Búzios’ surroundings reveal good surprises. Among the highlights are the clear waters of Arraial do Cabo, the dunes of Cabo Frio, ecotourism activities in Sana and Casemiro de Abreu and also the wonders of Rio de Janeiro.
Arraial do Cabo
Because of its rich marine life and the crystal clear sea - sometimes green, sometimes blue - the region is among the best places in the country for scuba diving. Add that to the fine and white sand and ... not by chance, Arraial was named "the Caribbean of Rio de Janeiro."
The town is located about 30 minutes from Búzios and, to start exploring its beauties, visit the Pontal do Atalaia, one of the area’s major postcards. The huge rock that advances toward the sea reveals beaches, islands and the extensive Massambaba restinga, as well as the Araruama Lake. The location is perfect for watching the sunset.
Boat rides are a classic in Arraial. The boats leave from the pier at Anjos beach towards several beaches - some only accessible by sea - islands, caves and deserts scenarios. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also part of the itinerary: the shipwrecks and colorful coral reefs attract fish, turtles, stingrays ...
Cabo Frio
Cabo Frio, less than half an hour from Búzios, is the "capital" of the Região dos Lagos. The town grew but preserved the beauty of its dunes and beaches. The hottest is the Praia do Forte, located Downtown. During the summer it’s difficult to find a space in which to pitch your beach umbrella after noon, despite the extensive stretch of sand. In the left corner is the Forte São Matheus, a 17th century construction that is well preserved and open to visitors.
The Peró and das Conchas beaches are more secluded and quieter, but no less beautiful! On the way back, enjoy lunch at Boulevard Canal, which is full of restaurants. The tour should include a visit to the "Bikini Street ", an open-air mall with over 200 swimwear shops.
Sana / Casemiro de Abreu The mountainous region is known for its ecological tours filled with adventure. Options include rappeling, rafting, horseback riding and hiking amid waterfalls, rapids, cliffs and trails circumvented by the Atlantic forest. The beautiful surroundings are about an hour away from Búzios.
Rio de Janeiro The capital manages to harmoniously combine nature and concrete. Walking through some of the beaches you can see the statue of Cristo Redentor and the Sugar Loaf cable car in full communion with the pristine landscape. Speaking of seaside activities, the city has about 30 km of coastline fringed by pedestrian and bicycle paths that are full of people all day long.
In addition to the beaches – from the democratic Copacabana to the extensive Barra da Tijuca, and including neo-hippie Ipanema or the trendy Leblon – Rio also houses the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the Flamengo Park and the Tijuca Forest, all framed by beautiful natural landscapes and plenty of space for outdoor sports.
The capital, however, is also a city of the night and all its bohemian spirit is reflected in Lapa. There are bars, restaurants and concert venues occupying houses and mansions that only close their doors when the samba ends!
Service – if you are not travelling by car, some agencies in Búzios sell round trip tours to the places mentioned above.
In Búzios
Tel: 55 (22) 2623 6033 ou 55 (22) 98843 9371
Tel: (22) 2623-1020
Tour Shop
Tel: (22) 2623-4733 / 0292
Malizia
Tel: (22) 2623-1638 / 1761 / 2022
Mister Tours
Tel: (22) 2623-2100