Paquetá Island

Paquetá Island is a small, inhabited island in Guanabara Bay off central Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, known for its low-key, car-free environment and informal seaside character. It has a compact settlement pattern of streets, squares and small beaches within a short walking distance of the ferry landing.

The island is popular for day trips from Rio de Janeiro because of its tranquil streets, historic wooden houses, small beaches and viewpoints across the bay. Typical visitor activities include cycling, short coastal walks, visiting the village squares and enjoying waterfront restaurants and cafes.

Paquetá developed as a leisure and residential area during the 19th and early 20th centuries and retains many older houses and a village-scale street pattern. The island’s low traffic and preserved buildings give it a distinctly different pace from mainland Rio.

Paquetá lies in the center of Guanabara Bay and is reached by ferry services from central Rio de Janeiro; the island’s small size makes most destinations reachable on foot within 20 to 30 minutes.

• Access by ferry: Private and public ferries run between central Rio de Janeiro and the island; the crossing duration depends on route but is commonly about an hour from central piers.
• Transport on the island: The island enforces a largely car-free environment, so expect to get around on foot, by bicycle or by horse-drawn carriage.

What to See #

• Historic village: The island's historic village center contains narrow streets, small wooden houses and public squares that reflect 19th and early 20th century architecture.
• Beaches and waterfront: Small sandy beaches, waterfront promenades and viewpoints looking across Guanabara Bay toward Rio de Janeiro provide informal swimming and photo spots.
• Car-free streets: Roads are largely car-free and are used by bicycles, pedestrian traffic and horse-drawn carriages, creating a low-traffic circulation pattern around the island.