The 15 Best Day Trips from Nova Iguaçu
How far each place is, what to see there, and a plan for the day.
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There are 15 good day trips from Nova Iguaçu, Brazil, led by Rio de Janeiro, Juiz de Fora, Niterói. The closest is Barra da Tijuca, about 40 min by car, and 5 of them fit into half a day. Below: drive times, distances, what to see, and a sample day plan.
Built from 15 nearby places, with sights from real traveler trips, on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.
Day trips from Nova Iguaçu
- 1
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Half-day tripAbout 35 min by car32 km south-east of Nova IguaçuWhat travelers see in Rio de Janeiro
- Christ the Redeemer - Visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- Sugarloaf Mountain - Take a cable car ride to Sugarloaf Mountain for stunning views of the city and coastline, especially at sunset.
- Museu do Amanhã - This unique science museum offers interactive exhibits that explore sustainability and the future of our planet.
- 2
Juiz de Fora, Brazil
Full-day tripAbout 1 hr 45 min by car111 km north of Nova Iguaçu - 3
Niterói, Brazil
Half-day tripAbout 45 min by car38 km east of Nova Iguaçu - 4
Barra da Tijuca, Brazil
Half-day tripAbout 40 min by car28 km south of Nova Iguaçu - 5
Petrópolis, Brazil
Half-day tripAbout 45 min by car40 km north-east of Nova Iguaçu - 6
Volta Redonda, Brazil
Full-day tripAbout 1 hr 25 min by car72 km west of Nova Iguaçu - 7
Magé, Brazil
Half-day tripAbout 50 min by car44 km east of Nova Iguaçu - 8
Itaboraí, Brazil
Full-day tripAbout 1 hr 10 min by car61 km east of Nova Iguaçu - 9
Cabo Frio, Brazil
Long day or overnightAbout 2 hr 20 min by car147 km east of Nova Iguaçu - 10
Maricá, Brazil
Full-day tripAbout 1 hr 15 min by car67 km east of Nova Iguaçu - 11
Nova Friburgo, Brazil
Full-day tripAbout 1 hr 40 min by car108 km north-east of Nova Iguaçu - 12
Barra Mansa, Brazil
Full-day tripAbout 1 hr 30 min by car78 km west of Nova Iguaçu - 13
Angra dos Reis, Brazil
Full-day tripAbout 1 hr 25 min by car93 km west of Nova Iguaçu - 14
Teresópolis, Brazil
Full-day tripAbout 1 hr 10 min by car62 km north-east of Nova Iguaçu - 15
Araruama, Brazil
Full-day tripAbout 1 hr 45 min by car114 km east of Nova Iguaçu
A sample day: Nova Iguaçu to Rio de Janeiro
- 08:30Leave Nova Iguaçu
- 09:05Arrive in Rio de Janeiro (35 min drive)
- 09:20Christ the Redeemer
- 11:20Lunch
- 12:35Sugarloaf Mountain
- 14:20Museu do Amanhã
- 15:50Head back to Nova Iguaçu
- 16:25Home in Nova Iguaçu
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- What are the best day trips from Nova Iguaçu?
- The best day trips from Nova Iguaçu are Rio de Janeiro, Juiz de Fora, Niterói, Barra da Tijuca, Petrópolis. The closest is Barra da Tijuca, about 40 min away by car.
- What is the closest day trip from Nova Iguaçu?
- Barra da Tijuca is the closest, 28 km south of Nova Iguaçu, roughly 40 min by car. Best as a half-day trip.
- Where can I go within an hour of Nova Iguaçu?
- 5 places are within about an hour's drive of Nova Iguaçu: Barra da Tijuca (40 min), Rio de Janeiro (35 min), Niterói (45 min), Petrópolis (45 min), Magé (50 min).
- What is the biggest city near Nova Iguaçu for a day out?
- Rio de Janeiro is the largest city in day-trip range, 32 km south-east of Nova Iguaçu and about 35 min by car. With that much to see, start early or stay the night.
- Where can I go for a weekend from Nova Iguaçu?
- For a weekend away from Nova Iguaçu, pick the places far enough to be worth a night: Cabo Frio (147 km, 2 hr 20 min), Araruama (114 km, 1 hr 45 min), Juiz de Fora (111 km, 1 hr 45 min), Nova Friburgo (108 km, 1 hr 40 min). Closer places on this list work better as a single day.
- How far is too far for a day trip from Nova Iguaçu?
- Up to about two hours each way keeps the day relaxed. The farthest place on this list is Cabo Frio at 147 km, around 2 hr 20 min by car, which is better as a long day or an overnight stay.
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