Brazil's South-East Region
Cabo Frio & Buzios Travel Guide
Cold blue water. Hot white sand. They call this the Brazilian Caribbean.
The Lakes Region of Rio de Janeiro features three popular vacation destinations: Cabo Frio, Búzios, and Arraial do Cabo. Cabo Frio is famous for its white-sand dunes and colonial architecture, while nearby Búzios, once a small fishing village, has become a chic resort town. Nestled between these two destinations is the popular beach town Arraial do Cabo, known for its white-sand beaches. Both cities offer activities like diving, sailing, and nightlife, attracting visitors year-round.
Top 5 Things to See & Do in Cabo Frio & Búzios
• Relax at Praia do Forte, in Cabo Frio
• Visit Rua das Pedras, in Búzios
• Snorkel at João Fernandes Beach
• Tour Forte de São Mateus
• Take a private speed boat tour around the islands (tickets)
Where to stay in Cabo Frio & Buzios
Find cheap accommodation for your trip to the Costa Verde:
Find cheap accommodation in Cabo Frio
Find cheap accommodation in Buzios
Find cheap accommodation in Arraial do Cabo
Where is Cabo Frio & Buzios, Brazil
Closest airport
Aeroporto Internacional de Cabo Frio (CFB)
Main bus terminal
Rodoviária de Cabo Frio, Terminal Rodoviário de Búzios
Many tourist boats leave from Cais da Praia dos Anjos however there are several piers in the region.
Main ports
How to get to the Lakes Region (Buzios, Cabo Frio, and Arraial do Cabo)
How to get to Buzios and Cabo Frio by bus or plane
Armacao dos Buzios and Cabo Frio are located on the eastern coast of Brazil, in the Região dos Lagos (Lakes Region) of the state of Rio de Janeiro, and have regular bus connections with Rio.
There is a domestic airport located in Cabo Frio with direct flights from Belo Horizonte. The closest international airport is located in Rio de Janeiro, and from here there are frequent busses to both towns.
How to get to Buzios from Rio de Janeiro
From Rio de Janeiro's main bus terminal, Novo Rio, take a bus directly to Armacao dos Buzios, around 3+ hours (timetable & tickets).
How to get to Cabo Frio from Rio de Janeiro
From the bus terminal Novo Rio, take a bus directly to Cabo Frio, around 3+ hours (timetable & tickets).
How to get to Arraial do Cabo from Rio de Janeiro
From the bus terminal Novo Rio, take a bus directly to Arraial do Cabo, around 3.5+ hours (timetable & tickets)
How to get around Cabo Frio, Buzios, and Armacao dos Buzios
Getting around the peninsular is relatively straightforward. The city's public transportation system includes a well developed bus system. Up to date routes and timetables, can be found on Google Maps by searching for directions. Google Maps also provides real-time information on bus locations and delays.
Arraial do Cabo: The public bus runs around Arraial do Cabo town and south along the coast
Armação dos Búzios: The public bus runs from the peninsular north along the coast
Cabo Frio: The public bus runs through the town as well as connecting Cabo Frio to the north, south, and inland
Ride-sharing services like 99 and Uber are also widely available and inexpensive, are a safer way to travel after dark.
How to get between Arraial do Cabo, Cabo Frio and Búzios
Public busses connect the towns of Arraial do Cabo, Cabo Frio and Búzios:
The bus between Armação dos Búzios and Cabo Frio takes 1.5 hours and runs every 30 minutes
The bus between Cabo Frio and Arraial do Cabo takes 25 minutes and runs every 20 minutes
The direct bus between Armação dos Búzios and Arraial do Cabo takes 1.5 hours and runs five times per day. Alternatively, take the more frequent bus to Cabo Frio, and change busses at Avenida Julia Kubitsheck 587.
Things to know before you go
Tips for Cabo Frio
Best Time to Visit: While Cabo Frio enjoys a mild climate year-round, avoid major holidays if you prefer a quieter visit, as the area can get crowded during Brazilian vacations, particularly in the summer months.
Cold Waters: Cabo Frio is named for its chilly waters, especially in the southern part of the peninsula. The ocean currents here bring cold water, so be prepared for refreshing swims, even during warmer months.
Windy Weather: Cabo Frio is known for its winds, making it a prime spot for windsurfing and kite surfing. The steady breeze also helps to make the cooler waters more tolerable.
Sand Dunes: The city is famous for its impressive sand dunes, especially at Dunas Beach. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the dunes and enjoy unique coastal views from the top.
Shopping in Gamboa Street: If you love shopping, head to Gamboa Street for affordable beachwear, local crafts, and a variety of souvenirs. It’s one of the most popular places for tourists to browse.
Tips for Búzios
Best Time to Visit: While Búzios is enjoyable year-round, the peak season is during the Brazilian summer (December–March). For fewer crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of fall or spring.
Warmer Waters: Just a short drive from Cabo Frio, Búzios has noticeably warmer water, making it a favorite for swimming and water sports. Búzios boasts more than 20 beaches, each with its own character. Beaches like João Fernandes and Geribá are popular spots to enjoy the calm seas, while Geribá Beach is perfect for surfing. For secluded beauty, check out Azeda and Azedinha Beaches.
Rua das Pedras: The vibrant heart of Búzios, Rua das Pedras is a charming cobblestone street filled with trendy boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s the perfect place for an evening stroll or to enjoy a nice dinner after a day at the beach.
Boat Tours: One of the best ways to experience Búzios is by taking a boat tour to explore its beautiful coastline and hidden beaches. Many tours offer stops for snorkeling and swimming in crystal-clear waters.
Hiking and Nature Trails: Búzios has some scenic trails that offer stunning views of the coastline and natural landscapes. The Ponta da Lagoinha hike is particularly famous for its geological formations and impressive sea views.
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