Visiting Brazil

Iguazu Falls

Many people that are visiting Brazil for only a short time want to go to Iguazu Falls on a day trip from Rio de Janeiro. For those that are interested in doing it, there is good news and bad news.

The good news is that it is technically possible to go on a day trip to Iguazu from Rio. The bad news is that it is both expensive and slightly inconvenient.

The airlines that fly from Rio to Iguazu do not offer flights that allow passengers enough time to travel to and from the falls in one day. As such, if you want to go on a day trip to Iguazu Falls, you will have to buy a one-way ticket on one airline to get there and a one-way ticket on another airline to get back. Prices for one-way flights are expensive, making it more economical to stay at a hotel in Iguazu overnight.

The other drawback is that even if you fly to Iguazu Falls with one airline and back with another, you still won’t have much time at the falls themselves. For example, TAM offers a flight that lands at IGU airport at 12:35pm, and GOL has a flight that departs IGU at 4:40pm. Given the transfer time and the need to arrive at the airport early to check in for your return flight, there isn’t a lot of time to see the falls.

Still, if you are determined to go to Iguazu Falls on a day trip from Rio de Janeiro, it is possible to do. If you don’t mind spending extra money and having a short visit, you can go there for a day and at least be able to say that you saw the famous waterfalls.

Beach in Brazil

Going to Angra dos Reis on a day trip from Rio de Janeiro is a great way to spend time when you are visiting Brazil.

Angra dos Reis is located on the Costa Verde, or Green Coast, an area to the west of Rio. It is a 2-hour-and-45-minute drive from the city, and the proximity makes it a great choice for a day trip. You can get to Angra dos Reis by car, taxi, or bus. Buses depart from Rio every hour and are run by a company called Costa Verde Transportation.

Angra dos Reis is known for the islands off its coast, and is popular as a luxury travel destination in Brazil. There are plenty of yachts off the shore, and many of the islands are frequented by the rich and famous.

People that go to Angra dos Reis on a day trip from Rio de Janeiro can explore the area’s beaches and waterfalls, participate in adventure sports, take cultural tours, and visit the historic city.

If you want to extend your day trip to Angra dos Reis, you can stay overnight or take a boat to the famous Ilha Grande, where there are also plenty of options accommodation.

Praia do Forte

Day trips from Salvador are a great way to see the surrounding area and experience more of what the Brazilian state of Bahia has to offer. Some of the best day trips are close to the city and easy to get to via public transport, taxis, or guided tours.

Below is my list of the best day trips from Salvador:

Praia do Forte – Praia do Forte is one of the best places to visit in Bahia. Located just an hour and a half from Salvador by car, the resort town is the perfect escape from the bustle of the city. There is a large pedestrian street in Praia do Forte that is lined with boutiques, shops, cafes, and restaurants, and there is also a beach on the waterfront. Additionally, the town is home to the TAMAR sea turtle sanctuary, where you can see four different kinds of turtles as well as sharks and other marine species.

Guarajuba Beach – Located just over an hour north of Salvador, Guarajuba Beach is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in Bahia. The white beach goes on for miles, lined by palm trees on one side and ocean waves on the other. There are plenty of restaurants and beachside cafes along the waterfront, as well as changing rooms and a car park.

Praia Imbassai – Another of the most beautiful beaches in Bahia is Praia Imbassai. Located an hour and 40 minutes north of Salvador, the beaches there are secluded and beautiful. There are plenty of accommodations in the area if you want to turn your day trip into an overnight one, too.

Itaparica and Ilha dos Frades – The islands of Itaparica and Ilha dos Frades are two of the best places to visit on a day trip from Salvador. They can be reached by boat on a day tour in the Baia de Todos os Santos. Once there, you can spend an afternoon sunbathing on the famous beaches and enjoying seafood from local restaurants.