2½ hr by car to the east of Rio de Janeiro nestles, between green mountains and white beaches the former pirate settlement of Arraial do Cabo. On route, panoramic views all along the lagoon of Araruama. With a population descending from British pirates and local Indian tribes, the town was founded in 1503 by the Italian explorer Americo Vespucci. Arraial do Cabo is a lazy little town and perfect for relax during low season. However during high season it boast vibrant tourist activities, because of some of the finest beaches (and the most beautiful sunset) in all of Brazil. Instead of five o'clock tea, we enjoy delicious oysters at a floating bar collected right there, in front of the guests. Later in the evening, our friend Guy at St. Tropez Restaurant, has always the best seafood catch of the day.
 

Activities

Hikes

• Hikes to the old lighthouse on the top of Ilha do Farol
• Trekking around Morro do Atalaya hill to Praia Grande beach and from Prainha beach to beautiful Forno beach.

The hikes require regular physical conditions.

Diving

Also called the Brazilian capital of diving, it offers excellent scuba diving only 10 minutes by boat from the shore, in shallow and clear waters at depths from 5 to 30 m.
 

Fishing

You may want to help the fishermen with their traditional hand pulled nets at Prainha and Praia Grande beach, or even join them for open sea fishing.
 

At late afternoon on the day three, we will be heading for Búzios, the charming beach resort which became internationally known in the late 60ties because of the torrid romance between French movie star Brigitte Bardot and Brazilian playboy Bob Zaguri. There is intense night live in the cobble stoned centre of the village with fine restaurants and bars. On the next day, we will explore the beaches nearby and return to Rio de Janeiro is scheduled for late afternoon.

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