Secret Trail Búzios: Natural Pools & Guardian Stone

Swim and photograph three secret sites without the crowds or the rush

This guided walking tour explores the wild side of Búzios along a 3.5km trail connecting the Natural Pools, the Guardian Stone and the Beach of Amours: three sites ordinary tourists don't reach. An accredited guide leads the way on an unsignposted track, adapts the pace to your fitness level and provides walking sticks. You choose when to swim and how long to linger at each stop. Children from age 4 are welcome, and the guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.

The experience

You're on a free afternoon in Búzios and the main beaches are packed. Between Ferradura and Ferradurinha lies a sanctuary the guidebooks don't mention: a 3.5km circuit of rock formations, clear pools and two named landmarks most visitors never see. The trail has no signs and no marked path, which is why Cactus pairs you with an accredited guide who knows the route technically and can keep you safe on terrain that shifts. You get walking sticks for the uneven ground, and the guide adjusts both the pace and the route itself based on what your body can handle, whether that means taking a gentler line, stopping longer at one pool, or skipping a section altogether.

The three stops are the Guardian Stone (a natural rock sculpture with local history attached), the Enseada das Poças (the Natural Pools themselves), and the Praia dos Amores (Beach of Amours). Most tours rush through them. This one doesn't. You decide how long to swim, how many photos to take, and whether to sit and absorb the place. The whole outing runs about three and a half hours, but that time is yours to spend, not the guide's schedule. The guide speaks your language: English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.

Children from age 4 can join, though the terrain and the swimming mean you'll want to assess your own child's comfort with uneven rock and water entry. If you have spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns, this trail isn't the right fit. The walking and the water exposure carry real physical demands. Transport to and from the meeting point is on you: the tour itself starts once you arrive.

What’s included

• Accredited guide in your choice of English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.
• walking sticks for the trail.
• safe passage on an unsignposted route with pace adapted to your fitness level and physical needs.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cactus Experiências

Is this one for you?The trail crosses uneven rock and requires at least moderate fitness, so it suits travelers comfortable with scrambling over terrain and entering water. If you prefer flat, easy walking or have mobility concerns, look for a gentler Búzios tour instead.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years); Child (4 to 14 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Guardian Stone and why is it part of this tour?

The Guardian Stone is a natural rock formation shaped by the ocean into a sculpture that holds local significance in Búzios. It's included because Cactus built this trail to connect three distinct sites (the stone, the pools and the beach) into one complete experience rather than stopping at just the Natural Pools like most tours do.

Can I swim during the tour, or is it just a walk?

You swim whenever you want. The guide takes you to the pools and the beach, but the pace is yours. You choose how long to stay in the water and how much time to spend at each stop. The whole tour is built around giving you time to swim and photograph without rushing.

How difficult is the 3.5km trail, and what if I'm not very fit?

The trail crosses uneven rock and has no marked path, so it requires at least moderate fitness and comfort with scrambling over terrain. The guide adapts the route and pace to your level and provides walking sticks, but if you have spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, this tour isn't recommended. Talk to Cactus before booking if you're unsure whether the terrain suits you.

Is the trail really unsignposted, and how do guides know the way?

Yes, there are no signs or marked paths, which is why an accredited guide is essential. Cactus guides are trained on this specific route and know it technically, so they can lead safely and keep you from getting lost on terrain most tourists can't navigate alone.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the starting point?

Yes. Transport to and from the meeting point is not included with the tour. Once you arrive at the start, the guide takes over for the 3.5km circuit.