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Buzios - Sea, Sun and Blue Skys on the Brazilian Costa do Sol
There are a multitude of beaches and lagoons in this lovely area, located a few hours drive from the city of Rio De Janeiro. If you are familiar with Cornwall in England then you will feel an affinity with Buzios and its enchanting coves and hidden beaches. Of course there are major differences, in Buzios there is a lot more sun and blue sky! There is on average 300 sunny days a year. In both Cabo Frio and Buzios you will find great beaches, great food, water sport activities and night time entertainment.
Buzios has its origin in a small fishing village, in the past it was populated by French pirates who also trafficed in slaves. With more than 20 beaches of a wide variety and beauty, this peninsula that seems more like an island, is today one of the most popular and sophisticated resorts in the Rio de Janeiro region. The transformation of Búzios into a popular resort started when it was "discovered" by Brigitte Bardot in the sixties. It seems she has never been forgtten as there is a bronze statue of her sitting looking out to sea at Ossos Beach, Buzios.
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Armacao dos Buzios. Beautiful beaches and coves, great restaurants, plenty of sun.
Boat trips along the coast and islands, jeep trips along the coast, trekking, water sports of all types and more. Plenty to keep you entertained in this paradise only a few hours from Rio de Janeiro. More upmarket than Cabo Frio, Buzios is popular with Brazilian artists, politicians (unfortunately!) and the middle classes. It was popularized in the 1960's by the French Actress Bridget Bardot and although you are not likely to see international stars nowadays, you will doubtless pass many Brazilian "soap stars" who you won't recognize.
Generally speaking the beaches on the west coast have calm, clear waters while the east coast ones, which face the Atlantic ocean, are a little wilder and attract surfers and other water sports enthusiasts.
Diving is plentiful and beginners courses are available with 5 day courses costing around 850 reais. Diving spots can be found on the close by islands of Gravata and Ancora or Buzios beaches such as Praia do Forno, Praia Joao Fernandinho and Praia da Tartaruga.
Nature reserves: There are 3 in the area worth mentioning. The Pau Brasil protected area which runs from Tucans beach down to Cabo Frio. This is a Brazil Hardwood reserve. Then there is the Emerencias Reserve
which has hiking trails amongst this lovely semi-tropical Atlantic forest. Although rare the Golden Tamarin monkey lives here. Finally there is the Taua Reserve, known for bird watching and butterfly watching ( no you shouldn't colect them).
Night Life: Stroll along the "Rua das Pedras" an old cobbled street which is the centre of attraction at night as it contains many restaurants and bars. Beautiful on a warm summer night with a gentle sea breeze. Live music abounds and there is an annual blues and Jazz festival ( www.buziosjazzeblues.com.br ) During the high summer months (December - March) everything opens late,you will find very few bars, cafes etc open before mid-day.
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Click for Larger Map of Buzios<<
Driving to Buzios:- After crossing the Rio-Niterói bridge take the left fork in the direction of Rio Bonito. Shortly after Rio Bonito take a right onto the Via Lagos road in the direction of Araruama/Cabo Frio (Região dos Lagos). When the Via Lagos comes to an end, continue for 5 km until you reach the Ipiranga gas station, then take the RJ-106 in the direction Macaé/Búzios. After 14 km (soon after the Gas station called "Até que Enfim"), take a right and in 10 minutes you have arrived at Buzios.
By Bus/Coach: Go to the Rodoviario Novo Rio located in Sao Cristovao central Rio ( 15-30 minutes in a tax/bus from Copacabana, depending on traffic). You will find a multitude of bus companies operating from here. One of the most reliable and recommended is 1001( white and blue bus with 1001 in red). There should be at least 6 or 7 a day to and from both Buzios and Cabo Frio. If possible get an "executive" bus as this will have air conditioning and only costs a few dollars more than the normal . Prices are cheap -10 to 20 dollars, to Cabo Frio or Buzios.
Taxi: You can come to a deal with a taxi driver for a fixed price. An approximate price would be R$200 - R$250 ( just over $100).
Buzios Jazz and Blues Festival Get Info at
www.buziosjazzeblues.com.br
Buzios Restaurants
Sawasdee.
Av. Jose Bento Ribeiro Dantas, 422 (Orla Bardot)
Thai Food (mild) Typical price R$60+ per head
Tel:(55) 22 2623-4644
Cigalon - Pousada do Sol
Rua Das Pedras 199
French cuisine Typical price R$60+ per head
Tel (55) 22 2623-6284
Bar Do Ze
Avenida Jose Bento Ribeiro Dantas 382
Sea Food Typical price R$40-60 per head
Tel(55) 22 2623-4986
Estancia Don Juan
Rua das Pedras 178
Tango on Tuesdays R$40-60 per head
Tel (55) 22 2623-2169