While the food wasn’t great in Buzios, the beaches and the landscape were extraordinary.
It’s an easy, fun, and safe mini roadtrip from Rio de Janeiro (and I hate driving!). If you’re thinking of renting a car, this is definitely the time to do it.
I’ve heard a lot of complaints that Buzios is expensive, and while I don’t think the food or accommodation are great values for the price, there is a LOT of free activities. Mainly, beach hopping and shoreline wandering.
My favorite part of the weekend trip from Rio de Janeiro was driving along the coastline, and stopping at every trailhead we saw, and following it to some spectacular and secluded spot. It’d be impossible without a car, dune buggy, or motorbike.
Pictures are worth a thousand words, especially in this case, so I’ll save my breath and let the fantastic vistas of Buzios prove themselves.
Buzios, the Best Weekend Trip from Rio de Janeiro
private Buzios beach, all to myself!
and then, the picture-takers arrive (still pretty empty though)
driving along the shore, discovered this little scenic lookout point – crazy hair is evidence of the wind
a rocky, empty inlet perfect for exploring little tidal pools
I’ve never seen such a weird mix of flora – cacti, grass, and little bushes
obsessed with these weird cacti growing so close to water (I thought they were desert-only?)
the waves would come in and crash against the rocks, then gently float back out
lots of pics because this is one of my favorite scenes I’ve ever witnessed
there were hundreds of crickets and this smart little lizard was going to TOWN chowing them down
the huge sheer cliffs reminded me a little of Thailand, especially with that clear water
so many little paths, so many little private beaches in Buzios
typical relaxing Brazilian beach vaca with umbrellas, chairs, drinks, and snacks
Necessary Details: Buzios
What is your favorite weekend trip from Rio de Janeiro?
A short vacation in Thailand turned into a life abroad with a canceled ticket home. Nearly a decade later and after living in Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, Puebla, and Puerto Vallarta, Steph is on to her next adventure and living back in beautiful, cosmopolitan Mexico City. She is living, traveling, and working (both as an expat therapist and an international health insurance representative) around the world to find the beautiful, inspirational, and interesting while sharing it with you!
