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Hours |
Regular Ferry: 7:10am, 10:30am, 1:30pm, 4pm, and 5:45pm. Paquetá-Rio departs daily at 9am, noon, 3pm, 5:30pm, and 7:30pm. Fast Ferry: Mon-Fri 10am, noon, 2pm, and 4pm; Sat-Sun and holidays 9am, 10am, noon, 2pm, 4pm, and 5pm. Paquetá-Rio departs at 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm. It's a good idea to confirm return times upon arrival in Paquetá |
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Location |
Regular ferry departs from Praça XV. Fast Ferry departs from Praça XV |
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Phone |
021/2533-7524: Regular ferry, 021/2533-4343: Fast Ferry |
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Prices |
Regular ferry: R$4.50/US$1.85. Fast Ferry: R$6/US$2.50 |
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Frommer's Review
For an old-fashioned Carioca day trip, visit the island of Paquetá in Guanabara Bay. The destination has been a favorite since 1808, when Dom João VI began spending his summers on the island. In some ways not much has changed. On weekends, families hop on the slow ferry (according to Cariocas the real way to approach the island) for the one-hour crossing. Take the fast Catamaran or Aerobarco and the trip takes 20 minutes. Upon arrival stop off at the Paquetur booth across from the ferry terminal to pick up a map of the island (Praça Pedro Bruno s/n; open Wed-Mon 11am-5:30pm). No cars are allowed on Paquetá. Instead, visitors can rent bicycles (starting at R$1.50/US65¢ an hour) or ride in a horse and buggy (R$35/US$15 for an hour, including stops) to see the sights. Paquetá is fairly small, so it'll only take an hour to see most of the 11 beaches, historic sights, and small parks. However, you may want to take time to stop for a snack at one of the many beachside kiosks or grab lunch at the Restaurante Charretão (Praça Bom Jesus 15; tel. 021/3397-0052; serves meat and seafood) or at the Hotel Lido, overlooking the Praia de José Bonifacio (tel. 021/3397-0377, kilo restaurant and ice-cream parlor). Also bring enough film to take photos of the fabulous views of the bay and surrounding mountains. Although locals swim in most Paquetá beaches, the only ones given a green light by the City of Rio are Praia da Imbuca, Praia de José Bonifacio, and Praia da Moreninha. Including travel time allow 4 to 6 hours for the trip, depending on whether you take the fast or slow ferry. Weekends are best for seeing the "bustle" on the island and sharing the beaches and parks with visiting Rio families and locals. Weekdays -- especially between April and November -- are very quiet.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
