Car hire in Rio de JaneiroCar hire in Rio de Janeiro Although Rio de Janeiro is a beautiful city, it is worth remembering that Brazil is a huge country with lots to offer. If you visit Brazil and miss the Rio, there is no disaster. If you visit Brazil and just get with you Rio, however, there is a small disaster. Within a perimeter of a couple of hours drive there are several great places to visit. Car hire in Rio de Janeiro is not particularly cheaper than in Europe. Expect 100 US dollars per day. Most of the major car rental chains have offices at Copacabana or Ipanema. If you do not plan to run out of Rio, there is little need to rent a car. The public communication is excellent, while motor vehicle traffic at times is quiet boom. Road construction in Brazil, especially along the coast, are generally of excellent standard. Be aware, however, the Brazilian driver, who is not particularly fond of either the obligation to give way or pedestrians. So be careful!
Buzios (180 km from Rio)This little fishing village in colonial style has been a favorite destination for the rich and sophisticated since Brigitte Bardot came here in the 1960s. Today there are over a hundred places to stay, from cheap guesthouses to five star resorts. Buzios is located on a peninsula surrounded by no less than 17 beaches. The bus from Rio takes approx. four hours, and you must change buses in Cabo Frio.Cabo Frio (160 km from Rio)The name "The cold race" does not sound so tempting, but this small town can be a good option if Buzios should be fully-booked. Cabo Frio is also less expensive and not so upper class feel like Buzios may seem. At the end of the Praia do Forte has Cabo Frio a 400 year old stone fortress that was built to repel attacks from pirates. Buses depart from Rio de Janeiro directly to Cabo Frio. The trip takes approx. three hours. Here you can find more information about Cabo FrioIlha Grande (150 km from Rio)If you drive around. three hours west of Rio de Janeiro, will take you to one of cariochaenes favorite places, Ilha Grande or big island. To get there you must also take the ferry in approx. 90 minutes, either from Angra dos Reis or Mangaratiba. These ferries are only once a day. But the effort is worth it, the island is mostly rainforest and tropical beaches, with a few villages with restaurants and Pousadas (guest house) where it stays.Parati (220 km from Rio)For the architecture enthusiasts are Parati gem in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The historical center is mainly built in colonial style in 1700 - and 1800's, with subdued earth colors and full symmetry between the buildings. If you drive west along the coast from Rio de Janeiro, you'll go to Parati after approx. three hours. Alternatively, take the bus, which runs several times a day. It takes about four hours and costs approx US$20.
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