Rio de Janeiro

15 Best Day Trips from Rio

The escapes Rio day-trippers rate: Angra’s 365 islands and Ilha Grande’s car-free beaches, Petropolis with its imperial palace in the hills and Buzios, the fishing village Bardot made famous. The coast competes hard with the city.

1.Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Full-Day Tour

Discover the natural beauty of Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande with this full-day tour from Rio featuring lagoons, beaches, marine life, and local cuisine.

Most Popular★ 4.6

“So much fun! The guides were amazing and so nice, the excursions like snorkeling and jet skiing were very affordable. I burn very easily in the sun and was worried about the 14hr day in the sun but there is lots of shade on both…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

2.Full Day Excursion to Petrópolis from Rio de Janeiro

Discover Petrópolis with this full-day tour from Rio, exploring imperial palaces, museums, shops, and more — a blend of history, culture, and scenery.

★ 4.5

“the tour was too long. no need to stop at places for an hour. we were waited for hotel pick up at 8am and didn't come back until 7:30pm. I think the tour would if it could be shortened timewise.”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

3.From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis Boat Trip with Lunch

Discover stunning islands near Rio with a full-day boat trip to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande, including stops, snorkeling, and a buffet lunch. Perfect for water lovers.

★ 4.0

“Why so many bad reviews? They picked me up on time! They tell you on the bus that LUNCH, is at FOUR PM.4pm) BUT THEY STOP LIKE 2x to buy hot food. Or, you can order the expensive food ahead. The buffet meal isn’t the…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

4.25 – Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande

Discover Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande on a full-day boat tour from Rio, featuring stunning beaches, snorkeling, and a delicious lunch — all at an accessible price.

★ 4.0

“Absolutely amazing experience and I just went to this one Feb 24, 2025. The crew of the boat is very helpful and friendly and the tourguide nayt is very professional and easy to communicate with. I highly recommend this guy as your your guide.”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

5.Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Grand Island

Discover Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande on a full-day tour offering scenic boat rides, beaches, and snorkeling. Great value but long travel times.

★ 4.0

“This budget-friendly tour is a solid deal if youre looking for a cheap escape, with lunch included and the opportunity to experience both a bus ride and a boat trip. However, most of the day was spent travelingfirst on the bus picking up passengers of…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

7.Transfers Rio X Buzios

Enjoy seamless, private transfers between Rio de Janeiro and Buzios with professional drivers, flexible timing, and top-rated service for a stress-free trip.

★ 5.0

“Great driver. Communication with the company was outstanding. Many checking to make sure timing was correct”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

8.From Rio de Janeiro: Petrópolis Day Trip with Optional Lunch

Discover Petrópolis on a full-day tour from Rio, visiting the Imperial Museum, Cathedral, and Quitandinha Palace, with optional lunch and brewery visit.

★ 4.3

“Amazing tour! Our tour guide Rafael Robaina and driver Carlos Marrone were extremely helpful and full of knowledge. I would highly recommend this tour!”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

10.Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande: Small-Group Fast-Boat Tour

Experience the beauty of Ilha Grande on a small-group speedboat tour from Rio, including beaches, snorkeling, and personalized guides for an unforgettable day.

★ 4.4

“The beaches we visited were incredibly beautiful! We had plenty of snacks and drinks while on the tour. We also enjoyed an amazing private lunch at one of the beaches with great views. The food was soooo goood! The tour guides had infectious positive energy.…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

11.Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis with Lunch

Discover Angra dos Reis on a full-day boat tour with island visits, beaches, and a buffet lunch. Enjoy scenic views, authentic experiences, and practical insights.

★ 4.0

“Longue activitee mais super,Les deux spot de baignade paradisiaque Le repas est ok et l ambiance sur le bateau top Mapfre beaucoup de monde”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

13.Petrópolis Day Trip from Rio de Janeiro including Imperial Museum and Crystal Palace

Discover the highlights of Petrópolis on this full-day Rio tour, including the Imperial Museum, Crystal Palace, and optional brewery visit—great for history lovers and culture seekers.

★ 4.0

“Honestly if the tour guide TT hadn't been so funny and entertaining I don't know that I would have enjoyed this tour so much. She and the Imperial Museum are what made it worthwhile. The other sites on the tour were somewhat meh. And the…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

14.Discover Petropolis and its Hidden Gems with our Private Tour

Explore Petrópolis, Brazil’s Imperial City, on this private tour featuring historic palaces, architecture, and local charm with personalized guides and flexible options.

★ 5.0

“Every single part of the trip was fantastic! It’s a beautiful drive and Petropolis is very charming. Definitely recommend if you are going to be in Rio for a few days.”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

More Day Trips from Rio

4.5Petropolis The Imperial City with Beer tour and Lunch10 hours (approx.)$59.84 3.5Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Day Trip with Schooner Cruise and Lunch12 hours (approx.)$96.40 3.5Shared transport Rio de Janeiro Ilha Grande$27.55 3.5Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Day Trip from Rio de Janeiro12 hours (approx.)$98.57 3.5Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Tour from Rio with Boat Ride and Lunch14 hours (approx.)$64.00 4.5Angra dos Reis Boat Tour with Lunch12 hours (approx.)$71.90 4.0Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande14 hours (approx.)$101.85 3.5Shared Transfer Rio x Ilha Grande (Vila do Abaão)2 to 3 hours (approx.)$44.54 4.5Petropolis: The Imperial City with Lunch10 hours (approx.)$56.85 3.3From Rio de Janeiro: Búzios Full-Day Boat Tour13 hours$69 4.523 – Guided Excursion to Búzios with Boat Trip and Lunch14 hours (approx.)$105.00 4.5Guided Tour to Búzios with Boat Tour and Lunch$105.00 5.0Private VIP Paradise Ilha Grande Speed Boat and Transfer from Rio9 to 10 hours (approx.)$1,013.95 4.7Full-Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande14 hours$77 4.521 – Guided Tour to the Imperial City of Petrópolis with Lunch10 hours (approx.)$80.00 4.5Imperial Petrópolis – Historic Tour + Teresa Street and Lunch9 hours (approx.)$57.83 4.5Guided Tour to the Imperial Cida of Petrópolis with Lunch$80.00 3.0Búzios Day Trip from Rio de Janeiro12 hours$94 3.5Buzios Day Trip with Lunch, City Tour and Cruise from Rio de Janeiro13 hours (approx.)$95.74 4.2From Rio: Full Day in Búzios with Catamaran Tour and Lunch14 hours$76 4.5Tour Angra dos Reis + Ilha Grande | Departures from Rio de Janeiro13 hours (approx.)$61.75 4.5Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Tour in an Adventure Day14 hours (approx.)$86.27 4.0Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Boat Tour from Rio de Janeiro14 hours (approx.)$64.43 5.0Historic Petrópolis From Rio: The Imperial City Palaces, Architecture & Culture10 hours (approx.)$296.00