Lagoa De Araruama

Lagoa de Araruama, one of the largest hypersaline lagoons in the world, is a shimmering inland sea just east of Rio de Janeiro. Its calm, warm waters are famed for therapeutic mud baths and windsurfing, while the surrounding towns of Araruama, Saquarema, and Cabo Frio offer a relaxed Brazilian beach lifestyle. This is a place where you can soak in mineral-rich waters, feast on fresh seafood, and watch kite surfers dance across the horizon.

Highlights & What to See

• Praia do Forte – A lively beach in Cabo Frio with fine white sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming and people-watching.
• Ilha do Japonês – A tiny island connected by a footbridge, offering calm swimming spots and kayak rentals.
• Arraial do Cabo – Just south, this is Brazil’s diving capital with boat tours to Gruta Azul and Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia.
• Mud Baths in Araruama – Slather on the mineral-rich clay along the lake’s edge, said to have therapeutic properties.
• Saquarema Surfing – Head to the Atlantic beaches of Saquarema for world-class waves and the annual Surfing Pro.
• Buggy Rides on the Sandbanks – Explore the shifting dunes and hidden lagoons of the Costa do Sol region.

Suggested Time to Spend

Base yourself for at least three to four days to soak up the lagoon culture and explore the coastal highlights. Use Araruama or Cabo Frio as a hub: spend mornings windsurfing or kayaking on the lagoon, afternoons at nearby Atlantic beaches, and evenings enjoying grilled fish at a waterfront restaurant. If you’re short on time, a day trip from Rio is possible but rushed—you’ll want to stay overnight.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Búzios – A chic peninsula with 20-plus beaches, boutiques, and a vibrant nightlife, 40 minutes north.
• Rio de Janeiro – The Marvelous City is two hours west, offering iconic sights like Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer.
• Serra da Tiririca State Park – Hiking trails with sweeping ocean views near Niterói, en route from Rio.
• Região dos Lagos – The entire Lakes Region, including sleepy fishing villages and salt flats, is perfect for a self-drive loop.

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