Brazil is South America's largest country, offering stunning biodiversity from the Amazon rainforest to iconic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema. Experience vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, spectacular waterfalls at Iguazu, and the rhythm of samba in Rio de Janeiro.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Petropolis
Imperial summer retreat with palace, cathedral, and cool mountain air set in the Serra dos Orgaos mountains north of Rio
Highlights: Imperial Museum (Museu Imperial) · Crystal Palace and rose garden · Santo Antonio Cathedral · Casa Santos Dumont aviation pioneer museum · Local fondue restaurants in cooler months
Paraty
Perfectly preserved 17th-century colonial town with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and bay dotted with island beaches
Highlights: Historic center colonial architecture (pedestrian-only streets) · Cachaca distillery tours (Pedra Branca, Maria Izabel) · Boat trip to Ilha do Algodao and Ilha do Cambucu · FLIP literary festival in July
Ilha Grande
Car-free island in Angra dos Reis bay with pristine Atlantic Forest, crystal-clear water, and over 100 beaches
Highlights: Lopes Mendes Beach (frequently rated Brazil's most beautiful beach) · Lagoa Azul snorkeling · Dois Rios walking trail through Atlantic Forest · Abraao village waterfront restaurants
Serra dos Orgaos National Park
Dramatic granite mountain range with the famous Dedo de Deus (God's Finger) rock formation and excellent hiking trails
Highlights: Pedra do Sino summit hike (2,263m) · Dedo de Deus rock formation panoramic views · Morro da Pedra Selada trail · Soberbo visitor center with valley overlook
Buzios (Armacao dos Buzios)
Chic coastal resort town with 23 beaches, upscale restaurants, and a village atmosphere made internationally famous by Brigitte Bardot in 1964
Highlights: Ferradura and Ferradurinha beaches for calm clear water · Rua das Pedras pedestrian street for dining and nightlife · Trilha do Costao coastal hiking trail · Orla Bardot sunset promenade with Bardot statue
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day tours from Rio to Petrópolis, Paraty, and Búzios from R$80-200 including transport and guide. Book at hotel tour desks or online.
- Private
- Private car hire with driver from R$300-500/day for groups of 2-6, ideal for Paraty wine route or Serra dos Órgãos hikes
- Public
- Regular bus services connect Rio to Petrópolis (Unica/Faceal, R$30 return), Paraty (Costa Verde, R$60-80), and Búzios (1001, R$50-70)
- Rental
- Car rental from R$100-150/day. Useful for flexible day trips along coastal highway (BR-101) to Paraty or mountain road to Campos do Jordão
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early - most day trip destinations are 1-3 hours away and you want maximum time there
Book buses in advance for weekends and holidays when Cariocas and Paulistanos flood popular destinations