11 Best Sights in Side Trips from Rio, Brazil

Stretching for 500 meters, this beach is famous for its turquoise waters that remain cooling year-round. It’s surrounded by rock walls, where natural pools are formed during the low tide. The only way to access the beach is by boat (R$10) or hiking on an easy trail (10 minutes). Despite its secluded access, it’s often crowded and features many kiosks along the beach. If you want to find a quiet spot, walk towards the end of the beach. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: snorkeling, swimming 

This reliable outfit sails its schooners, catamarans, and other boats on day trips to the islands around Angra dos Reis with stops for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Fresh fruit and soft drinks are provided onboard. The boats are also available for private group hire, with skipper.

Drive 15 minutes inland from Paraty to this immaculately restored colonial fazenda (farm), where you can feast on delicious farm-to-table food in the light-filled restaurant before exploring the museum, tropical gardens, and working farm. Simple yet evocative, it gives striking insight into the area's history and future potential. The farm welcomes thousands of local children every year to learn about sustainability and agricultural conservation. Any surplus organic food produced on-site is given to employees, the church, and the elderly in the region.

The magnificent 44-room palace that was the summer home of Dom Pedro II, emperor of Brazil, and his family in the 19th century is now the Imperial Museum. The colossal structure is filled with polished wooden floors, artworks, and grand chandeliers. You can also see the diamond-encrusted gold crown and scepter of Brazil's last emperor, as well as other royal jewels. Visitors are handed soft slippers on arrival and asked to slip them over their own shoes to avoid damaging the antique floors. (Children will love sliding around on the polished floors in their slippered feet.)

Located 1.5 km (0.9 miles) from Buzio's center, Praia da Ferradura has calm waters, making it a perfect choice for families with children. The beach adjoins one of Búzios' most exclusive areas, as some mansions back right onto it. On the left side, there are bars with parties, lounges with umbrellas, and barracas (simple makeshift kiosks selling food and drink). On the right, there are secluded spots to enjoy a quiet day. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.

Across the bay from the idyllic Ilha do Farol (Lighthouse Island), the waters on the peninsula are equally spectacular, but easier to access than the island's beaches. Two beaches straddle the point of this peninsula, and when the tide is low, the white sands join to become one. Surprisingly, these beaches are often emptier than those closer to town, but that's probably because of access—you have to drive or take a taxi to the residential condominium Pontal do Atalaia and follow the dirt track until you reach the stairs down to the beach. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; swimming.

This group runs boat tours to the islands around Angra dos Reis, transfers from Angra to Ilha Grande and rents out boats, plus skipper, for up to 18 people. One great tour is to Lopes Mendes, the paradisiacal beach on Ilha Grande. Some boats, in particular the larger schooners, have a reputation for playing loud music. Check before you book if you prefer a tranquil environment. The company also offers two secure parking locations should you be traveling by car and wish to park it before heading out to the islands.

This natural pool forms at low tide and is home to thousands of brightly colored fish that will literally eat out of your hands. Many tour operators include a stop here as part of their boat trips around the island, and most provide floats for children. Be sure to bring a mask and snorkel, which is also provided by tour operators for an additional cost.

Known as encantado (enchanted), this diminutive cottage wouldn’t look out of place in a fairy-tale wood. Santos Dumont, one of the world’s first aviators, built the house in 1918 to a scale in keeping with his own tiny size. The eccentric genius’s inventions fill the house, including a heated shower he developed before most homes even had running water. The home doesn’t have a kitchen because Dumont ordered his food from a nearby hotel—the first documented restaurant delivery service in Brazil.

Praia João Fernandes and the smaller adjoining beach, Praia João Fernandinho, are a short taxi boat ride from the center of town; both are beloved for their crystal waters and soft sands. The sounds of live samba music at nearby restaurants and bars can be heard on the beach, and you can bring cocktails out to your chosen spot on the sand if you’re not ready to abandon your sun lounger. This beach can get a little busy, but the sunset here is worth it. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming.

About 30 km (20 miles) from Paraty, Trindade was once a hippie hangout. Today Trindade's several gorgeous beaches attract everybody from backpackers to Cariocas on vacation, and the natural pools are perfect for children. Regular buses run from the bus station in Paraty. If you're looking to stay overnight, you'll find simple lodgings and campsites near the beaches.