Stay longer
Making the most of the trip? Here is what we would do with extra days.
Rio and around
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Pedra do Tel茅grafo hike
A short hike west of the city to the rock ledge famous for photos that look like you are hanging off a cliff.
Best for: Adventure and photos
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Breakfast at the Botanical Garden
Palm-lined avenues, orchids and a slow breakfast in one of the city's calmest corners.
Best for: A slow morning
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Guided favela visit
Go with a local, community-run guide. It is the best way to see a side of Rio most visitors miss.
Best for: Seeing the real Rio
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Maracan茫
Catch a match if there is one, or take the stadium tour.
Best for: Football fans
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Sunset sail on Guanabara Bay
Sugarloaf, Niter贸i and the city lights from the water.
Best for: A romantic evening
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B煤zios
A beach town a few hours up the coast, with dozens of small beaches and a lively evening scene.
Best for: A beach weekend
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Paraty
A colonial town of cobblestone streets and whitewashed churches on the Costa Verde, about four hours south. Pair it with a schooner trip to the islands and a cacha莽a distillery.
Best for: History, islands and cacha莽a
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Petr贸polis
The emperor's summer retreat in the mountains, about an hour from Rio. Visit the Imperial Museum, cool off in the hills and eat very well.
Best for: A day trip to the mountains
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Arraial do Cabo
Nicknamed the Brazilian Caribbean for its white sand and impossibly clear water, about three hours east. Take a boat around the coves.
Best for: Clear water and snorkeling
Other places in Brazil
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The Amazon
Fly to Manaus and stay at a jungle lodge on the river: canoe trips, pink river dolphins and the meeting of the waters.
Best for: Nature and adventure
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Len莽贸is Maranhenses
White sand dunes filled with blue rainwater lagoons. Mid-year is when the lagoons are usually full, so June timing works well.
Best for: Once-in-a-lifetime landscapes
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Alagoas
Warm, clear water and natural pools along the northeast coast, from Macei贸 to Maragogi and S茫o Miguel dos Milagres.
Best for: Beach relaxation
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Fernando de Noronha
A protected island with some of Brazil's best beaches and diving. Visitor numbers are limited and there is a daily preservation fee, so book early.
Best for: Diving and honeymoon-level beaches
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Florian贸polis
An island city in the south with dozens of beaches, lagoons and great seafood. June is winter there, so expect cooler, quieter days.
Best for: Beaches, food and a slower pace
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S茫o Paulo
Brazil's biggest city: world-class restaurants, museums, nightlife and shopping. An easy hop from Rio.
Best for: Food and city life