Things To Do
in Araruama
Araruama is a coastal town in the state of Rio de Janeiro centered around the vast Lagoa de Araruama, one of the largest hypersaline lagoons in the world. The town blends a working fishing community, watersports culture (especially wind- and kitesurfing) and a low-key seaside urban center with colorful houses and a relaxed pace. Visitors come for lagoon sunsets, seafood, and easy access to nearby beach destinations like Saquarema and Cabo Frio.
Despite modest tourist infrastructure compared with bigger resorts, Araruama offers authentic local life, outdoor activities, and good base for exploring the Região dos Lagos.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by wandering through the charming streets of Araruama's historic center, where you'll find colorful colonial buildings and quaint shops. Don't miss the beautiful Igreja de São Sebastião, a stunning church that reflects the town's rich history. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Brazilian pastries and fresh coffee.
Continue your exploration with a visit to the Museu de Araruama, which showcases the region's cultural heritage and history. Afterward, take a stroll along the waterfront promenade, admiring the scenic views of the lagoon and the surrounding landscape. For lunch, indulge in regional flavors at a nearby restaurant, where you can taste local seafood delicacies.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a beachside bar to sip on caipirinhas while watching the vibrant sky transform into shades of orange and pink. Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring fresh fish and traditional Brazilian dishes, surrounded by the sounds of the ocean. Cap off the night with a leisurely walk along the beach, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Head to Praia do Barbudo, one of Araruama's popular beaches, where you can bask in the sun and enjoy the soft sands. Engage in exciting water sports such as paddleboarding or kite surfing, with rental equipment available nearby. Take a refreshing dip in the warm waters to start your day off right.
After a fun-filled morning, grab a light lunch at one of the beachfront kiosks offering delicious snacks and cold drinks. Spend the afternoon relaxing under the shade of a beach umbrella, reading a book or simply enjoying the sounds of the waves. If you're feeling adventurous, consider joining a guided jet ski tour to explore the coastline from a different perspective.
As the day winds down, find a spot to witness a breathtaking sunset over the lagoon, as the sky is painted with brilliant colors. Enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor freshly caught fish while seated outdoors with an ocean view. After dinner, stroll along the beach, feeling the cool evening breeze and listening to the distant sounds of live music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry (padaria) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.80-1.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (2–5 km) | $4-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel / pousada (per night) | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Large, scenic lagoon with excellent conditions for watersports
- Authentic local culture and affordable food
- Close to popular coastal destinations (Saquarema, Cabo Frio, Búzios)
- Good birdwatching and nature experiences in nearby restinga habitats
- Limited high-end tourist infrastructure compared with larger resorts
- Public transport options can be sparse outside peak times
- Seasonal crowds during holidays and Carnival
- Fewer international dining or specialty options for niche dietary needs
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male / female speaker)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Eu sou alérgico(a) a frutos do mar" - I am allergic to seafood
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Araruama
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic opportunities at sunrise and sunset — captures fishermen, traditional boats, kite- and windsurfers, and colorful skies reflected in the lagoon.
Small headlands and public promenades offer uninterrupted lagoon sunsets with silhouettes of palms, boats and local activity.
Street scenes, colonial-style buildings, churches and everyday life provide cultural and architectural photo opportunities.
Coastal beaches and nearby sandbanks deliver seascapes, dunes and strong-wave compositions; combine morning and golden-hour shots for dramatic light.
Close-up nature photography of coastal flora, migratory birds and small wildlife in the region’s restinga ecosystems.
Food in Araruama
Araruama Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled or stewed local fish, often served with rice, farofa and a light tomato-onion broth; available at lakeside restaurants and family eateries.
Must-Try!
Shrimp prepared in various styles — sautéed, in stews or with regional sides; look for simple shrimp dishes at fish markets and restaurants.
Popular snacks: tapioca pancakes filled with sweet or savory fillings and deep-fried pastel sold at street stalls and markets for a quick bite.
Traditional black‑bean and pork stew frequently served on Saturdays at larger local restaurants or community events.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central market or weekly feira is where locals buy fresh fish, fruits and snacks — great for early morning visits to try pastries, fresh juices and small seafood preparations.
Small kiosks and food trucks near the lagoon serve grilled fish, fried snacks, tapioca and caipirinhas — ideal for casual lunches and sunset snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Brazilians are warm and informal: handshake or a quick hug in casual settings; in social situations a single cheek kiss (right cheek) is common among women and between men and women, depending on familiarity.
Beachwear is normal at the shore but not appropriate for restaurants away from the beach; dress modestly when visiting churches or official buildings.
Use basic Portuguese greetings and polite phrases; even a few words (por favor, obrigado/obrigada) go a long way and are appreciated by locals.
Be mindful of fishing activity and private property along the lagoon; ask before photographing people at work or their boats.
Safety
Tipping in Araruama
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants in Brazil commonly add a 10% service charge to the bill; if service is not included, a 5–10% tip is appreciated for good service. For small services (porters, taxis) rounding up or leaving small change is typical.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at restaurants and larger shops; cash (Brazilian real) is useful for street vendors, markets and small kiosks. Many establishments accept contactless payments and mobile apps; have cash on hand for remote beaches and local markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
(Dec–Feb) Hot, humid and rainier with afternoon showers. Beaches and lagoon are busiest during school holidays and Carnival; pack sun protection, a light rain jacket and plan for crowded weekends.
(Mar–May) Temperatures begin to moderate and rainfall decreases; water is still warm and conditions are pleasant for swimming, boating and relaxed exploration.
(Jun–Aug) Generally drier and milder with cooler evenings; winds can be steadier on the lagoon — a good time for kitesurfing and windsurfing but bring a light jacket for evenings.
(Sep–Nov) Warming temperatures and increasing winds make spring one of the best times for watersports and outdoor activities; wildflowers and bird activity rise as the coast thaws from winter.
Araruama at Night
Hiking in Araruama
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal restinga habitats with low dunes and scrub — good for short hikes, birdwatching and learning about unique coastal flora; bring sun protection and water.
Scenic coastal routes and short hill climbs near neighboring Saquarema offer ocean vistas and natural viewpoints — combine with beach stops for a full day trip.
Short, accessible hikes and walks along lagoon headlands and sandbanks that are ideal for sunrise/sunset photography and easy exploration with minimal gear.
Airports
How to reach Araruama by plane.
The closest commercial airport for many visitors to the Região dos Lagos, about 40–60 km away depending on route; convenient for domestic flights and a short drive or taxi ride to Araruama.
Main international gateway for the region (flights from worldwide), approximately 120–160 km away by road — accessible by rental car, bus or private transfer; travel time varies with traffic.
Smaller airport in central Rio with domestic connections; useful if combining a visit to Rio and the Região dos Lagos though ground travel from SDU to Araruama will take longer than from Galeão or Cabo Frio.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding families oriented around fishing and lagoon livelihoods contribute to local culture and economy.
A diverse population reflecting the broader demographics of Rio state, with a mix of working-class families, small business owners and service-sector workers.
Seasonal visitors, especially wind- and kitesurfers, and day-trippers from nearby coastal cities augment the local population during peak months.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Among the most popular sports on Lagoa de Araruama due to steady winds and shallow waters — schools and rental shops cater to a wide range of skill levels.
The country’s national passion is strong locally — casual matches, youth leagues and community fields are common.
Coastal beaches draw surfers and beach volleyball players; surf conditions depend on the stretch of coast and season.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Araruama.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in major cities; you’ll find salads, tapioca fillings, rice and bean dishes and vegetable stews. Explain dietary needs in Portuguese (e.g., 'sou vegetariano/vegetariana') and look for vegetarian-friendly cafés or larger restaurants.
Vegan and gluten-free options exist but require advance planning; supermarkets carry basic supplies and larger towns nearby have more dedicated options. Communicate restrictions clearly and carry snacks when exploring beaches.
Because seafood is central to the local cuisine, always state allergies clearly and double-check preparation at restaurants to avoid cross-contamination.