Compare the most popular trips from Rio: travel time, whether it works as a day trip, who each one suits and approximate tour prices as of Sept 2026.
6–7am
Usual departure time
2.5–3 hrs
To Búzios, Arraial or Angra
Not counting traffic leaving Rio
Boat
The star in Arraial, Angra and Ilha Grande
R$280–300
Typical Angra or Arraial tour price
Approx., Sept 2026
If you have a week in Rio, set aside at least one day to get out of the city. To the east lies the Lakes Region (Búzios and Arraial do Cabo), with turquoise water and drier weather. To the west, the Green Coast (Angra dos Reis, Ilha Grande and Paraty), with islands and rainforest running down to the sea. Up in the mountains is Petrópolis, the imperial city. And just a 20-minute ferry ride away, Niterói.
Distances are deceiving: traffic leaving Rio can add an hour, which is why tours leave early and return after dark.
Day-trip map
Lakes Region to the east, Green Coast to the west
Which one should you pick?
| Distance | Travel time | Best for | Day trip? | Tour approx. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Búzios | ~105 mi | 2.5–3 hrs | Beaches, boat ride and Rua das Pedras | See our tour | |
| Arraial do Cabo | ~100 mi | 2.5–3 hrs | Turquoise water, the "Brazilian Caribbean" | ~R$300 | |
| Angra dos Reis | ~95 mi | 2.5–3 hrs | Island-hopping by schooner | ~R$280 (schooner) | |
| Ilha Grande | ~95 mi + boat | 3–4 hrs | Nature, hikes and Lopes Mendes beach | Best with 2+ nights | Custom |
| Paraty | ~155 mi | ~4 hrs | Colonial town and cachaça | Best overnight | Custom |
| Petrópolis | ~45 mi | 1–1.5 hrs | Imperial Museum, mountains and cool air | Custom | |
| Niterói | ~9 mi | 20 min by ferry | Niemeyer's MAC and views of Rio | Half day | On your own |
Road distances from Copacabana and reference tour prices, Sept 2026 (approx.).
The destinations, one by one
Búzios
Over 20 beaches, boat rides, the Orla Bardot waterfront and Rua das Pedras. A classic resort town, hugely popular with Argentines.
- Round-trip transport included
Angra dos Reis
An archipelago of hundreds of islands. The classic day is on a schooner with swim stops in calm water.
- Calm water, family-friendly
Arraial do Cabo
Praia do Forno, Prainhas do Pontal and Ilha do Farol. Humpback whales pass close to shore from June to November.
Ilha Grande
A car-free island with trails, waterfalls and Lopes Mendes, one of Brazil's most beautiful beaches. Give it at least two nights.
Paraty
Cobblestone streets, colonial houses, cachaça distilleries and boat rides in the bay. A UNESCO World Heritage site.
Petrópolis
The emperor's summer retreat in the mountains: the Imperial Museum, the cathedral and craft breweries.
Niterói
Cross the bay by ferry from Praça XV to Oscar Niemeyer's MAC museum, with the best view of Rio from across the water.
Arraial, Ilha Grande, Paraty or Petrópolis?
They're not in our standard catalog, but we can arrange the trip with transport and an English-speaking guide. Message us for an all-in quote.
Tips for the day
Before you leave
Frequently asked questions
Búzios has more infrastructure, restaurants and nightlife; Arraial has the most turquoise water and a simpler feel. For a day trip Búzios is more comfortable; for crystal-clear water, choose Arraial.
Leave Rio without the hassle
Hotel pickup, English-speaking guide and an all-in price. Pay by international card or Pix.
Excursion to Buzios from Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy an unforgettable getaway to Búzios with a boat ride through its most paradisiacal beaches and crystal-clear waters. Includes transfer from Rio, guide and lunch to experience a full day of relaxation and incredible landscapes.
Excursion to Angra dos Reis from Rio de Janeiro
Live an unforgettable day in Angra dos Reis with a boat ride through its paradisiacal islands and crystal-clear waters. Includes transfer from Rio, guide and lunch for a complete and worry-free experience.
Recommended tours for this guide
Book online with a local guide, a fixed price and payment by international card or Pix.
Excursion to Buzios from Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy an unforgettable getaway to Búzios with a boat ride through its most paradisiacal beaches and crystal-clear waters. Includes transfer from Rio, guide and lunch to experience a full day of relaxation and incredible landscapes.
Excursion to Arraial do Cabo from Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy an unforgettable getaway to Arraial do Cabo from Rio de Janeiro, known as the "Brazilian Caribbean". Navigate crystal-clear waters, visit paradisiacal beaches and relax with an included lunch, all with transportation and professional guide for a comfortable and complete experience.
Excursion to Angra dos Reis from Rio de Janeiro
Live an unforgettable day in Angra dos Reis with a boat ride through its paradisiacal islands and crystal-clear waters. Includes transfer from Rio, guide and lunch for a complete and worry-free experience.