The 5 best day trips from Rio de Janeiro

01.10.2023 - 15:33 / lonelyplanet.com

The undulating landscape that surrounds Rio de Janeiro is studded with wilderness-backed beaches, ancient sites and fascinating smaller-scale urban hubs.

But the fact of the matter is that public transport outside the city lacks efficiency. Trips to destinations that, on paper, appear potentially close – such as the cobbled streets of Paraty or the island charms of Ilha Grande – could well take most of the day, realistically requiring at least a night’s stopover.

With that in mind, here are five amazing day trips from Rio de Janeiro – three doable using public transport, plus two for those with their own set of wheels.

Travel time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

As you stroll the sandy simplicity of peaceful Ilha de Paquetá, it can be difficult to believe that a mere hour or so ago you were in central Rio.

This small island of fruit trees, pastel-hued buildings and golden sand is just an hour-long ferry ride from Praça XV in the city center. The island is gloriously car-free, and the most popular way to get around is by bicycle. Rent a bole from the main street in front of the ferry terminal. 

A short cycle from the ferry is Parque de Darke de Mattos, a leafy public park with trails leading to viewpoints such as Mirante Boa Vista, from which you can look back to Sugarloaf Mountain. One Sunday a month, the streets erupt with samba, and the rhythmic festivities continue well into the night.

How to get to Ilha de Paquetá from Rio de Janeiro: Ferries leave every 90 minutes from Praça XV (Quinze) de Novembro in Centro, starting around 7am.

Travel time: 1 hour 

West of Rio, the unfurling shoreline becomes wilder and increasingly more secluded. Those with time on their hands have endless swathes of rustic coast to explore, but if you’re looking to step out of Rio for a quick slice of tropical beach life, Prainha is one of the more accessible beach options. 

Lush ascending greenery hugs this wedge of white sand, and its dramatic backdrop is matched by some seriously powerful waves. Prainha is a regular hangout for Rio’s more experienced surfers, and its beauty is no secret – weekends and holidays see the cove fill with Rio residents taking a break from the city.

Large rock formations and strong currents mean that only the most confident swimmers venture out of their depths; the beach has no lifeguards. A scattering of rustic eateries provide simple refreshments.

How to get to Prainha from Rio de Janeiro: Catch the orange “surf bus” that passes through Copacabana and Ipanema or take a taxi. The beach is also accessible by bicycle.

Travel time: 10 minutes

An 8.7-mile bridge connects Rio with its little sister city of Niterói, and it takes just 10 minutes by bus or 20 minutes by ferry to get there, making it an easy day trip.

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