On the last day of our Carnival week in Rio, worn out from days of partying and sightseeing, we decided to spend a leisurely day at Ipanema Beach: one of the city’s most iconic shorelines, famous for its golden sands, rolling waves, and breathtaking views of the Two Brothers (Dois Irmãos) mountains. Stretching for 2 km along a lively neighborhood of the same name, it’s a … [Read more...]
We Joined a Walking Tour of Favela Santa Marta, Rio de Janeiro
During our week-long visit to Rio de Janeiro, we were keen to visit one of its notorious favelas. We considered going on our own. In the past, I’d entered similar neighborhoods solo, like the townships of Cape Town or slums in Nairobi, and never encountered any safety issues. However, on those occasions, I carried nothing but clothes and a bit of spare change. I understood that … [Read more...]
Armação dos Búzios, RJ, Brazil: Our Day-Trip Itinerary
Armação dos Búzios, commonly known as Búzios, is a picturesque seaside town on Brazil’s Costa do Sol, about 30 km from Cabo Frio. Once a quiet fishing village, it gained international fame after Brigitte Bardot visited in the 1960s, transforming it into a sought-after beach destination. The town is known for its 23 stunning beaches, each with a unique character, from the calm … [Read more...]
What to Do in Cabo Frio, RJ, Brazil: Our Day-Trip Itinerary
Cabo Frio is a coastal city in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro state, known for its pristine beaches and colonial history. Its most famous stretch of sand, Praia do Forte, is lined with soft white dunes and overlooked by the 17th-century São Mateus Fort, a remnant of the region’s Portuguese past. The city is also home to a thriving seafood scene and lively markets, where you can find … [Read more...]
From Rio de Janeiro to Rio das Ostras by Bus
We started our 2025 Brazil trip landing in Rio de Janeiro. After a few days of initial acquaintance with this majestic city, and before returning a month later to experience its legendary Carnival, we decided to spend the intervening time exploring the coast of Rio State. Our first destination was the lesser-known town of Rio das Ostras.Rio das Ostras lies 168 km east along the … [Read more...]
Arraial do Cabo Boat Tour to Praia do Farol, Ilha do Cabo Frio
During the one month we lived in Arraial do Cabo, the Caribbean of Brazil, we had grown tired of fending off boat tour touts who swarmed us every morning as soon as we approached the beach. Their presence, combined with the town’s impressive tour boat fleet occupying most of the wide bay, convinced us that this boat tour must really be something else; the demand was huge. With … [Read more...]
A Day Trip to Araruama Lagoon, Figueira
Araruama Lagoon is a large hypersaline body of water in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, bordered by several municipalities including Araruama, Cabo Frio, and São Pedro da Aldeia. It’s notable for being one of the largest hypersaline lagoons in the world, with salinity levels exceeding those of the Atlantic Ocean, which lies just a short distance away. In several quiet towns along … [Read more...]
Praia do Forno Hike, Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro
Praia do Forno, located in Arraial do Cabo, Brazil, is a secluded beach known for its crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and lush green hills. Accessible by a short hiking trail or boat ride, this beach offers a more tranquil atmosphere compared to the busier shores nearby. Its calm, turquoise waters are perfect for snorkeling, revealing a vibrant underwater world of fish … [Read more...]
Arraial do Cabo: Your Travel Guide to the Brazilian Carribbean
Arraial do Cabo is a coastal town in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, known for its stunning beaches, clear turquoise waters, and abundant marine life. Located on a peninsula, it has a strong connection to the sea, with fishing and tourism being central to its economy. The town is famous for its excellent diving and snorkeling conditions, thanks to the cold currents that … [Read more...]
Rio das Ostras & Costa Azul: Underrated Beach Gems Near Rio
After landing in Rio de Janeiro in early 2025—and before returning a month and a half later to experience its legendary Carnival—we sought out nearby beach destinations to pass the time. For now, we set aside the more popular (and pricier) seaside getaways like Cabo Frio, Armação dos Búzios, and Arraial do Cabo. Instead, we stumbled upon the overlooked town of Rio das Ostras … [Read more...]
