5 best day trips from Rio de Janeiro

Rio's day trips include colonial villages, beaches, and Brazil's most famous island.

How: 3h via bus + ferry Travel time: 3h When to go: Year-round; clearest Dec-Mar

Car-free island with rainforest hikes and Lopes Mendes beach (one of Brazil's best)

How: 1h 30m bus Travel time: 1h 30m When to go: Year-round; cool escape from Rio summer

Former imperial summer capital — palace, museums, cooler mountain air

How: 4h bus Travel time: 4h When to go: Year-round; wettest Dec-Mar

Colonial coastal town with cobblestone streets — long day but worth it

How: 20 min ferry from Centro Travel time: 20 min When to go: Year-round; clear days best

Niemeyer's UFO museum + best Rio skyline views from across the bay

How: 3h bus Travel time: 3h When to go: Year-round; high season Dec-Feb

Brigitte Bardot's beach town — 20+ beaches, party town

Best day trips from Rio de Janeiro