Petrópolis
- Best for
- History, architecture and a relaxed mountain day
- Format
- 7–8-hour private day trip
- Planning
- Available every day; Monday is mainly an exterior-focused Historic Center day
PRIVATE · FROM RIO DE JANEIRO
Private Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro
Trade the city for a mountain palace, a Costa Verde island, or the beaches of Búzios — private, guided, and planned around your group. A professional driver and a certified guide handle the day — the driving, the timing, the details — so you don't have to.
Licensed operator Since 2013 Private, your group only ~15,000 travellers
Where to next
Choose the day trip that fits your plans
Petrópolis combines imperial history with a mountain setting; Ilha Grande is built around a private speedboat and two distinct routes; Búzios brings together beaches and Rua das Pedras and is arranged on request.
Each destination can be arranged as a private trip from Rio, with private road transportation, a licensed guide and a separate professional driver. Petrópolis can also start in Petrópolis. Compare each format before opening the full tour page.
Compare the destinations
Ilha Grande
- Best for
- Beaches, swimming, snorkeling and boat time
- Format
- 10–12 hours, including about five hours by private speedboat
- Planning
- Choose the Classic or Lopes Mendes route; stops depend on sea, safety and operating conditions
Búzios
- Best for
- Beaches and time in a coastal town
- Format
- Private full-day trip
- Planning
- Arranged and quoted on request
For history & mountains
Petrópolis — the Imperial City
A customizable 7–8-hour private Petrópolis trip starting in Rio or Petrópolis, with private transportation, a licensed guide and a separate professional driver. It is available every day; Mondays offer a different Historic Center experience focused on exteriors.
See the Petrópolis day trip
For beaches & boat time
Ilha Grande — Costa Verde by Private Speedboat
A genuinely private 10–12-hour day trip from Rio, with private road transportation, a licensed guide, a separate professional driver and a speedboat reserved for your group. Choose the Classic route for swimming, snorkeling and more time exploring by boat, or Lopes Mendes for beach time and a forest walk. Sea, safety and operating conditions can affect the stops; see the tour page for routes, capacity, prices and full details.
See the Ilha Grande day trip
For beach hopping
Búzios — Beaches & Cobblestones
A private full-day trip to the beaches of the Búzios peninsula and Rua das Pedras. The experience is arranged on request, with dates, timing and inclusions planned for your group and quoted directly.
Request a Búzios quoteWhy go private
- Only your group — no shared departure.
- Private road transportation with a separate professional driver.
- A licensed guide accompanies the experience.
- Pickup, timing and planning are organized for the destination and your confirmed itinerary.
Day trip FAQs
Which day trip should I choose?
Choose Petrópolis for imperial history, architecture and a mountain setting. Choose Ilha Grande for beaches and private speedboat time, with a choice between the Classic and Lopes Mendes routes. Choose Búzios for beaches and Rua das Pedras; this trip is arranged on request.
How long do the trips take?
Petrópolis is a 7–8-hour private day trip. Ilha Grande takes 10–12 hours, including about five hours by private speedboat. Búzios is a private full-day trip arranged on request.
Are the day trips private?
Yes. Each trip is organized only for your group, with private road transportation, a separate professional driver and a licensed guide. On Ilha Grande, a separate skipper operates the private speedboat reserved for the group.
Is transportation from Rio included?
Yes. Every trip includes private road transportation from Rio with a separate professional driver. Pickup, timing and the applicable pickup location are confirmed for the destination and your itinerary.
Are meals included?
No. Lunch is not included in Petrópolis, although the day includes a lunch stop and admission tickets for the attractions listed in the suggested itinerary are included when applicable. On Ilha Grande, lunch and the optional onboard barbecue are not included. Meals and drinks are not included in Búzios.
How do I book Petrópolis, Ilha Grande or Búzios?
Open the destination's tour page to review the details and send your reservation request. Búzios is arranged and quoted on request. You can also contact us by email at contact@befreetours.com.br or on WhatsApp at +55 21 97927-1637.
Ready to plan your escape from Rio?
Tell us your dates, your group and the kind of day you're after — Petrópolis, Ilha Grande, Búzios or something custom. Reach us at contact@befreetours.com.br or on WhatsApp at +55 21 97927-1637 and we'll shape the day and send a quote.
Plan your day trip