Produced in association with the Contiki Insiders Project – Pedestrian’s guest travel editor Carine Buncsi recently touched down in Brazil for the first of many stops on her tour of Latin America on Contiki’s Argentina and Brazilian Experience tour, kicking things off at a leisurely pace in Rio before heading north-east to Buzios – a nearby resort town that brings together the best elements of the cosmopolitan metropolis with all the splendour and ease of a coastal getaway.

The results? Pure, unadulterated envy on our end and the makings of the itinerary for your next South American holiday on yours.
BUZIOS BEACH CHARM
Whilst the Brazilian beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana have relished in most of the notoriety, Buzios is pushing its wondrous way into the limelight.

BUZIOS BEACH CHARM 

Whilst the Brazilian beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana have relished in most of the notoriety, Buzios is pushing its wondrous way into the limelight.

Buzios is located two and half hours up the Atlantic coast of Rio de Janeiro. Hemmed in by splendid beaches with pristine blue waters, Buzios was once a simple fishing village and is now a popular sun-seeking holiday destination. The city is known for its chic boutiques and stores galore, ranging from high-end to prized tourist trinkets and restaurants (a pay by kilo trend is catching on with the masses) which line the charming cobblestone streets.

Whilst hanging out at the local beach bar, have a shot of cachaça with the dread-locked boat captain.

At the port you can can take a gander at the native fisherman coming back with their daily catch, whilst hungry, large turtles circle playfully in the water beneath as the cruise ships bob up and down against the peaceful backdrop.

The fresh local seafood is spectacular in Buzios. For dishes made with local ingredients head into town for an authentic Brazilian mouth-watering feast at Taverne 67 Restaurant. Start off with a refreshing Caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, made with cachaça (sugar cane hard liquor), sugar and lime.

The salad pie with seafood and capers went down a treat, a perfect sized entrée that will certainly whet your appetite before you feast on traditional seafood dishes Moqueca and Feijoada. As you can see I couldn’t say no to the waiter – the Banana Flambé was calling.
In the evening head down Rua das Pedras for shopping indulgence, ideal OTT people watching and for painting the town red. For some weekend mayhem there’s Pacha and Privilege nightclub around the corner and along the waterfront for a beachy bender. Or for a low key night, spend the evening on a bench with a glass of wine, accompanied by a bronze statue of the French actress and singer Brigitte Bardot, admiring the Buzios lights and listening to the soundtrack of the lapping waves.

A fun way to explore Buzios and the surrounding areas is by renting a beach buggy, it’s both affordable and totally worth it!

For beaches off the beaten track and away from the horde of baking tourists, Praia da Ferradurinha offers picture perfect views and swish villas; for some fluffy dunes and beach babes flaunting their sporty physiques relax by Praia de Geribá.

The pace of life is somewhat slower in Buzios and a perfect breather away from the hustle and bustle of Rio de Janeiro.
STREET STYLE IN BUZIOS 
The trick for the perfect Buzios beach look is versatile, comfy separates and interchangeable pieces with Havaianas or Ipanema flip flops, then rocking jeans or dressy pants with tropical coloured sandals for those breezy nights on the stretch.
Philippa from Kiama, Australia
What brings you to Buzios? Travelling around South America for a swimwear label.
Matheus from Buzios, Brazil
What do you do? Boss of Surf/Skate Store
What brings you to Buzios? Praia (beach) of course.
Natali from Argentina
What do you do? Manage a boutique
What brings you to Buzios? I came with friends seven years ago and fell in love with the place. I love the weather and people.
Jordi from Girona, Catalonia
What do you do? Wanderluster
What brings you to Buzios? I heard there were turtles.

The floaty sarong is the best beach and travel accessory – lie on it or wrap it around you at the beach and on a summers evening, fling it over your shoulders. On the plane ride home, simply curl up under it and catch up on some Z’s. For the ultimate luxury purchase, you can’t go wrong with a super-soft sarong in cashmere or silk. There’s an array of unique styles to choose from at the Buzios boutiques and local markets.

in Pedestrian