Located in the Baía de Guanabara, the small Ilha de Paquetá has been a favorite Carioca getaway since Dom João VI began coming here in the early 19th-century. He was responsible for building the Capela de São Roque, around which the lively five-day Festival de São Roque takes place in August.
On most weekends and holidays, the island is routinely packed with families from the Zona Norte [1] who crowd the (polluted) beaches and seaside bars. During the week though, the island makes for a relaxing day trip. Tranquility reigns and the slightly dilapidated colonial buildings retain their allure—albeit slightly faded.
The trip in itself is worthwhile for the splendid views of Rio [2] and the bay.
Ferries leave at two-hour intervals 7 a.m.–11 p.m. daily, from the Estação das Barcas (tel. 21/2533-7524, R$4.50 Mon.–Fri., R$9.50 Sat.–Sun.) at Praça XV de Novembro [3]. The trip takes a little over an hour. If you’re in a hurry, hydrofoils (tel. 21/2533-4343) will get you there in half the time at double the price, with several departures and returns a day.
Although no vehicles are allowed on the island, you can easily (and cheaply) rent a bike and pedal around.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/brazil/rio-de-janeiro/rio-de-janeiro-city/sights/zona-norte
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/brazil/rio-de-janeiro/rio-de-janeiro-city
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/brazil/rio-de-janeiro/rio-de-janeiro-city/sights/centro/praca-xv