Ilha de Paquetá: Rio de Janeiro Day Trip Guide

If you’re looking for a calm island getaway, or just hoping to get more off the beaten path during your trip to Brazil, Ilha de Paquetá is one of the best day trips from Rio de Janeiro.

I spent a day here during one of my trips to Rio, and I can confirm that Ilha de Paquetá is really one of Rio’s best-kept secrets. Just an hour away from the city, it’s also super easy to visit!

As a colonial-style town that first became a tourist destination in the 1800s, part of Ilha de Paquetá’s charm is just how calm and quiet it is, partly thanks to its no-cars-rule.

It’s a really tiny island with unpaved streets, so expect to see lots of electric carts, eco-taxis, and bikes here!

Is Ilha de Paquetá worth visiting?

With that said, there’s not a ton to do there — and those looking for an activity-filled destination may be disappointed.

It’s really just about spending time at the beach in a quiet and scenic area.

So if you have only a few days to spend in Rio de Janeiro, I’d recommend sticking to the city, as there’s so much to do there.

But if you have a longer stay in Rio, or it’s a return visit and you’ve already checked off the main sites, then Ilha de Paquetá is an awesome and highly underrated place to check out for a few hours. 

How to get to Ilha de Paquetá

Situated in the Guanabara Bay, the only way to get to Ilha de Paquetá from Rio is by boat. You’ll leave from Praça XV, a historic square in Downtown Rio. 

The frequency of the ferries and exact timing varies a bit depending on if it’s a weekday or a weekend, so check out the full schedule here.

It takes about an hour to get to the island, and costs R$ 7.70 each way (under $2 USD). You can purchase your ticket directly at the terminal. Don’t miss the view on your way to the island! You’ll see sights like the Rio-Niterói bridge, which is cool.

What to do in Ilha de Paqueta

The main attraction at Ilha de Paquetá is its beaches!

At some of them, you’ll see really interesting, large boulders. There’s some dispute about the cleanliness of the water, as the Guanabara Bay deals with its fair share of pollution.

However, some people claim the water is clean and just has algae — and I definitely saw some people swimming there. So I’ll let you be the judge!

Whether you’re up for swimming or not, there are a bunch of small bars along the beaches where you can get a drink and relax.

When you’re ready to explore, either walk, or rent a bike, electric cart (what my husband and I went for), or swan paddle boat if you’d rather go by water. The island is less than a square mile (with a perimeter of around five miles) so it’s super easy to cover in just a few hours or so this way. 

There’s also a large park, Parque Natural Municipal Darke de Mattos that’s great for relaxing or having a picnic. We hung out here for a while at the end of our day here, and it was super nice!

There’s a beautiful viewpoint here, Mirante Boa Vista, that gives you a view of Rio — Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer and all.

Also check out another cool viewpoint, Pedra da Moreninha, which you can reach by taking a short walk from Praia da Moreninha (a beach), and crossing a small bridge. 

The town itself is cute with colorful, colonial-style architecture.

I didn’t get to check either of these places out when I was here, but São Roque Chapel is a pretty blue and white church that’s just open on Sundays. And, there’s also the Casa de Artes Paquetá, a cultural center that regularly hosts musical performances and other events. 

Where to Eat in Ilha de Paquetá

Unlike in Rio where there are a ton of restaurant and bar options, in Ilha de Paquetá, there are just a handful of choices.

Don’t expect to see a ton of variety when it comes to cuisine, either. You can expect most spots to be on the casual side and serving up traditional Brazilian snacks and dishes.

I ate at Zeca’s, a classic Brazilian spot with lots of seafood and meat options, and would recommend it! I enjoyed my meal and the prices were reasonable.

Here are some other options as well:

• Pastelaria do Lido has lots of Brazilian classics like codfish, mixed barbecued meats, and pastels, a delicious savory pastry similar to an empanada. (Praia José Bonifácio, 59 – Paquetá, Rio de Janeiro)

• Ilha Do Sol is a small cafe with burgers, seafood, snacks, and more. (Praia José Bonifácio 77, Paquetá, Rio de Janeiro)

• Cantina Vira Canto is another spot selling typical Brazilian food like seafood and meat dishes. (Rua Furquim Werneck 70 Ilha de Paquetá, Rio de Janeiro)

• Tia Leleta Bar e Restaurante is a traditional Brazilian restaurant with classic appetizers like pastels and seafood options like moqueca, a stew usually made with shrimp and fish, as well as pizzas and pastas at night. (Rua Doutor Lacerda, 18 – Ilha de Paquetá, Rio de Janeiro)

Exploring more of Rio de Janeiro

Since you’re reading this, you clearly love Rio de Janeiro hidden gems, and lucky for you, there are so many amazibg places to explore.

Rio de Janeiro doesn’t have too many easy day trips, to be honest, but if you’re looking for a super simple and relaxing getaway, you can’t do better than Paqueta Island.

For my other favorite easy Rio day trip, check out this guide to visiting Niterói. This city right outside of Rio is home to gorgeous beaches, hiking, and a cool contemporary art museum.

If a weekend trip is more what you’re after, I fell in love with Paraty on my last trip to Rio. This historic city is probably the prettiest town I’ve ever visited, from its whitewashed architecture, waterfalls, and beaches. I’ve got two guides up for you to help you plan:

• 10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Paraty
• Paraty, Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide: How to Plan Your Trip

If escaping to a tropical island paradise is calling your name, then you have to look into Ilha Grande. With amazing hiking and the best beaches I’ve ever seen, I don’t know how this island isn’t on everybody’s radar already. (You may see it advertised as a day trip while you’re in Rio, but don’t fall for it! It takes a few hours to get here, and uou honestly need like 3 days.)

• Things to Do in Ilha Grande, Brazil’s Island Paradise

Head to one of these Rio guides next

• How to Get Around Rio de Janeiro Like a Local
• Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro on a Budget
• Windsor Leme Hotel Review: Perfect for First-Time Rio Visitors
• One Week in Rio de Janeiro Itinerary
• 6 Best Museums to Visit in Rio de Janeiro
• Best Weekend and Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro
• Best Places to Eat in Rio de Janeiro: 25 Top Restaurants & Bars
• 15 Brazilian Foods and Drinks You Have to Try in Rio de Janeiro
• How to Pack for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• How to Get to Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro
• The Ultimate Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide
• Is Rio de Janeiro Safe for Tourists? 10 Tips for Women Travelers
• Three Weeks in Brazil Itinerary
• Is Brazil Expensive to Visit? A Budget Breakdown
• 5 Best Places to Visit in Brazil for Your First Trip