Rio de Janeiro has plenty to entertain any traveller with its beautiful beaches, lush green forests, iconic hills, historic centre, exciting nightlife and outstanding events like Carnival and the Olympics. However, beyond the limits of this exhilarating city, there is a lot to be seen, with a number of incredible towns all within easy distance of Rio de Janeiro. Take a one day tour outside Rio or escape the city for a longer break and get to know more of Brazil's beauty and culture. Here are 4 of the best destinations in Rio's surroundings.

1. Paraty

A place where time seems to have stopped, the town of Paraty is tucked between the mountains and the sea. Its historic centre is the perfect setting of cobblestone streets, colonial mansions, and churches dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Paraty has done a stellar job of preserving its historical and architectural charms, as well as its natural beauty.

[caption id="attachment_8515" align="aligncenter" width="610"]Cobblestone streets of Paraty and white houses and colourful doors Walk the cobblestone streets of beautiful Paraty / Credit: Diana Figueroa[/caption]

This charming colonial town by the sea has the perfect blend of small town tranquility and an intriguing blend of people, accents and flavours from around the world. Paraty hosts a number of cultural events including the highly popular International Literary Fair (FLIP), the International Photography Festival Paraty in Focus and the Festival of Cachaça.

What to do in Paraty:

Tour the Historic District Learn more about Brazil's history as you wander through the historic centre of Paraty, unveiling secrets of gold and pirates. You can take a city tour of Paraty and visit the museums, mansions and churches along the cobblestone streets.

Watch a show at the Puppet Theatre Trust the travel guides that tell you to visit the Puppet Theatre, or Teatro Espaço in Paraty. Don't be fooled by the name, it's not a show for kids, and has received numerous awards and international acclaim. There are two shows running at present: "Flutuações" (Fluctuations) and "Em Concerto" (In Concert).

Cruise the bay on a boat Located on the southern end of the Ilha Grande Bay, the many islands and beaches around Paraty make a boat trip the best way to go sightseeing. See the natural beauty of the region and visit places like Ilha do Algodão, Praia da Lula, Praia Vermelha and Ilha Comprida on a boat tour of Paraty.

[caption id="attachment_8518" align="aligncenter" width="610"]An oar dipping into the water off the coast of Paraty Explore the coast of Paraty just a short trip outside Rio / Credit: Diana Figueroa[/caption]

Taste artisanal cachaça at the Maria Izabel distillery Paraty is famous for its cachaça, and visiting a local distillery for a tasting is a must-do activity. If you have time, head for the Maria Izabel distillery. The location by the sea is worth visiting just for the setting, but you can also buy Maria Izabel directly from the distillery and do a tasting.

2. Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande

The city of Angra dos Reis (Cove of Kings) is the portal to the 365 islands scattered in its glittering bay. On arriving in the city, located 153 km from Rio, you'll be amazed at the exuberant nature with a sea of green and crystal clear waters, colourful marine life including fish, molluscs, crustaceans and turtles. This rich underwater life makes it a popular spot for diving and snorkelling.

[caption id="attachment_8519" align="aligncenter" width="610"]Swimming off a boat near Ilha Grande The clear blue-green water is one of the most striking features in this tropical paradise / Credit: Daytours4u[/caption]

In the bay, Ilha Grande (or Big Island) stands out from all the other many islands. Not only is it the largest island, with over 100 beautiful beaches, but it is also a paradise for adventurers looking to explore hiking trails, waterfalls and deserted beaches.

What to do in Angra:

Visit Praia do Dentista Head for Ilha da Gipoia, where you'll find the busiest beach, Jurubaíba Beach, better known as Praia do Dentista (Dentist Beach). With one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, there are always expensive boats anchored here, with floating bars offering a menu of fresh seafood and caipirinhas.

[caption id="attachment_8520" align="aligncenter" width="610"]The landscapes of Angra dos Reis, a short trip outside Rio de Janeiro Enjoy the paradisiacal landscapes around Angra dos Reis / Credit: Daytours4u[/caption]

Dive into the crystal clear waters Of course, the main attraction in the bay of Angra is the water. The inviting waters are a rich green-blue colour, and full of amazing marine fauna and flora. Keen scuba divers can explore the shipwrecks in the area, while the rest can don a snorkel and mask to enjoy the underwater beauty.

Walk the trails of Ilha Grande The big island is covered by the Atlantic Forest, with many trails and paths crisscrossing the forest and linking pristine beaches like Lopes Mendes and waterfalls like Feiticeira. There are a variety of paths to choose from with different levels of difficulty and duration. You can hike alone or take an Ilha Grande Hiking Tour to go with a guide.

3. Buzios

On a peninsula to the east of Rio is the glamorous city of Buzios. In addition to its striking natural beauty, Buzios is famous for its wide range of restaurants, sophisticated hotels, nightclubs, trendy bars and shopping options with both national and international brands. Besides attracting many Brazilian holidaymakers, the resort town also draws visitors from around the world who come to enjoy the many beaches and activities on offer.

[caption id="attachment_8522" align="aligncenter" width="610"]A sunset from Buzios Enjoy many picture perfect moments on a trip outside Rio / Credit: Daytours4u[/caption]

During the day, go to the beaches to soak up the sun and enjoy water sports from surfing and sailing, to windsurfing and diving. However, don't miss the famous nightlife in Buzios. Walk down the Orla Bardot boardwalk and Rua das Pedras where you'll find endless options for restaurants, bars, live music and nightclubs.

What to do in Buzios:

Relax at the seaside The beaches of Buzios get a lot of wind, which makes for great waves and good sailing. Those looking to capitalise on this should head to Geribá, a surfers dream beach, or Rasa and Manguinhos, for sailing. Those looking for calm waters for the whole family will prefer the beaches of Ferradura, Azeda, Tartaruga and João Fernandes.

Panoramic Views from Forno Beach Buzios has some inspiring horizons and landscapes begging to be photographed. Forno Beach is one of the best spots to get that postcard-perfect photograph, and to truly appreciate the gorgeous scenery.

Enjoy the night along Orla Bardot and Rua das Pedras Buzios isn't all about beaches and sun. During the evening walk down Orla Bardot and Rua das Pedras, which are both lined with restaurants, shops, art galleries, ice cream shops, cafés and bars. It's one of the most emblematic parts of Buzios and a great spot to catch the sunset.

[caption id="attachment_8523" align="aligncenter" width="610"]The statue of Brigitte Bardot in Buzios Orla Bardot pays homage to Brigitte Bardot who used to vacation here / Source[/caption]

4. Petrópolis

65 km from Rio de Janeiro is the mountain town of Petrópolis, also called the Imperial City, after its founder Dom Pedro II - the Emperor of Brazil. Offering a slightly cooler mountain climate and a cultural melting pot, it's a great spot for tourists to explore the interesting churches, theatres, museums, mansions and historic buildings in Rio's surrounding mountains.

[caption id="attachment_8525" align="aligncenter" width="610"]A typical view in Petropolis Petrópolis is a mountain town full of stunning Imperial architecture / Credit: Daytours4u[/caption]

What to do in Petrópolis:

Walk through the halls of the Imperial Museum Discover the town's fascinating history in the Imperial Museum. Here you will find a collection of relics from Brazil's Second Empire, including the thrones used by D. Pedro II, jewellery, furniture and documents. There are also carriages from this period and a locomotive from the first railway in Brazil, Estrada Ferro Mauá. There is also a sound and light show which tells the history of this period of Brazilian history.

[caption id="attachment_8526" align="aligncenter" width="610"]The Imperial Museum in Petropolis Visit the fascinating Imperial Museum in Petrópolis / Source[/caption]

Sip some beer at Cervejaria Bohemia Take an interactive tour of Cervejaria Bohemia (Bohemia Brewery), which includes touch-screen panels and 3D videos. Learn about the process of making beer, from the ingredients to bottling. End the tour with a refreshing beer tasting.

Get to know the Serra dos Órgãos The Serra dos Órgãos National Park has three offices, one in Petrópolis, one in Teresopolis and another in Guarapimirim. From Petrópolis you can choose between three hiking trails: Circuito das Bromélias, which goes to 5 swimming holes with natural pools; Cachoeira Véu da Noiva, or Bride's Veil Waterfell, where you can try rappelling; or walk to Pedra de Açu for amazing views of Guanabara Bay and Dedo de Deus (Finger of God).

Travel further than Ipanema and Leblon! Visit the stunning places outside Rio de Janeiro to get to know more of Brazil than the Marvellous City! Take a day trip or go for longer and make sure your holiday in Rio is truly spectacular.

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By: Luiza Cavalcante / Translated by Nicole Eberhard