Tata e Lilila in english: Places to go near Rio de Janeiro

We are Tata and Lilila, but you can call us T&L.

We're an elderly couple who have lived in Rio de Janeiro all our lives! So, we know "something" around here 😊😊😊😊😊

Now, we're no professional tourist guides! We'll talk to you about Rio de Janeiro city and some other cool places around as if we were talking to friends.

We'll give tips and suggestions. In case you have doubts or other queries, just get in touch. If we can, we'll help.

We won't give many suggestions for places to eat or drink, as these are not our expertise. In fact, we prefer outdoors activities and these will be most of our tips.

Hope you have fun!

It may be a little confusing to find things in this blog, so here below is a map to help you:

Month	Subject
Julho (July)	General tips about Rio, cariocas and how to go around
Agosto (August)	Places to go in the capital city (Rio de Janeiro)
Setembro (September)	Places to go nearby (in Rio de Janeiro state)

Places nearby

(In Rio de Janeiro state)

1) Petrópolis : It's one of the cities on the hillside of Rio de Janeiro State. It's located only 68 kilometres (42 mi) northeast of Rio de Janeiro.The town's name ("city of Peter") honors Pedro II, the last Emperor of Brazil, who is entombed there at the Cathedral of Saint Peter of Alcantara. The city was the summer residence of the Brazilian Emperors and aristocrats in the 19th century.

Therefore, there are palaces and other places of historical interest. Brewery Itaipava is another cool place to visit ( there are guided tours).

The weather there is much milder than it is in Rio, specially in summertime.

If you like trekking, Correias is the place where you get to "PARNASO" (Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos) with trails and waterfalls.

We'll be talking about some of the best places there:

Quitandinha - The Palácio Quitandinha is a historic former luxury resort hotel in Petrópolis, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The former hotel rooms are currently privately owned condominiums, while the hotel's lavish public areas, considered among the masterpieces of famed American designer Dorothy Draper, have been recently restored.When it was opened as the "Cassino Hotel Quitandinha", the Palácio Quitandinha was the largest hotel casino in Latin America. (Gambling had been permitted in Brazil since 1930, but it was outlawed on May 30, 1946 ). So, it's really worth a visit!

The façade of the former cassino

The luxury inside

2) Paraty and Trindade beach;

Paraty is a Historical town about 4 hours distant from Rio. To get there you'll have to take a bus at the bus terminal (Rodoviária Novo Rio). But the bus gets you straight there and although it's a small city there's plenty of structure to receive foreign people. Three or four days will be enough.

You'll walk down streets from the Colonial period. There are lots of boat trips which you MUST take and waterfalls to visit. A number of agencies can take you there and for most places we advise you to hire agents. Night life is interesting with restaurants and live music. (all of them walking distance).

We think it's a good idea to book a lodge before you go, as there are so many!

We usually stay at "Valhacouto" (which means "pirates' den").It's not so cheap, but it's conveniently situated near the historical center.

Historical buildings

Pedra Branca ("White stone") waterfall (near city)

As to Trindade beach, it's easy to go! Just get a bus at Paraty bus station. It takes about an hour to get there.

There are lots of interesting beaches there, (one specially for people who like surfing).

We strongly suggest Cachadaço beach (or pool, as they say)

If you're staying in Paraty you can go and come back on the same day.

Diving at "Cachadaço" pool

3) Ilha Grande (Big Island)

As the name says, it's an island in Angra dos Reis Bay, near Rio de Janeiro. So, of course, you must take a boat to get there.

But not in Rio. First you have to take a bus from Rio to Angra dos Reis at the terminal (Rodoviária Novo Rio). After about 2 hours, you'll get to a place called "Conceição do Jacareí". (difficult to pronounce but easy to find, for many people get off there. The bus driver usually helps).

In Conceição you get the boat. There are different prices, so try not to get the first one that is offered 'cause it's usually more expensive. (when you get off the bus, cross the road and follow the rest of the people, They'll take you to the dock. The boat will take you to Abraão Village, a kind of "capital" of the island.

In Ilha Grande you can take boat rides and walk trails. Signs are written in English,too.

We suggest trails to: Lopes Mendes beach (about 2 and a half hours to go and the same to get back; Feiticeira waterfall (about 2 hours); Two rivers beach (my favorite) about 2 and a half hours to get there; Saco do Céu (Sky bag) about 4 hours to go and 4 more to be back. But there are other beautiful places nearby.

There's plenty of structure because they're used to receiving foreigners. Again, it's good to take a look at the lodgings available before you go.

We like to stay at "Porto Abraão" (near the dock).

On the way to "Saco do Céu"

Cataguás beach (you get there by boat)

Our video at Ilha Grande: https://youtu.be/jnRZkANRyAM

4) Paquetá Island:

It's much nearer than the one above, although not so "glamorous".

In fact, Paquetá is not another town, it's a far away neighbourhood in Rio. But it is very different from the capital city. It's a calm place, there are no cars there (except for emergencies) and the old houses tell an important part of the History of Rio de Janeiro

Tips:

One of the best things to do there is riding a bike. You can rent one for a cheap price in the street in front of the pier.
Of course you have to take a ferry to get there. This one departs from Praça XV, downtown Rio. It's not expensive and will take about 50 minutes on weekdays and 1 hour on weekends (the ferry is faster on weekdays)
There are places there I don't think you should miss: Parque Darke de Matos (the best view of the island), Centro Cultural, Moreninha beach...
"Moreninha" is a character from a book, who lived in the island, and her "house" is still there...
Other important - and real - people related to politics have lived there too. Their houses have signs telling the history.
Although it's a charming place,there isn't much to do there in fact. So you can do all I have suggested in one day only. But in case you want to spend the night, I suggest Acordes ao Luar Inn. (it's near the pier) Nearby there's a nice restaurant called Regina's. A good place to eat!