12 BEST Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  – Destinationless Travel

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While Rio de Janeiro is undoubtedly one of the most popular places to visit in Brazil, there are also tons of cool areas to check out that are close enough to make a day trip of it! Rio is my favorite city in Brazil, but there’s so much to explore nearby that we always plan at least a couple of day trips.

Tours are often our preferred way to do a day trip from a city we are visiting Rio for a few days because they take the stress out of getting there and back, as well as figuring out what to do while you’re there. While we have included tours for most of the day trips from Rio below, we will also let you know when it is possible to go on your own, if you’re backpacking through Brazil and that’s more your style!  

Whether you’re looking for a beach destination, or want something with a hint of adventure (or maybe even both?), there are lots of options when it comes to day trips from Rio de Janeiro!  

Our TOP PICKS for Day Trips from Rio

Best adventure tour

As the largest urban rainforest in the world, exploring Tijuca National Park is a must! It’s the home of the iconic Christ de Redeemer statute, but there’s so much more to see that we recommend this waterfalls and caves tour for anyone with an adventurous side. You’ll swim by waterfalls, see a bat cave, and hike through the forest in the mountains overlooking the city. It’s under $100 USD for this epic day trip from Rio!

Best beach getaway

With so many beautiful beaches in Brazil, a beachy getaway from Rio is a must! Our favorite is this day trip to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande. You’ll spend the day island hopping and discovering hidden beaches while getting a schooner ride on the turquoise blue water. Ilha Grande is an island paradise you won’t want to leave! All your transportation…