Duque de Caxias Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro? Learn about the top attractions, best things to do, where to eat and stay, and other important travel tips with our guide.


A Comprehensive Guide to Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro

Duque de Caxias is a city located in the Grande Rio, in Rio de Janeiro (state), in the Southeast region of Brazil. This beautiful city offers a wide range of cultural and natural attractions, making it an ideal destination for tourists. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Duque de Caxias, including the top attractions, best things to do, where to eat and stay, and other important travel tips.

Introduction to Duque de Caxias

Duque de Caxias has a rich history and culture, and it is known for its vibrant music and dance scene. The city is also home to several notable museums and historical sites, and it is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.

List of Places to Visit in Duque de Caxias

If you’re planning a trip to Duque de Caxias, there are several must-visit attractions to add to your itinerary. Below, we’ve listed the top cultural and natural attractions in the city.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museu Ciência e Vida: A science museum offering interactive exhibits and educational programs.
  • Museu Municipal de Arte: A museum featuring works by local artists and contemporary art exhibitions.
  • Casa de Cultura de Duque de Caxias: A cultural center showcasing the city’s music, dance, and art.

Natural Attractions of Duque de Caxias: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Serra do Vulcão: A mountain range with stunning views of the city and surrounding area.
  • Parque Natural Municipal da Taquara: A nature park with hiking trails and picnic areas.
  • Hills of Taquara: A scenic area with several hiking and mountain biking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Duque de Caxias

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Duque de Caxias has many hiking and mountain biking trails to explore. Some of the top trails include the Serra do Vulcão trail, the Peaks of Taquara trail, and the Municipal Natural Park trail.

Best Things to Do in Duque de Caxias: Activities and Tours

In addition to exploring the city’s cultural and natural attractions, Duque de Caxias offers several fun activities and tours for visitors. Some of the top things to do include:

  • Taking a city tour by bike or bus
  • Visiting the local markets and shopping centers
  • Trying the local cuisine at one of the city’s many restaurants and cafes

Week-Long Itinerary for Duque de Caxias

If you’re looking to spend a week in Duque de Caxias, here’s a suggested itinerary to help you plan your stay:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Museu Ciência e Vida and explore the surrounding neighborhood
2 Take a day trip to the nearby Serra do Vulcão mountain range
3 Visit the Museu Municipal de Arte and explore the city’s art scene
4 Hike or bike the Peaks of Taquara trail
5 Visit Casa de Cultura de Duque de Caxias and learn about the city’s music and dance scene
6 Relax at one of the local beaches or enjoy a day of shopping and exploring the city
7 Take a city tour by bike or bus and visit the local markets and shopping centers

Food and Drink Scene of Duque de Caxias

Duque de Caxias is home to a diverse culinary scene that takes inspiration from local and regional cuisine. Some must-try dishes include feijoada (a bean and meat stew), picanha (grilled beef), and arroz carreteiro (a rice and beef dish). The city also offers several local beverages, including Brazilian caipirinhas and cachaça (a strong spirit made from sugarcane).

Where to Stay in Duque de Caxias: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Duque de Caxias offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some top-rated options include:

  • Hotel Duetto: A centrally-located hotel offering modern amenities and comfortable rooms.
  • Hostel Planeta dos Macacos: A stylish and affordable hostel located near the city center.
  • Pousada Casa Maria Bonita: A welcoming guesthouse offering cozy rooms and a home-like atmosphere.

What to Buy in Duque de Caxias: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or local products to bring home from your trip to Duque de Caxias, consider purchasing handmade crafts and jewelry at the city’s markets and artisan shops. You might also consider buying artwork from local artists, or trying some of the region’s specialty foods and ingredients.

Local Culture and Customs of Duque de Caxias

The people of Duque de Caxias are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, and visitors are often greeted with open arms. The city has a strong music and dance scene, and visitors are encouraged to attend local performances and events to fully immerse themselves in the local culture.

Best Time to Visit Duque de Caxias

The best time to visit Duque de Caxias is between June and September, when the weather is cool and dry. The city can get quite hot and humid in the summer months, so it’s best to plan accordingly if you’re visiting during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Duque de Caxias

Here are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Duque de Caxias.

Do:

  • Learn a few words of Portuguese before your trip, and try to communicate with locals as much as possible.
  • Try the local cuisine and attend cultural events to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety at all times.

Don’t:

  • Drink tap water without boiling it first, as it may not be safe for consumption.
  • Leave your belongings unattended or carry large amounts of cash with you.
  • Ignore local customs or traditions, as they are a crucial part of the city’s culture and history.

Safety and Health

Travelers to Duque de Caxias should take precautions to ensure their safety and health during their stay.

Safety in Duque de Caxias

While the city is generally safe and welcoming for visitors, crime can be an issue in some areas. Stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping your valuables out of sight.

Health in Duque de Caxias

The city’s water supply may not be safe for consumption, so it’s best to stick to bottled water and avoid drinking tap water. Additionally, travelers should take precautions to protect themselves against mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Zika virus and dengue fever.

Getting to Duque de Caxias: Transportation Options and Logistics

Duque de Caxias is located approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Rio de Janeiro, and it can be easily reached by car, bus, or train. Some popular transportation options include:

Airports Near Duque de Caxias

The closest major airport to Duque de Caxias is Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport (GIG), which is located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the city center.

Bus Stations Near Duque de Caxias

The city is served by several major bus stations, including Novo Rio Bus Terminal in Rio de Janeiro, which offers connections to cities throughout Brazil.

Other Options

Travelers can also reach Duque de Caxias by train or rental car, depending on their preferences and travel plans.

How to Get Around in Duque de Caxias

Duque de Caxias is a relatively small city, and it can be easily explored on foot or by bike. Taxis and rental cars are also available for those who prefer to travel independently.

Where to Go Next from Duque de Caxias: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore other nearby destinations after your visit to Duque de Caxias, there are several exciting options to consider. Some top destinations include:

  • Rio de Janeiro: Explore the beaches, museums, and cultural attractions of Brazil’s vibrant capital city.
  • Petrópolis: Visit this beautiful mountain city, which is known for its historic architecture and scenic views.
  • Ilha Grande: Take a ferry to this stunning island paradise, which offers some of Brazil’s best hiking, beaches, and outdoor adventures.

Conclusion

Duque de Caxias is a vibrant and welcoming city, offering visitors a wide range of cultural and natural attractions. With our comprehensive guide, you’ll have all the information you need to plan an unforgettable trip to this beautiful part of Brazil.

Theater of Caxias, designed by Oscar Niemeyer Theater of Caxias, designed by Oscar Niemeyer