Things To Do
in Vila Muriqui
Vila Muriqui is a small coastal village in the municipality of Mangaratiba, on Rio de Janeiro’s Costa Verde, known for its quiet beaches, fishing culture and easy access to islands and the Serra do Mar. The settlement blends a working fishing community with weekend homes and modest tourism infrastructure, offering a relaxed alternative to busier resort towns. Vegetation, mangroves and rocky headlands frame stretches of sand and clear water that are popular for swimming, snorkeling and boat trips.
Its proximity to larger hubs like Angra dos Reis and Rio de Janeiro makes it an accessible base for island excursions and coastal hiking.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Vila Muriqui and check in to your beachfront accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll along the stunning coastline to soak in the scenic beauty of the area. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh tropical fruits and traditional Brazilian pastries.
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, where you can swim in the calm waters or try your hand at some water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding. Visit the local craft market to find unique souvenirs and handmade goods from local artisans. Enjoy a light lunch at a beachfront restaurant, sampling fresh seafood dishes.
As the sun sets, head to a beachfront bar for refreshing drinks while enjoying the picturesque views. Later, indulge in a traditional Brazilian barbecue at a local steakhouse, immersing yourself in the rich flavors of the region. Cap off the night with a peaceful walk along the shoreline, under a starlit sky.
Start your day with an early morning hike through the lush green trails of nearby Serra do Mar State Park. The hike offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic rainforest and diverse wildlife, providing an immersive experience in nature. Refresh yourself with a packed breakfast amidst the beautiful scenery.
After the hike, visit one of the nearby waterfalls for a refreshing dip in its natural pools. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the serene sounds of nature, before embarking on a guided tour to learn about the local flora and fauna. Return to Vila Muriqui for some downtime to recharge.
Dine at a charming local restaurant, where you can savor traditional dishes inspired by the local culture. Engage with locals and learn about their traditions and stories, creating a deeper connection to the area. Wind down with live music performances featuring local artists, bringing the evening to life.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee or snack | $1-3 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $2-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi/uber ride | $5-15 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / pousada (per night) | $25-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic coastal village atmosphere
- Easy access to island hopping, snorkeling and Serra do Mar trails
- Fresh seafood and local culinary experiences
- Less crowded than major tourist hubs
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
- Fewer services and shops than larger towns—some things require travel
- Public transport connections can be infrequent
- Language barriers possible if you don't speak Portuguese
- "Olá / Oi" - Hello / Hi
- "Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male / female speaker)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica a praia?" - Where is the beach?
- "Você pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Banheiro?" - Bathroom?
Places to Visit in Vila Muriqui
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide, soft-light shots of fishing boats, long beach vistas and reflections at low tide—ideal early-morning images.
Dramatic coastal rocks and clear tidal pools make for close-up nature and long-exposure seascapes at golden hour.
Candid street and harbor photography capturing fishermen, nets, boats and local daily life—best with permission and respectful distance.
Aerial-like vistas of turquoise coves, island outlines and coastal forests; great for wide compositions and drone shots where allowed.
Quiet mangrove channels and shoreline vegetation are good for birding photos and intimate nature compositions during softer light.
Food in Vila Muriqui
Vila Muriqui Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fish or seafood stew cooked with coconut milk, tomatoes, onions and palm oil; commonly available at seaside restaurants and a must-try for its rich coastal flavors.
Must-Try!
Fresh local fish simply seasoned and grilled; find it at small restaurants and beach kiosks, often served with rice, farofa and salad.
Fried fish or cod fritters served as snacks at bars and kiosks—great with a cold beer or caipirinha.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Early-morning fish stalls and small markets sell fresh catch brought in by local fishermen—perfect for a breakfast empadinha or to buy seafood you can cook where you stay.
Simple stalls along the shore offer snacks like pastel, tapioca, fried snacks and cold drinks; try a pastel with queijo or a fresh coconut water.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Friendly, warm greetings are common—shake hands or exchange a cheek kiss among acquaintances; say 'bom dia' (good morning) or 'boa tarde' (good afternoon) when entering shops or meeting people.
This is a working fishing community—observe, ask before photographing people or boats, and avoid disrupting local routines. Dress modestly when away from the beach and be mindful of noise late at night.
Sharing plates and eating together is common; accept hospitality politely and remove shoes indoors if hosts indicate it’s preferred.
Safety
Tipping in Vila Muriqui
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% service charge is sometimes included at restaurants; if it isn’t, a 5–10% tip for good service is appreciated but not mandatory. Small tips for porters, drivers and guides are customary (a few reais).
Brazil uses the real (BRL). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and larger shops, but small kiosks and markets may prefer cash. Carry some cash for local vendors and check ATMs in nearby towns; mobile payment apps are used but may require a local phone number or banking setup.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–March bring warm, humid weather, high sea temperatures and peak local tourism; beaches are busier, occasional heavy afternoon rainstorms occur, and boat services run frequently. Sunscreen, hydration and early reservations on weekends are advised.
April–May offers pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists and calmer seas—good for snorkeling, boating and hiking in the Serra do Mar with milder weather and clearer skies.
June–August are cooler and drier with lower humidity; water can be cooler but days are often sunny and ideal for exploring trails and island day trips with less crowding.
September–November brings warming temperatures, blossoms and increasing tourist activity; early spring is excellent for waterfalls and jungle flora as the landscape becomes greener.
Vila Muriqui at Night
Hiking in Vila Muriqui
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of forested coastal trails offering rainforest scenery, waterfalls and viewpoints over the sea—accessible with local guides or by exploring marked paths near Mangaratiba and neighboring towns.
Easy walks from the village to nearby headlands and tidepools for panoramic coastal views—suitable for morning or late-afternoon outings.
Organized half-day hikes to small waterfalls and jungle clearings in the surrounding hills—book through local guides for safety and transport.
Airports
How to reach Vila Muriqui by plane.
Major international airport in Rio de Janeiro (about 2–3 hours by car depending on traffic); offers car rental, buses and transfers to the Costa Verde region.
Central Rio airport for domestic flights, convenient if combining Vila Muriqui with a Rio stop; travel time by road varies with traffic.
Angra offers small-aircraft and helicopter transfer options as well as boat connections—useful for fast transfers to islands and the Costa Verde; commercial airport options are limited so transfers are often by road or boat.
Major international gateway if arriving from outside Brazil; travel to Vila Muriqui is longer (several hours by road) but possible for multi-city itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-standing families who work in fishing, boat services and local commerce; they maintain much of the village character.
People who travel to nearby towns for work in tourism, commerce and public services.
Visitors from Rio and other cities who own weekend properties and increase seasonal activity, especially in summer.
Mostly domestic Brazilian travelers and small numbers of international visitors seeking beaches and island excursions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Everyone plays—casual matches on sand are common and a central part of beach culture.
Some breaks along the Costa Verde get surfable waves—suitable spots appear depending on swell and local conditions.
Both artisanal and recreational fishing are popular; locals and visitors enjoy sport fishing and coastal boat outings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Vila Muriqui.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited in small coastal villages—ask for rice, beans, salads, vegetable stews and tapioca. Many eateries will adapt dishes on request, but bring snacks or check menus in advance for peace of mind.
Vegan and strict gluten-free choices are less common outside larger towns; stick to fresh fruit, salads, rice and beans, and specify restrictions clearly ('sou vegano/vegana' or 'sou intolerante ao glúten').
Seafood dominates the local cuisine—communicate allergies in Portuguese if possible and prefer restaurants that prepare separate dishes rather than shared pans.