10 Best Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro

From Rio de Janeiro city, it is possible to combine excellent day trips, including beautiful beaches, islands, lagoons, and historic and imperial cities.

Check out our suggested destinations for you to include on your travel itinerary from Rio.

Best Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro

1. Arraial do Cabo

Photo Credit: Mateus Pontes

Arraial do Cabo is a destination in the Lagos Region known as the Brazilian Caribbean, with the color of the sea always between blue and green.

In addition to the beautiful beaches, Arraial do Cabo also has some viewpoints. The viewpoint on the trail that leads to Praia do Forno is the main one.

The city is located 164 km (102 miles) from Rio de Janeiro.

Check out all the Information about the Arraial do Cabo City Tour

2. Cabo Frio

Best Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro – Photo Credit: Dan Kreibich

Cabo Frio is also a destination in the Lagos Region.

It is the largest city in the region and surprises for its excellent infrastructure, with good hotels, restaurants and, of course, beautiful beaches to relax.

The city is located between Arraial do Cabo and Buzios at 156 km (96.7 miles) from Rio de Janeiro.

3. Buzios

Best Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro – Buzios

Buzios, located just 24.1 km (15 miles) from Cabo Frio in the Lagos Region, is one of the best beach destinations in Brazil.

The city has excellent hotels that offer comfort and elegance, which perfectly combine the refinement with the rustic, and the traditional with the modern.

Check out all the Information about the Buzios Tour

4. Saquarema

Best Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro – Photo Credit: Lukas Souza

Saquarema, known as the national surf capital, is a city located in the Lagos Region 118 km (73.5 miles) from Rio and 61.9 km (38.5 miles) from Cabo Frio.

The city’s famous beaches are Praia de Jacone, Praia da Vila, and Praia de Itauna.

5. Petropolis

Best Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro – Photo Credit: Mauro Lima

Due to its history, Petropolis, known as the imperial city, is home to must-see historical attractions such as its grandiose cathedral, the Imperial Museum, and the Quitandinha Palace.

The city also offers trails and waterfalls in the surroundings.

Check out all the Information about the Petropolis Tour

6. Itaipava

Best Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro – Castelo de Itaipava Hotel

Itaipava is located 24.8 km (15.4 miles) from the center of Petropolis and has charming restaurants, green landscapes, a pleasant climate, and houses the only medieval-style castle in Latin America.

The castle has a restaurant and a hotel.

7. Teresopolis

Best Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro – Photo Credit: Felipe Ferreira

Teresopolis is a charming city located 53 km (32.9 miles) from Petropolis and 97.1 km (60.4 miles) from Rio de Janeiro city.

During the time of Colonial Brazil, monarchs visited the region to admire the natural beauty and to escape the heat of the capital Rio de Janeiro.

The highlights of Teresopolis include the Mirante do Soberbo, Serra dos Orgãos National Park and the Municipal Natural Park Teresopolis Mountains.

8. Ilha Grande

Best Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro – Photo Credit: Ferran Feixas

Ilha Grande is an almost untouched island full of natural beauty that unites environmental preservation and tourism.

It is a destination commonly combined with a day trip from Angra dos Reis.

Check out all the Information about the Ilha Grande Tour

9. Angra dos Reis

Best Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro – Photo Credit: Emiliano Bar

Angra dos Reis is a breathtaking destination, with more than 365 islands and countless beaches.

It offers outdoor activities, beaches, trails, as well as delicious cuisine.

10. Niteroi

Best Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro – Photo Credit: Emmaus Studio

Niteroi is a city located next to Rio de Janeiro, just 20 minutes away.

In addition to offering a beautiful view of Rio de Janeiro, the city is home to the Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum (one of the most emblematic architectural works in Brazil), a complex of forts, churches, and of course, beaches.

Check out all the Information about the Niteroi Niemeyer Tour

Suggested Itineraries from Rio de Janeiro

If you have more time to explore Brazil, check out the suggested itineraries below to make the most of your trip.

Rio de Janeiro + Petropolis + Itaipava
Rio de Janeiro + Petropolis + Itaipava + Teresopolis
Rio de Janeiro + Angra dos Reis

Rio de Janeiro + Angra dos Reis + Ilha Grande
Rio de Janeiro + Niteroi
Rio de Janeiro + Cabo Frio + Arraial do Cabo + Buzios

Rio de Janeiro + Saquarema

Tours & Services in Rio de Janeiro:

Rio de Janeiro Day Tour

Free Carnival and Afro Culture Tour in Rio

Featured Photo Credit: Jaume Galofré

Book Your Trip

Book Your Accommodation

Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.

Book Your Flight

Find a cheap flight by using Momondo. Momondo is a flight search engine that searches many different airlines, including budget carriers.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com.