Pontal do Peró

Pontal do Peró is tucked away at the left end of the long Peró Beach, in Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro, about 10 km from downtown, and is visited by fans of surfing, kitesurfing, cycling, trekking and paramotoring. The bottom is sand and this tip of the beach is protected by two conservation areas, surrounded by historic trails once used by enslaved people, where you can spot native species such as brazilwood and the golden lion tamarin.

With no stalls or kiosks, Pontal keeps its scenery framed by crystal-clear water, pale white sand and a rocky viewpoint perfect for watching sunrise and sunset. Occasionally a freshwater channel from the surrounding lagoons forms there and joins the sea, making the view even prettier. The tip is to do the trails with a specialized environmental guide, since the place is part of a protected area with sensitive fauna and flora.