Sunset in Buzios.
Buzios is the nicest beach town near Rio de Janeiro. You have the choice of going to Buzios on a full day organized sightseeing tour, or staying there for two or three nights (or even more).
Buzios is a little fishing village that offers the real vacation feel. Laid-back, sunny all year around, and reasonably small. Instead of trying to see the whole Brazil on a single trip, many travelers decide to combine Rio de Janeiro with Buzios — it is an excellent decision if you are a beach person.
Fresh oysters from Buzios.
Buzios is only 2 ½ hours drive from Rio de Janeiro. Many tourists upon landing at Rio de Janeiro International Airport Galeao/Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) go straight to Buzios, and take their time for a couple of days there. Only afterwards they come to Rio de Janeiro. Others do exactly the opposite.
Very few choose Buzios as their only vacation destination. Those who do so, travel to Rio only for a day to visit the landmarks such as Christ statue, Sugar Loaf, Maracana Football Stadium, and Copacabana Beach.
On either case, you will not regret staying in Buzios nor, off course, in Rio de Janeiro, which was elected the number 1 choice in South America by Travelers’ Choice Destinations 2013!
Joao Fernandes Beach in Buzios.
In Buzios you have it all — nightlife, great Brazilian and international cuisine, almost 30 different beaches, and plenty of hotels, hostels, private villas, guesthouses, and inns to choose from.
Although you can not cover the whole Buzios on foot, you don’t necessarily need a car. What many tourists do, though, is to rent a dune buggy for a day or two to visit several beaches and to independently explore the peninsula. Others take a local sightseeing tour, taxis, or use public transportation (minibuses).
Dune buggy for rent to explore Buzios beaches.
Beware that Buzios is not a cheap destination. Night clubs, drinks, best-located restaurants, food and beverages served on the beach are even more expensive than in Rio. Some even call Buzios the Brazil’s Saint Tropez! However, it is possible to discover the less expensive spots as you discover the town.
Again, you have the choice to stay in Buzios for several days, or to leave Rio early morning for a full-day trip and come back early evening. Bear in mind that the time spent on the road (for a full-day trip) will be of approximately 5 to 6 hours (round-trip). Plus, a few hours in Buzios touring, eating, drinking, shopping, and taking the classic traditional schooner boat tour.
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Find in My Rio Travel Guide a recommended tour operator to drive you to or tour you in Buzios. My Rio Travel Guide is the most practical, up-to-date, and useful guidebook to experience Rio de Janeiro.
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