Rio de Janeiro Travel Forum

I will be traveling to Brazil in November 2009. The majority of my trip will be spent in Rio de Janeiro. I would like to spend two nights outside of the city such as a small beach town. I am willing to take a bus or rent a car for the duration. I would also like to keep this ‘beach town’ within 3 hours of Rio. I have read about great places to visit, but they are located 10+ hours from Rio.

Thanks!

Nichole

Have you looked at PARATI (Paraty) about 260 kms from Rio or Buzios is about 180 kms away. Both can be easily reached by bus.

suerte
SAM

Nichole:

You may search small tourist beach town near Rio. I suggest Cabo Frio/Arraial do Cabo/Buzios, or, Angra dos Reis/Ilha Grande.
You may reach Cabo Frio by plane since there is a brand new airport at town.
The planes from Rio to Cabo Frio take off at Santos Dumont airport. It's a 20 minute journey. Buses from Rio to Cabo Frio you may find at NovoRio Bus Station.
1001 is a brazilian bus company that serves both cities.
The spots I quoted are really charming. There are some motor launches departing from Rio de Janeiro to Ilha Grande. This journey is 50minutes long.
Ilha Grande is not a tourist spot but a crude place with boarding-houses, tiny hotels, trails for treking. But surelly the sightseeings there are really lovelly.
Cassiovieggore

Paraty or Ilha Grande

Buzios, no contest.

Thank you so much! I appreciate it. I will be exploring the options you all provided.

I am looking at staying in Ipanema what Postos do you suggest? My husband and I like to stay in self catering type apartments. This is the company I am looking at:

http://www.riobayhousing.com/index.php

I am a bit hesitant because the down payment is so expensive to others I have booked in Europe and South Africa. Any advice? I did read your suggestion Robine.

I'd suggest you stay from Posto 9 toward 11. It's equivalent to the region that starts in Vinicius de Morais Street (Rua Vinicius de Morais) and finishes in Henrique Dumont Streets (Rua Santos Dumont). I don't like the area near to the General Osorio Square (Praça General Osorio). The Morro do Pavão-Pavãozinho is very close and so very dangerous, mainly at night. If you can, stay close as you can to Leblon (Posto 11), because is fairly enjoyable by day and by night.
For while, I don't know about apatments for renting is summer, but I'll telling you soon as possible. My boss stay at a little one (one bedrom) and I know she pretend leave it soon, but I don't exactly when.
Good luck in your planning trip.
XOXO
Fabio and wife

Posto 9 is the most fashionable area. Enjoy!