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Rio Travel Planner

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A Week in Rio: Day 5 - Friday

Going Off-Rio

You have already sampled some of the attractions the city of Rio de Janeiro has to offer. It's time to consider experiencing some of the myriad possibilities around Rio. Explore mountains and parks, world-renowned beach resorts, historical towns, islands, colonial coffee farms... you will not run out of options.

Petr�polis and Teres�polis are charming mountain towns less than one hour away from Rio. This is where the Imperial Family used to hang out whenever it got too hot in Rio. Petr�polis is more interesting to visit, with attractions like the Crystal Palace, and the Imperial Museum where you can see the Brazilian crown jewels.

Penedo, Mau� and Maromba are a little farther away, in the hilly Itatiaia region. They have a distinct European flavor, with more Finnish saunas per capita than anywhere else in the state. The National Park of Itatiaia is an attraction apart. It is one of the few places in Rio where it has already snowed. There are mountain hikes, trails to explore, falls, river streams with clear water, and views to write home about.

To explore Rio de Janeiro's coast you can either go East (Sun Coast) or West (Green Coast). B�zios, the jewel of the east, is possibly Brazil's most famous beach resort. This peninsula with 23 beaches is about 2 and a half hours away from Rio. It boasts excellent restaurants, sophisticated boutiques, and a nightlife that actually happens. On the way to B�zios you will pass by the towns of Saquarema (favorite with surfers), Araruama (lake), Arraial do Cabo (surfing, snorkeling, sandy dunes), the biggest city in the region, Cabo Frio (beaches, dunes).

Going West is not a bad deal, either. Angra dos Reis, a paradise with gin clear waters and over 300 islands to explore, is the natural destination for sea lovers and divers. Rent the equipment there, and spend the day island-hopping. You need a license to go scuba-diving, but everyone is welcome to go snorkeling. Angra is less than three hours away from Rio. One more hour and you reach Parati. This is a landmark town with cobblestone streets, well-preserved colonial churches and houses. It has often been used as setting for period films, including Gabriela with Marcelo Mastroiani.

If you want to stay closer to home than that yet go for a break off the city, many local operators offer a Tropical Island Tour. A bus will take you to a schooner, and you will go to an island, stop for dip and some snorkeling, lunch, and you will be back to your hotel in time to go out, and do something at night.

This has been a very full day, but the night is young. There are plenty of special parties on Friday to choose from. Start at Baixo G�vea, with a gourmet dinner at Guimas, or a lighter meal at one of the many cafes. Go to one of the parties at favorite clubs in Leblon, Jardim Bot�nico, Ipanema, or Copacabana. Check the listing of events in the entertainment section of local newspapers. And get save some energy for tomorrow's Saturday Night Fever.

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https://ipanema.com/travel/friday.htm -- Revised: January 2007
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