I'm interested in taking a 2-3 day trip to Buzios. Anyone been there & have advise on hotels and places to go? Thanks.

Note: I've heard that it is a good idea to bring a girl with you as one isn't going to find one as easily as you do in Rio.

I have the number to a real nice Posauda (sp?) where I stayed at, I will see if I can dig up their business card for you. I payed about 80R/nite during Carnival season. There is only one main strip in Buzios, impossible to miss! You will have a great time, absolutely beautifull place and wonderfull beaches. Make sure you bring a girl with you because I don't think you will have much luck picking someone up.

That would be great if you could find it. Thanks Thumper.

Youngtom,

Are you still in Rio?

I was in Buzios and stayed at Pousado Viladomar. It has a great Ocean view and you are a "stones" throw from the main pier and Rua Piedras (Street of Stones). I payed $R260 but I'm not sure if it was for all night or if it was for all 3 nights. Go see Bobby as they have the number. I also rented a dune buggy for R$50 (have your girl call and ask, I heard they charge gringos $75 US.!)BuggyCar Turismo 24-2623-4631 Consola is who I dealt with). They'll provide you with a map, so take the high road along the cliffs and you will have some breath taking views!
I do recall seeing a disco there, so I am sure you could find a girl or 2 there. Hey maybe you and your girl can check into it for us?

I just made it back from Rio. I had some problems catching my initial flight home; I'm looking at going to Buzios on next trip (Memorial week). I appreciate all the great advise.

Here are a couple of great links for Buzios.

http://www.buziosonline.com.br
http://www.buziosturismo.com

Looks like getting there by bus from Rio is pretty straight foward
http://www.buziosonline.com.br/home/english/echegar.cfm

YT: I have been told that some of the travel agents can hook you up with a minibus to the Buzios area, but can't vouch for this personally.
About an hour outside of Rio in that direction I saw a big billboard advertising a terma, which I just caught a quick glimpse of as the bus was speeding along. I've always been intrigued by what may be found in the sticks.
Nearly all the travel agents have deals on Buzios, but when I asked which beach, and told them to point it out on the map I brought along, I realized they didn't really know what they were talking about, but I would be assured it was the "number one beach." There are more than a dozen beaches on the peninsula, I wish I got around to seeing more when I was there.
The beaches are quite crowded with barracas (beach restaurants/bars) right next to each other, all playing loud music. Then there are the guys who've turned their cars into rolling boomboxes also cranking up the volume. Some people like the non-stop party atmosphere, but personally I prefer the (nearly) deserted beach motif.

Just returned from Buzios had a great time I took my girl friend with me I met her in Rio and we had a blast. Definitely would recommend staying two to three days. You can scuba dive drink hang out or what ever you like. Have fun and enjoy.

Rioman - where would you recommend staying?

Hey YT,

I picked up the local Buzios rag this weekend. Here is the link it may have some useful info in it.
www.operumolhado.com.br

Thanks NoMal - Looks like lots of great info there.
This place looks nice; I might have to stay here
http://www.byblos.com.br

For All your travel needs to Buzios and The Lakes Region including transfers, lodging and the best personal guide, drop by the the "tour guide" link in the Rio de Janeiro section.

take care

jose

Buzios for you.....

jose

Me and my Brasileira girlfriend will be in Buzios the first week of March for Carnaval. We will be staying at the Pousada Casa Colina on Geriba Beach. Glad to hookup with other mongers with or without girlfriends. Send me an email if interested. Turk

I am going to Buzios with some buddies for a couple of days after carnaval. Does anyone know of any action in the area, or do we have to supply our own ladies from Rio?

MrBaseball,

I'll be in rio for carnaval as well. First time. We'll be arriving on the 28th. If you like you can send me an email here eastilldrive@nospam.yahoo.com (leave out the nospam. of course). I'd be happy to share with you the little that I know.

B2

MrBaseBall: Bring your own

BS

Hey Badseed
I'm gonna take my Brazilian wife to Buzios in Mid March. Any suggestions for a nice resort that won't break the bank?
Oh, and your package went out yesterday
DG

Off the top of my head, try El Parador (Spaninsh owners,go figure):

http://www.buziosturismo.com/elparador/

Stayed there years ago and liked it, it's in a great location. The "Superior" rooms are very nice, R$150 a night (probably negotiable). The only added benefit to the "DeLuxe" rooms is a rather small jacuzzi.

Enjoy!

BS

To my fellow hombres:

My Brasileira girlfriend and I will be staying in Buzios the month of March. We plan on visiting Cabo Frio during our stay. My girlfriend says that Carnaval in Cabo is wild. Does anybody have any good restaurants, bars or night clubs they would recommend? If you will be in the area maybe we can hookup for a beer or two.

Turk

Don Gringo and Turk5555,
Am thinking of taking girl to Buzios for a few
days in May. Would be interested in your findings. Especially any hotels in $90-100
price range during May(low season) that are
right on the beach or very close to the beach.
Any thoughts on a great place to stay will be
appreciated. Enjoy your trips.

I stayed at the Colonna Park Hotel right at the tip of the Buzios Penninsula in February, 2003. I made the reservations with Luanna of blameitonrio4travel for 350R/night (high season rate, low season supposed to be 200R). Apparently a suite is 450R. The hotel location is great and the beach is fabulous ... quiet ... no waves ... vendors leave you alone. There are party boats which come by to take you to the other beaches if you want to join in. The hotel pool and property are well maintained and visually appealing. It is a 10R taxi ride each way to Rua das Pedras. This hotel is a good choice for families, maybe not the best choice for partying.

http://www.colonna.com.br/

I had rented a car and had no trouble driving around town, but do watch out for speed bumps. I also drove down to Cabo Frio one afternoon to have dinner. Cabo Frio is a much larger town with beaches complete with waves and sand dunes. The 23km trip took about an hour door to door from the hotel to the beach. The roads pass through small towns, so not necessarily and easy drive.

At one point we saw a kid who had been riding his bike, but was obviously the victim of a hit-and-run. He was just lying writhing on the pavement. We stopped and helped him up. Some locals then got involved and we handed him off. I think he was ok, but in the usa would have expected him to get checked out for a concussion. Be especially careful of the many pedestrians and dogs that run out into the road.

Uwphoto

Coincidentally the Colonna Park is the hotel DonGringo and myself are staying at in Buzios, in a couple weeks. Thanks for the info, it sounds like a great place for a weekend getaway with a couple garotas. Did you happen to look at the different types of rooms and if so what type of differences are there between rooms? I believe they have standard, deluxe, and suite.

Tell DonGringo not to do anything I wouldn't do (ha ha ... rules out nothing)! Actually, do say hello for me. I'm not sure whether I had standard or deluxe, but it had two beds (one king, one single) for 350R. The suite was like 450R. I made the reservation through Luanna at blameitonrio4travel.com ... definitely cheaper than making the reservation directly.

The property is clean, well maintained, and had a decent pool. The beach is quiet and the vendors won't bother you. We got an umbrella and chairs on the beach for like 4R for the whole day. Don't bother dragging the stuff in the room back and forth to the beach. The party boats all stop by, so it is easy to get to the other beaches. All in all a very quiet weekend. The vendors won't hassle you so pretty relaxing. Buzios could be kinda boring unless you bring your own garota.

I rented a car and drove myself ... not too bad just watch out for the speed bumps and be careful around towns. We took a taxi into town the first evening. Not much to do but shopping, eating, and maybe some live music late in the evening. We had a kid with us, so we didn't stay out late to party. All of the action would be downtown on Rua das Pedras, a 1km long walking street. Taxi was 10R each way. I drove during the day, but the first night was worth taking a taxi.

We did drive to Cabo Frio ... much bigger and livelier town. You can probably kill a day on the party boats in Buzios doing the booze cruise thing. You also can do some scuba diving if you are so inclined. There were boats available for rent too. Best bet is to watch your garotas bake in the sun. Turn them gently and keep them well oiled. Baste frequently! Ha ha!

I'm going to be back in Rio in two weekends ... March 14-16 ... maybe even a VIPS party if you or DG are around. If nothing else, definitely a termas conquest. Godfather, Kickstand, and Seaman will all be in town that weekend. Hopefully we can hook up.

I arrive the 15th and leave for Buzios the 16th so maybe I will have an opportunity to hook up with you Saturday the 15th. I Think I am going to be with Rich (GCL), Don and who ever is with them Saturday.

I just got back from Buzios. I went for 3 days right after carnaval. I did not have any pousada reservations. I just showed up and looked around at some different places to stay. I deceided upon the Mykonos pousada. It was simple and clean with cold A/C. It was steps away from the beach. I ended up paying R$162 a night. I had a great time. I would much rather spend my days relaxing on the beaches of Buzios than Rio.

Mrbaseball - didja have a girl or find any there?

UWPhoto - thanks for the excellent info dude. After traipsing around all of Cuba for 11 days, I'm looking forward to just relaxing in Buzios for a few days. If only I could learn your basting techniques... would that make me a masterbaster?

I did not bring a girl with me. It is pretty easy to meet ladies in Buzios, but you are probably not going to get your shag on with any of them without investing some time and efort. It was my impression that most of the ladies there are on vacation with their famalies and are upper class.

Cummon guys, debrief us pls =)

There is no action in Buzios. Most mongers bring their dates from Rio to this place. The beaches are OK, nothing in comparison to Hawaii or Caribe.

Has become very commercial. Was there several years ago, and much re-development had started. No surprise if it's a major tourist trap now.

Take the bus from central station. Go first class. Do not drive. The Rodoviaria Police and PM are known for pulling over gringos coming from Rio. I personally know of a person who was jacked for money.

I just returned from Buzios and spent 2 nights and 3 days at a highly recommended Hotel - GLENZHAUS LODGE. This is a small 10 unit hotel but the rooms and suites are fantastic and very reasonable prices. The owner and his wife Louis will go out of their way to make sure you are very well taken cared for. their email address is glenzhaus@uol.com.br or you can contact Amerioca Tours (Don and Ken)and they will make the arrangements. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - Thanks Hemp

Here is the english web site for GLENZHAUS LODGE looks like a nice place:

http://www.glenzhaus.com.br/www_en/default.asp

Scooby

I am headed to Buzios next weekend. There seems to be a million pousadas to choose from. Any new reccomendations on places to stay? I dont want to break the bank, but I would like something within walking distance to Rua de Pedras. THX

Has anyone been to both Buzios and Ilha grande?
What is the pros and cons to both places? And which one to be more inclined to return to?

Ilha Grande is a lot larger, has more beaches, beaches much nicer & cleaner than Buzios. Generally speaking, island beaches are better than mainland beaches. Arraial de Cabo, south of Buzios, has nice island beaches, so do Paraty located south of IG, & Ilha de Santa Catarina.

Someone posted a pousada recently that had a private beach. I remember it was kinda expensive but small and intimate with only a few number of rooms. could someone provide that link for me please. thx,

I dont have a link but if you check with Don at Amerioca he put me up in a Pousada downtown that had a small beach in front and was nice at night just to walk out to a bar. Don't remember the name though.

Was that you Kjtrav that posted about the pousada in buzios? I thought it was a trip report or something