Rio & Buzios Beach Break Tour

8 Days

From $ 949

About this SAAT Travel tour: Rio & Buzios Beach Break

he Rio & Buzios Beach Break gives you just over a week exploring some of the world’s most dazzling coastline. In the spectacular metropolis of Rio de Janeiro you’ll kick back on the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, as well as visit Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado and the iconic statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’. You’ll then head along the coast to Buzios, a glamorous coastal town with no less than 25 separate beaches, where you’ll spend a few blissful days strolling along its sandy beaches, taking boat trips to tiny tropical islands and sipping cocktails under the stars. The Rio & Buzios Beach Break takes you on an ultimate Brazilian quest for sun, sea and sand.

Day 1
Touchdown in the Marvelous City

Rio de Janeiro
Upon touchdown in Rio you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and shown to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to spend either relaxing at your hotel or heading out to explore the nearby beaches, boulevards and boutiques. Ask your specialist for recommendations of interesting places to visit. Sunset in Rio is spectacular and the best place to experience it is with the locals on one of Rio's many beaches. As the sun begins to set and the mountains cast long shadows over sea and sand under a stunning pink and golden sky, order yourself a caipirinha, sit back and enjoy the show.

Day 2
Tijuca Forest & Corcovado

Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast you'll begin your day with a trip through Tijuca, the largest urban forest in the world, which covers the mountains overlooking the city in a blanket of deep green. You'll then continue on to the top of Corcovado, the 710m mountain that is home to the iconic statue of 'Christ the Redeemer'. From here the views of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, the beaches and the Atlantic Ocean are breath-taking. You'll then return to your hotel and have the afternoon and evening free to enjoy the beaches, and perhaps head out to the dancing district of Lapa for a little Samba and a caipirinha or three. (Meals - B)

Day 3
Sugarloaf Hike

Rio de Janeiro
The dramatic Sugarloaf Mountain is a well-known Rio landmark. Today, instead of standing in line to ride the aerial cable car with dozens of others, you will have the unique experience of reaching the summit on foot. Starting with a stroll along the beautiful shoreline to warm up, you'll begin a 300m hike to the stunning Sugarloaf summit. From the top the views over Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach and up to Corcovado are about as spectacular as you can get. This tour can be extended to a full-day adventure, either kayaking to an island five miles from Sugarloaf or rock-climbing and rappelling. Note: Those not up for the hike can opt to take the cable car to Sugarloaf's summit. (Meals - B)

Day 4
Relaxing in Rio

Rio de Janeiro
A free day in Rio is full of possibilities - boat trips, hang-gliding, art tours, football matches and of course the failsafe option of sun, sea and sand at one of Rio's top beaches. You could also head out of the city and spend a day in Petropolis, the mountain town where the Emperors of Brazil spent their summers, or pick up a new skill and take some Brazilian cuisine or dance classes. Other options include heading into the nearby mountains for whitewater rafting, horse-riding, mountain biking or trekking. Just let us know how you prefer to spend your time and we can help make it happen. (Meals - B)

Day 5
Beautiful Buzios

Rio de Janeiro to Buzios
After being picked up from your hotel in Rio de Janeiro you will be driven a couple of hours along the sparkling coastline to Buzios, Brazil's most glamorous beach town. The charming cobblestone streets of Ossos, an old fishing village, have lost none of their charm and a stroll around town will take you past many high-end boutiques and open air cafes. Orla Bardot and Porto da Barras have a wide choice of stylish bars and restaurants for evenings out. SAAT can organize buggy rental, boat, bike or horse rides to help you explore the 25 or so beaches of the peninsula. (Meals - B)

Day 6
Boating in the Bay

Buzios
Today a schooner will take you out into the sparkling Buzios bay to visit some of the nearby tropical islands and their secluded stretches of golden sand. You will also get to see parts of the peninsula accessible only by foot or from the water. Stops for swimming and snorkeling give you the chance to dive into the Atlantic waters and see some of the tropical fish and other marine life that live there. Drinks and food are available to buy on board, and finishing the trip with a caipirinha as the sun begins to set over Buzios Bay is highly recommended. The evening is free for you to dine in one of Buzios' many restaurants. (Meals - B)

Day 7
Relaxing in Buzios

Buzios
Today is a free day, giving you the chance to explore Buzios peninsula independently, either on foot, by bike, on horseback or by boat. Trips from the harbor take you out to visit the more secluded beaches of the bay and to the offshore tropical islands. There are also options for scuba diving around the Cabo Frio peninsula, one of the best dive sites in this region of Brazil. The dunes and the lighthouse also make for interesting day trips from Buzios. In the evening we can recommend some excellent seafood restaurants in town. (Meals - B)

Day 8
Back to Rio

Buzios to Rio de Janeiro
With most international flights leaving Rio de Janeiro in the evening you may have a little more time to enjoy Buzios today. You can relax on the beaches, browse the boutiques and enjoy lunch before being picked up for your transfer back to Rio. Once in Rio you can connect with your flight home. This tour can be combined with any of our other destinations in Brazil or South America - how about seeing the mighty Iguazu Falls or visiting Buenos Aires ? (Meals - B)