and Lunch
Angra dos Reis Boat Tour with Lunch

Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, State Of Rio De Janeiro/Minas Gerais

On the border between the states of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, Parque Nacional do Itatiaia is a magnificent natural wonder in Brazil. It’s one you simply can’t skip; especially if you’re keen on the outdoors. Parque Nacional do Itatiaia is the country’s oldest national park, established in 1937. For almost 90 years, the park has offered guests the chance to escape to a world of lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife you simply can’t see anywhere else.

The good news is you don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the park! There are many trails available that range from gentle walks to steep hikes over 8,850 feet above sea level. When you arrive, you’ll likely notice the Agulhas Negras Peak which is sort of like the jewel in the crown for the park. It’s approximately 8,800 feet and is a must-climb especially if you’re an experienced climber. I’d recommend making the trip even if you just simply admire the mountain!

FAQ’s

Are There Adequate Public Buses/Trains To And From Each Destination?
Yes! Brazil has some of the safest and cheapest public transportation in all of South America. You can take a FlixBus (popular in Europe!) to most areas close to Rio. There is also the train as well as Uber which is very cheap in Rio.

How Long Should I Stay In Each City?
That really depends on your preferences and travel style. If you’re a gnarly surfer, then you may want to spend a generous amount of time in Ilha Grande but if you’d rather spend time learning about the history of Brazil, then spend a few extra days in Paraty. Your overall interests play a huge part in determining your length of stay!

What Is The Easiest Way To Get To Each City?
The easiest way would be to diversify your modes of transportation depending on the distance to your destination. For example, you might be able to get away with sharing a taxi to Arraial Do Cabo since it’s only a two-hour drive but if you were traveling to Ilha Grande for example, it might be best to take the train or fly. Remember, time is money, and getting to your destination in the least amount of time possible is ideal.

Should I Rent A Car To Get Around?
Hey, listen! If you have an international driver’s license, go for it! It might be easier to get from place to place. It’s also nice to travel on your own terms and have the freedom to stop wherever you like. If you’re planning to visit several destinations on this list, I’d definitely recommend renting a car for convenience.