Visiting one of the largest and most beautiful peninsulas in the state of Rio de Janeiro can become a challenging task. Even though every corner is a spectacle, it is always good to have an idea of where to go, which restaurants to visit, which beaches to go to and what to do there, especially about the little-known places that end up being restricted to natives and frequent visitors.
With that in mind, we at Bamboo, who -yes- are local experts, have put together a mini-guide with ten tips for places to go, beaches, restaurants and bars so you can experience life with style and originality like a local. Let’s go!
1. Naturalism Beach
We’re going to kick the door in and bring you this tip that goes completely off the beaten track and is a great way to see Búzios from a different angle. The ‘Olho de Bois’ beach is an attraction for those who enjoy nature, freedom and incredible landscapes. The trail that leads to it is on the right side of Brava beach, and it’s an easy and not very tiring trail. Nudity is mandatory and it’s definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in Búzios: crystal clear waters, cinematic rocks and a stunning view. It’s important to bring water and food because there’s no infrastructure there. If you’re a woman, it’s best not to go alone, because the trail isn’t very busy and the internet signal isn’t the best there. If you’re a more shy person but want to have this experience, go very early because the beach is usually empty before 9 am.
2. Swimming with the fishes in João Fernandes
This tip is one of our favorites here in Búzios because it is free, easy to access and the perfect close-up for those who like to make a splash on social media. Swimming with the little fish at João Fernandes beach is not only beautiful, but also perfect because you don’t need a professional or specific equipment that we generally don’t have and need to rent. They are right on the edge of the beach, at the height of the statue diving, and they are the most beautiful thing we can see. The videos and photos are incredible and even those who don’t know anything can enjoy it.
In other words, a day at João Fernandes can be compared to an amusement park.
3. Father Victory Point
Ponta do Pai Vitório becomes more and more popular with tourists every season. A viewpoint full of stories and landscapes, it stands out because it is a very easy trail that anyone can get to. In addition to the destination including other attractions such as the beach and the Mangue de Pedras next door, Ponta do Pai Vitório is a must-see. Both because it is super ‘Instagrammable’ and because the tour is different from everything else people are used to doing on the island. Leaving the center, you can take an Uber for no more than thirty reais or a van for just R$3.50, and arrive at the start of the trail that takes less than five minutes. Take the opportunity to get off at the beach, walk around the viewpoint and admire the turtles that swim there. Once there, visit Mangue de Pedras (the cradle of life), it is beautiful and a super nice walk.
It is next to Praia dos Amores and is perhaps the beach where most people practice diving, stand-up paddleboarding, pedal boats and kayaking. Even though it has a small strip of sand, Ferradurinha stands out for having some of the most beautiful waters in the region, as well as being a true spectacle of turtles. There are many, if you want to see turtles, this is the place to be.
4. Poças Cove
Enseada das Poças is a place that deserves to be praised as many times as necessary. A complex of natural pools surrounded by rocks that is, literally, something completely different from what people think of Búzios, and is also a very characteristic experience of the peninsula. To get there, there is a trail that starts at Ferradurinha beach/Praia dos Amores. It is a medium-difficulty trail due to the steep climbs and narrow descents. It is not impossible, and it is a bit of a struggle to get there, but it is worth every step. It is important to note that there is no infrastructure there and there is a specific time to arrive, which is when the tide is low. Information about the tide is available for free on any tide table website. It is beautiful, calm, an incredible trip, and best of all, it is free.
5. Sunset in Azedinha
This place is literally our daily routine. Watching the sunset at Azeda and Azedinha beaches is a unique experience that the peninsula offers us for free. Watching the sun set over the sea with an explosion of colors across the sky, while the birds dance, is that moment when you think: “What a cool place”. And it really is. You can watch from the steps, the rocks, the sand, but everywhere is full of beautiful, happy people waiting for the unique spectacle that the sun puts on in that setting. Incredible and this is an unmissable place.
6. Outlet Bar
The Outlet Bar is located on Rua das Pedras and what sets it apart is that, like us here at Bamboo, they have a view of the sea. It’s not a huge or very unique bar, which means the drinks aren’t absurdly expensive, even though it’s in the best location in the city, but it’s a great place to meet people, have a few ‘good drinks’ while looking at the sea and very close to our hostel. In addition to having a variety of drinks, they always have a DJ and it’s hard to miss out there. It’s worth stopping by while you’re on Rua das Pedras.
7. Pensão da Lurdeca
Now let’s give you a tip for a good, cheap, well-located lunch, and a place we love to recommend because it’s right next door. Lurdeca is a local lady from Búzios and the guesthouse, besides being absolutely charming, offers quality food at a super affordable price, with some very generously-sized dishes for twenty reais. It’s also located on Rua das Pedras and opens every day for lunch with the joy of someone who’s feeding their own family. The place has a very colorful vibe, which is typical of Búzios and Rua das Pedras, right?! So, if you’re in the city center looking for a charming and cheap place to have lunch, Pensão da Lurdeca is the ideal place.
8. Bamboo Beach Bar
Are we going to pull strings to our side? Let’s go!!!! (lol) Here at Bamboo Búzios Hostel we have two bars and one of them, loved by our guests, clients, friends, employees and everyone who passes by Praia do Canto, is the beach bar. It is complete because it is literally on the sand, has caipirinha specials, stand-up paddle rentals so you can enjoy the calm waters of Praia do Canto and it is beautiful!!! It is a bar open to the public during the day and a great place to relax on the lounge chairs and have fun with the family. I don’t even need to say that it is in the best location on the peninsula, right!? Here at Rua das Pedras, number 25.
9. Canto Beach Trail + Amores Beach + Virgens Beach
This trail is rarely talked about and we suspect it is due to the lack of signage, but our Instagram has plenty of tips about these beaches. Entering from Praia do Canto, you take a very easy trail that leads to Praia das Virgens, one of the most beautiful and unique beaches on the peninsula, with its pinkish sand, a beautiful sight. And, following the trail, which is very easy despite having a lot of rocks, you arrive at Praia da Tartaruga, one of the most famous beaches on the peninsula. All of these beaches are incredible and you can go to each one independently, but this walk along this trail is really cool because it is a physical exercise and the path is incredibly beautiful. It is totally worth it. It is a good idea to go with someone who already knows the area, because there are parts of dense forest and there is a risk of getting lost.
10. Maria Maria Café
Last but not least, the classic café on Rua das Pedras, with a sea view, lots of history and one of the most beautiful decorations on the peninsula, so much so that its entrance has become a photo spot on social media, is Maria Maria Café. It is an experience that is worth it for anyone visiting the city. They offer a delicious full-service coffee that costs around R$32.00, and the classic banana pie, which is the house’s signature dish, is something you will never forget. Perfect in everything it offers, this café is truly worth it.
Phew, I think we helped, right!? We’ll definitely be back with more tips, so share them on social media and with that friend you want to take to Búzios. If you’re coming here and are doing some research, know that we’re looking forward to welcoming you here at our hostel, our bar or on any of these trips around the peninsula.
Text written by: Eric Nobre
