Rio to Região dos Lagos
Head east from Rio to explore the white sands and turquoise waters of Arraial do Cabo, Cabo Frio, and Búzios.
A classic long-weekend getaway. Stay the first two nights in Arraial do Cabo to explore the bays and take a boat tour. On Day 3, travel via Cabo Frio and the Pero Dunes to Búzios. On Day 4, take a boat trip before returning to Rio. The highlights are the stunning water colors and the density of beaches. Driving is the most flexible option, though you can also take a bus and use local minibuses. Four days is a bit tight; add an extra night if you want more beach time.
Sea conditions are great from Dec to Mar but it gets crowded; room rates are high during New Year and Carnival.
Day by day
Day 1 · Rio to Arraial do Cabo
Cross the Rio–Niterói Bridge early in the morning and take Via Lagos, about 160 km (2 hours 15 minutes).
Depart before 7:00 AM to avoid traffic heading towards Niterói.
Stay: Arraial do Cabo
Day 2 · Arraial do Cabo Boat Tour and Viewpoints
Búzios（Arraial do Cabo、Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia）
Take a morning boat tour around the bay from the pier, stopping at Farol and other spots; walk or take a taxi to Pontal do Atalaia in the afternoon.
Farol Beach is in a military reserve and can only be accessed by authorized tour boats.
Stay: Arraial do Cabo
Day 3 · Cabo Frio to Búzios
Búzios（Praia do Forte, Cabo Frio、Forte São Mateus do Cabo Frio、Dunas do Peró、Orla Bardot、Rua das Pedras）
Drive about 30 minutes to Cabo Frio, see the dunes, and then drive another 40 minutes to Búzios.
Stay: Center and Rua das Pedras
Day 4 · Búzios Boat Trip and Return
Búzios（Búzios Schooner Tour、Praia Azeda e Azedinha、Praia de Geribá） → Rio
Take a morning schooner tour for about 2.5 hours, head to Geribá after lunch, and drive about 2.5 hours back to Rio.
Traffic heading back after 4:00 PM on Sundays is prone to congestion; try to leave as early as possible.