Seen from above, the resort town reveals trails and dirt roads perfect for biking, walking, and delighting. In addition to the crystal clear waters, which are sought after for snorkeling and scuba diving, Búzios is also framed by hills and mountains with fauna and flora typical of the Atlantic forest. Exercising in close contact with the region’s privileged nature is mandatory while in Búzios.
There are nature walks, trekking and bike rides on trails that lead to seldom explored scenarios. Among them is the Pau-Brasil Environmental Protection Area (Área de Proteção Ambiental - APA), which encompasses the Caravelas, José Gonçalves, and Tucuns beaches, as well as the Emerências Mountains.
Natural lookouts unveil unique viewsAt each ecological refuge a surprise is revealed to trailblazers. In APA Pau-Brasil (especially in the Emerências mountains), the highlights are the bromeliads and the golden lion tamarins. At Olho de Boi beach, the 50 meters of virgin sand caught the attention of naturalists, who made this their meeting place in Búzios. Other places where you can get in close contact with nature are the Lagoinha and José Gonçalves beach.
There is also all the natural beauty of the rivers surrounding Búzios – the ones that cross the region of Casemiro de Abreu and the district of Sana form waterfalls and rapids that are perfect for rafting, rappelling, ducking.... The beautiful scenery, outlined by trails, is also an invitation for hiking and horseback riding.
APA do Pau-Brasil The largest pau-brasil reserve in the state of Rio de Janeiro is located in the Emerências Mountains, on the border of Cabo Frio and Búzios. After being recognized, it was granted the status of environmental protection area (APA), which ensures protection of six beaches and six islands around it, totaling 12,000 square meters. The area stretches from the Itajuru Channel, in Cabo Frio, to the right corner of Tucuns beach, in Búzios. Included within the APA are Brava, Conchas, and Peró beaches (in Cabo Frio), and Caravelas, José Gonçalves, and Tucuns beaches (in Búzios), as well as islands Comprida, Redonda, dos Papagaios, Dois Irmãos, Capões, and Emerências (islands and islets).
Emerências Mountains
Included in the APA, the mountains were studied by doctors Janis Roze and Amanda Bernal, from the City University of New York. A preliminary assessment revealed the presence of valuable tracts of nearly virgin forest in the region. The ecosystem contains flora and fauna elements typical of the Atlantic forest, mixed with elements typical of other ecosystems of Brazil, constituting a unique and little known ecological system.
Learn how to enjoy the ecological activities in Búzios
