Itinerary
- Day 1
Rio de Janeiro
You'll meet your driver when you land in Rio de Janeiro and head straight to your hotel for check-in starting at 14:00. From there, the rest of your day is yours to walk around and get familiar with the city.
Optional Activities
- Explore Rio de Janeiro independently
- Day 2
Rio de Janeiro
Start early at 08:00 for a full day exploring Rio. You'll take a train ride through Tijuca Forest up to Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain, then check out the Cathedral of Saint Sebastian and the colorful Selaron Steps. After lunch at a traditional churrascaria, you'll hop on two cable cars heading to Sugarloaf Mountain with a stop at Urca Hill along the way. By evening you're back at your hotel with time to relax.
- Meals
- Lunch (Traditional Brazilian churrascaria)
Included Activities
- Train ride through Tijuca Forest to Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain
- Panoramic views from Corcovado summit
- Pass by Maracana Stadium and the Sambadrome
- Visit Cathedral of Saint Sebastian
- Visit Selaron Steps
- Traditional Brazilian churrascaria lunch
- Cable car rides to Sugarloaf Mountain with stop at Urca Hill
Landmarks/POIs Christ the Redeemer Corcovado Mountain Tijuca Forest Maracana Stadium Sambadrome Cathedral of Saint Sebastian Selaron Steps Sugarloaf Mountain Urca Hill - Day 3
Rio de Janeiro
Today you decide what happens. Wander Rio on your own if you prefer, or pick one of three optional activities. There's a hike to Pedra Bonita for views across the city, a samba school experience with an actual class, or a 2-hour boat tour through Guanabara Bay. You'll have flexibility to choose based on what sounds right.
Optional Activities
- Explore Rio de Janeiro independently
- Hike to Pedra Bonita (3.2km, approximately 2 hours) in Tijuca Forest National Park to viewpoint at 695 metres with views of Pedra da Gavea, Atlantic Ocean, Rocinha Favela, and Sierra dos Dois Irmãos; includes stop at hang gliding ramp
- Carnival Experience - behind-the-scenes tour of City of Samba and Rio Grande Samba School Factory, learn about float and costume craftsmanship, try on authentic costumes, join samba class, finish with traditional Brazilian cocktail
- Boat tour of Guanabara Bay (2 hours) showcasing Rio's natural beauty, stories, and modern architecture
Landmarks/POIs Pedra Bonita Tijuca Forest National Park Pedra da Gavea Rocinha Favela Sierra dos Dois Irmãos Barra da Tijuca City of Samba Rio Grande Samba School Factory Guanabara Bay - Day 4
Rio de Janeiro to Ilha Grande
After breakfast, you'll transfer out of Rio toward Angra dos Reis, which takes about 2.5 hours. From there, hop on a boat for another 45 minutes to reach Ilha Grande. Once you arrive, the afternoon and evening are open for you to explore the island at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Ilha Grande
Landmarks/POIs Angra dos Reis Ilha Grande - Day 5
Ilha Grande
You've got a 6-hour boat tour lined up to Lopes Mendes Beach. Leaving from Vila do Abraao, it's a 45-minute ride to Praia do Pouso, then a 30-minute walk gets you to the beach itself with its 3km of white sand and clear water. Plenty of shade to chill out before the boat returns you to your hotel on Ilha Grande by evening.
Included Activities
- 6-hour boat tour to Lopes Mendes Beach including 45-minute boat ride from Vila do Abraao to Praia do Pouso and 30-minute walk to Lopes Mendes Beach
Landmarks/POIs Lopes Mendes Beach Vila do Abraao Praia do Pouso - Day 6
Ilha Grande to Paraty
Transfer back to Angra dos Reis this morning, then continue on to Paraty about 1.5 hours away. A guided tour takes you through the historic colonial center for 2 hours, showing you the architecture, local art studios, churches, and old mansions. If you're interested, there's an optional cachaca and liqueur tasting at a local distillery. The rest of your day is free to wander.
Included Activities
- 2-hour guided city tour of Paraty exploring Historical Centre, colonial architecture, art studios, churches, and mansions
Optional Activities
- Cachaca and liqueur tasting at a local Cachacaria
Landmarks/POIs Paraty Historic Centre - Day 7
Paraty
You'll join a 4x4 jeep tour through Serra da Bocaina National Park for about 6 hours. The route covers Pedra Branca Waterfall, the Gold Path Landmark, Toboga Waterfall, and Tarzan's Well, with stops at a cachaca distillery to learn how it's made and taste different varieties. All the waterfall trails are easy to walk. The tour ends at the Manioc Flour House. Note that lunch isn't included, so grab food beforehand or pack something.
Included Activities
- 4x4 Jeep tour through Serra da Bocaina National Park (approximately 6 hours)
- Visit Pedra Branca Waterfall and Pedra Branca Stills
- Visit Gold Path Landmark and Marco do Caminho do Ouro
- Visit Toboga Waterfall
- Visit Tarzan's Well
- Visit local cachaca distillery to learn about production
- Visit Manioc Flour House
Optional Activities
- Tasting of various liquors and aged cachacas at the cachaca distillery
Landmarks/POIs Serra da Bocaina National Park Pedra Branca Waterfall Toboga Waterfall Tarzan's Well - Day 8
Paraty to São Paulo
You'll travel from Paraty to Sao Paulo, then head out on an evening city tour once it gets dark and the city lights up. The tour moves through Vila Madalena and its bohemian vibe, past the Light Station and Pinacoteca, through the Japan Town area in Liberdade, and into the Historic Centre. You'll walk down Paulista Avenue to see Modernist buildings like the MASP Museum, check out Ibirapuera Park and its Monument to the City, then return to your hotel.
Included Activities
- Evening city tour of São Paulo after nightfall including Vila Madalena, Light Station near Pinacoteca, Liberdade Japan Town, Historic Centre, Anhangabau Valley, Paulista Avenue, MASP Museum, Fiesp Building, Ibirapuera Park, and Monument to the City
Landmarks/POIs Vila Madalena Light Station Pinacoteca Liberdade Japan Town Historic Centre of São Paulo Anhangabau Valley City Hall Opera House Cultural Centre Paulista Avenue MASP Museum Fiesp Building Ibirapuera Park Monument to the City - Day 9
São Paulo Departure
Have breakfast at the hotel one last time before your driver transfers you to the airport for your departure flight.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast
