As a resort community, Buzios is best known for its hospitality. Tourists won’t find a lot of historic tourist attractions, though the city centre boasts a nice collection of charming, colonial architecture along Rua das Pedras. Natural attractions are also popular, especially the Taua and Emerencias ecological reserves. For a mix of hospitality and natural beauty, join a nature walk on the Pai Joao path, where massages and gourmet snacks are available along the way.

Arraial do Cabo
Azure waters and abundant marine life make this a popular destination with scuba divers. There’s a lookout point on top of the Pontal do Atalaia rock formation that offers outstanding views of the nearby village. Travel agencies will arrange to pick tourists up from their hotel for a daytrip to Arraial do Cabo. Travel time is roughly 30 minutes.

Beaches
Sandy beaches are Buzios’ number-one commodity. Travel agencies tout the fact that there are more than 20 stretches of sandy shoreline in the area, though visitors spend most of their time on Azeda, Ferradura, Geribá, Joao Fernandinho and Ossos beaches. The broader beaches boast water sport facilities while the more secluded coves are outfitted with bars and seafood restaurants.

Cabo Frio
An excellent daytrip destination, Cabo Frio is the capital of the Lakes Region (Regiao dos Lagos) and draws a constant stream of locals and visitors alike bound for Fort Beach. The actual fort, which dates to the 1600s, sits on the edge of the beach. Though there’s enough sand to accommodate large crowds, visitors are advised to make a day of it and depart Buzios early to reserve a good spot on the beach.

Emerencias Reserve
One of the finest natural habitats in the area, Emerencias Reserve boasts secluded hiking paths through beautiful indigenous forests. The IEBMA Ecological Institute organises regular nature walks that visit pristine beaches and bring tourists within sight of rare golden tamarins, a tiny endangered primate. 
Phone: +55 22 26232200

Pai Joao
This hiking trail follows creeks and parts of a river, past waterfalls and through beautiful tracts of forests. Tour guides offer lavish escapes that include light walking and breaks for gourmet snacks. To sweeten the experience, participants also have the opportunity to relax in secluded hammocks and enjoy a serene massage in a pool at the base of a waterfall.

Taua Ecological Reserve
Taua Ecological Reserve is home to thousands of species of local bird life, a few of which migrate over thousands of miles to reach seasonal breeding grounds here. There’s also a diverse collection of plant life, including cacti, tropical flowers and bromeliads. This site is an ancient vestige of prehistoric times. Come before 18:00 to take in the sunset. 
Phone: +55 22 2623 2200