Marica
Introduction
Maricá sits in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, part of the Greater Niterói region. It borders Itaboraí, São Gonçalo, Rio Bonito, Niterói, Saquarema and Tanguá, which places it within easy reach of several neighbouring municipalities along this stretch of the state.
Getting around
Getting around Maricá is unusually simple, because the municipal buses are free. The "Vermelhinhos" (Little Red Ones) run under the Tarifa Zero program, so residents and tourists alike ride anywhere within the municipality at no fare, with no ticket or pass required. For a visitor this is the easiest way to move between the center, the beaches, and the lagoon areas, and to reach the main public spaces such as the Araçatiba Deck and Lagoon, the Itapeba Waterfront, and the central Boulevard Maricá commercial area.
- Ride-hailing apps Uber and 99 are active in Maricá for point-to-point trips when you don't want to wait for a bus.
- Car rental is available and practical if you want to reach more secluded beaches that are less well served by public transport.
- Several highlights are pleasant on foot: the Itapeba Waterfront is a linear park with walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, and fitness stations; the Araçatiba Deck is a promenade along the lagoon suited to strolling, sunset views, and cultural events; and Boulevard Maricá concentrates shops, services, and dining, making it a walkable base for errands and meals.
Maricá has its own small municipal airport, Maricá Municipal Airport (IATA: JMR), close to the city center. Most visitors arrive through Rio de Janeiro's airports instead: Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) is roughly a 75-minute transfer by taxi or bus, while Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) takes around 1.5 hours. Taxi and bus are the stated options for both transfers. Cards are widely accepted, but cash is useful at beach kiosks and markets, and ATMs are found in the city center and at Boulevard Maricá. Portuguese is the local language and English is limited outside hotels and tourist agencies, so a pre-paid SIM card (Vivo, TIM, Claro), sold at newsstands and pharmacies, is handy for ride-hailing apps.
Three days in Marica
Day one: Start in Maricá itself, a Brazilian city in Rio de Janeiro state within Greater Niterói. Get your bearings along the Itapeba Waterfront and the Lagoon, then walk Boulevard Maricá. For getting around, the Vermelhinhos (Little Red Ones) run under Tarifa Zero, so you can hop on and off without paying a fare.
Day two: Head out to the Araçatiba Deck for views over the water. If you want more range, ride an Uber or drive a car; several options exist for reaching the surrounding areas of Itaboraí, São Gonçalo, Rio Bonito, Niterói, Saquarema and Tanguá. Keep Portuguese phrases handy, and note that cards and ATMs are the practical way to handle money.
Day three: If you are arriving or leaving by air, Maricá Municipal Airport (IATA: JMR) serves the city. Most travellers instead use Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) or Galeão – Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG), both in Rio de Janeiro, then continue by taxi or car. Plan your departure around these connections and allow time for the journey back.