- ✓ Experience the buzz of Rio de Janeiro
- ✓ Unwind on the picture-postcard beaches of Ilha Grande
- ✓ Soak up the cosmopolitan charm of colonial Paraty
Our Simply Brazil trip is the perfect introduction to this incredible country, combining the vibrant energy of Rio with the laid-back beauty of Brazil’s stunning Costa Verde. Discover Rio’s iconic sights, unwind on the powder-white beaches of Ilha Grande and lose yourself in the cobbled streets and coastal charm of historic Paraty. This short but perfectly balanced trip gives you a taste of Brazil’s highlights and can easily be extended if you have more time to explore.
Day 1 – Welcome to Brazil!
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro – a city of golden beaches, jungle-covered peaks, colourful neighbourhoods and lively beach culture. You’ll be met at the airport by a local guide who will take you through your itinerary and answer any questions. It’s about an hour transfer to your comfortable hotel close to Copacabana beach. Spend your first evening like a Carioca: stroll the famous promenade, sip a caipirinha and watch the sun dip behind Rio’s iconic skyline.
Day 2 – Sightseeing in Rio
Your private guide and driver will collect you for a few hours of sightseeing, free from any fixed schedule. They’ll suggest the best options if you’re undecided. Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain are the highlights (entrance fees aren’t included but are cheaper paid locally, and your guide can help you skip the queues). Afterwards, head back to the hotel or ask to be dropped at the beach. The rest of the day is free to explore Rio’s nightlife or catch up on any sights you missed.
Day 3 – Free time in Rio
Today is yours to explore Rio at your own pace. Perhaps there’s a neighbourhood you’d like to return to or a sight you didn’t have time to visit yesterday. If you’d prefer another guided experience, we can offer plenty of options. Join a small-group bike tour to discover the city on two wheels, or learn the secrets of Brazilian cuisine during a hands-on cooking class. Your Travel Specialist will be happy to recommend the best experience to suit your interests.
Day 4 – Rio de Janeiro to Ilha Grande
Now for something completely different! Today, you’ll join other travellers for the transfer along the scenic Costa Verde coastline to the port at Angra dos Reis (around two hours). Then take a picturesque one-hour ferry crossing to Ilha Grande. The island has a chequered history full of pirates and prisoners, but is now an oasis of tropical calm. Arriving in the main town, you’ll make your own way to your comfortable pousada a short walk away, and soon find yourself settling into the pace of island life.
Day 5 – Discover Lopes Mendes
Today we’ve arranged tickets for a boat which will take you to another side of the island, dropping you off just a short walk away from one of Brazil’s best beaches – Lopes Mendes. You’ll have the day here to relax on the picture-postcard powdery white sand beach and swim in the crystal-clear water, before heading back to town in the afternoon.
Day 6 – Free time on Ilha Grande
The rest of your time on the island is left for you to do as much or as little as you choose. You could be exploring one of the many forest trails running through the island, eating delicious seafood dinners on the beach, snorkelling in the clear waters, or doing precisely nothing with a caipirinha in hand!
Day 7 – To picturesque Paraty
This morning you’ll take the boat back to the mainland, where you’ll be met and transferred along the scenic coastline to Paraty. It’s a scenic journey of around 1.5 to 2 hours, with the rainforest on one side and the coastline on the other. Arrive in Paraty and check into a charming pousada on the edge of the historic centre. The afternoon and evening are free to soak up the town’s relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere. A two-hour walking tour of the historic centre with a local guide can easily be arranged on arrival if you’d like an introduction to the town’s history.
Day 8 – Boat trip on Paraty Bay
Today we’ll arrange a leisurely sailing trip from Paraty aboard a schooner. Relax onboard as you sail past densely forested islands and secluded white, sandy beaches. You’ll stop off at several different locations so that you can explore, laze on the beach or snorkel in the crystal-clear sea. Lunch is included in the cost. At around 3pm you will sail back into Paraty harbour.
Day 9 – Free time in Paraty
Today is free for you to do whatever you choose. The town is full of great restaurants and bars, as well as artisan shops to explore. The historic centre is car-free, so is a wonderfully peaceful place to stroll around. If you’re looking for a more active experience we can arrange a kayak excursion in the bay or a full day hike along the green coastal strip of Paraty through the forest along several sandy beaches. Speak to your travel specialist for more details.
Day 10 – Return to Rio & depart Brazil
Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to Brazil. We’ll arrange your transfer back to Rio in time for your flight home, leaving you with plenty of memories of colourful cities, tropical islands and Brazil’s incredible coastline. Don’t be surprised if this taste of Brazil leaves you planning your next visit before you’ve even unpacked!
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Simply Brazil - In Style accommodation
If you’d like to add a little extra comfort to your trip, we also offer alternative accommodation options in each destination. Our In Style stays have been carefully selected for their special touches – whether that’s a unique setting, extra comfort or a memorable experience – while still keeping that local feel we love. Choose our In Style option below if you’d like to upgrade your accommodation throughout your itinerary.