'''Armacao dos Buzios''' (often shortened to just '''Buzios''') is a coastal city in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro.

Get in

Buzios is 176km from Rio de Janeiro and 600km from Sao Paulo. Buses connect the city to those capitals and neighboring cities (especially Cabo Frio). Long distance buses operated by ''1001''[http://www.autoviacao1001.com.br/en/].

Get around

See

  • '''Beaches''' - Azeda, Azedinha, Joao Fernandes, Forninho, etc.
  • '''Rua das Pedras''' - restaurants, shopping and nightlife
  • Do

  • '''Boat trips''' through the beaches
  • A three hour schooner trip goes round the beaches and out to an island. Fresh fruit is served, and it often stops for an optional swim in the ocean near the beach, and then stops at the beach itself. More than one company provides such tours, and they are easy to find. Just go out on the long dock from downtown and people will be there promoting the next trip with flyers, or go into any of the local travel agencies. It cost 30 Real in May 2006

  • '''Scuba diving'''
  • There are two excellent and certified scuba diving instruction schools, which both do daily trips for beginners and experienced divers. They are located across the street from each other on the main street by the beach downtown.

  • '''Surf Lessons''' at Geriba beach (Video: [http://www.buziosvideos.com/thebeaches)]
  • There are about 10 surf schools that teach all ages, as well as one girls' surf school, "Surfer Girls".

  • '''Annual Jazz Festival'''
  • Goes for 4 days around 22nd of July every year. About 6 of the nightclubs and the pagado have live jazz music throughout the night. Most of them are free throughout the festival (a few require reservations).

    Buy

    Alfredo's Arabic bikini shop on the beach side of the main street downtown is an excellent store for homemade bikinis. Many shops are locally owned, and a chat with the owners can reveal a lot of great connections and recommendations around town.

    There is many casual fashion stores in the area. One thing to be aware of is that pants are usually sold by waist size and not by length. You are expected to have them altered to your size, and the store may very well not provide that service. If you do not know the language, it may be difficult to get it done. Suggestion: do not buy the pants until you have secured the service.

    Across the street is an internet cafe that will let you hook up your notebook for hourly fees (around BRL$6/hour), or use their computers.

    The good thing is must of shopps still open till midnight.

    Eat

    Buzios is notorious for its sophisticated and therefore expensive restaurants. The new big thing in Buzios is pay-by-the-kilo restaurants; the original was a place called '''Boom''' and now there are about 20 of them. Boom's the good one.

    '''David's''' on the main beach street downtown is one of the best casual seafood restaurant's.

    Drink

    Nightlife is huge in Buzios. One of the best nightclubs in town is '''Privilege'''. [http://www.buziosvideos.com/thenightlife]

    Buzios has a particular timing for going out. As a beach destination, most of turist stay on the beach till after the sunset, what during summer time can mean after 8PM. Because of that bars and restaurants stay pretty much empty until something like 10PM and clubs normally only open after 12AM and goes on till the sunrise.

    Where to Stay

    Buzios has several options for accommodations from stylish guesthouse to 5 stars hotels.

    Family Owned for over 35 year, Casas Brancas [http://www.casasbrancas.com.br] is a hip and charming Boutique - Hotel, nestled in the hills overlooking the stunning bay of Buzios, just two hours from Rio. With 32 individually decorated rooms and suites, the Pousada boasts an elegant architecture, an exclusive multilingual staff, and a refined and laid-back atmosphere. Bask in the warm glow of the setting sun, stretch, and unwind. You've found paradise.

    When to go

    High Season is from November till March and June to July (local schools holidays. Low season is from March till May and August till October. May and April can be a very good months to go because is dry and quieter for families looking for relaxing times. December is the busiest month and it is great for parties, although you may face some lack of basics (water and food supplies) and prices rise substantially. Avoid going in March because can be quite wet.

    Get out

  • Arraial do Cabo