Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Brazil – Rio de Janeiro – Ilhe Grande – Paraty – Costa Verde
100% customisable for you
Your epic Brazilian adventure kicks off with an 11-and-a-half hour flight to Rio de Janeiro. Touch down and dive straight into the city’s energy. A private transfer will whisk you to your four-night base in the heart of Ipanema, just a stone’s throw from the beach. Step outside among tanned Cariocas (Rio residents) volleying on the sand, kiosks brimming with fresh coconuts and the golden light of the Marvelous City: a dreamy introduction to Brazil.
Over the next few days, discover Rio’s icons and its hidden corners. Take to the skies with your pre-booked tickets for Sugarloaf Mountain, cable-car-hopping first to Morro da Urca, then to the summit for a panorama of winding coastline, emerald hills, and endless beaches. Next, take the train to Corcovado to see the statue of Christ the Redeemer, an almost 125ft-tall sentinel overseeing the city, with vistas that sweep from Tijuca Forest to the Atlantic. Wander the forest itself – ten times the size of Central Park – spotting cheeky parakeets, howler monkeys, and other urban wildlife, before finishing at the serene botanical garden, where giant water lilies rub shoulders with ancient palms.
Explore the city streets at your own pace, too. The Museu de Arte Moderna dazzles with Mid-Century lines, Lapa’s Portuguese-era buildings now house vintage boutiques and antique gems, Maracana Stadium and the cone of Sao Sebastiao Cathedral offer distinctive architecture and Leblon provides shady backyards for thirst-quenching fruit juices or sneaky caipirinhas. We can also arrange a stroll through Santa Teresa with an English-speaking local who reveals in-the-know spots, rooftop views and stories that bring Rio to life.
From Rio, take a three-hour private transfer to Angra dos Reis, followed by a scenic one-hour boat ride across turquoise waters to Ilha Grande. Your home for the next three nights is an intimate hotel tucked among lush gardens. The few rooms open onto greenery, with paths leading straight to your own secluded slice of sand. On the agenda this afternoon? Kayaks and paddleboards are ready for exploration or you can simply flop on a sun lounger and watch the Atlantic roll in (the choice is yours).
Your days here are blissfully simple, spent wandering the network of hiking trails and discovering hidden coves. Lopes Mendes, an almost two-mile-long stretch of white sand, rewards those willing to take the boat to Pouso and a 20-minute jungle walk. A further 20-minute trek brings you to the tiny neighbouring beach of Santo Antonio, perfect for a quiet moment or a picnic. Snorkellers will find a world of lagoons, shipwrecks, and dazzling marine life, with Lagoa Azul – shallow, crystal-clear, and framed by cliffs – a standout spot for peering beneath the surface.
Leaving Ilha Grande behind, take a boat and private transfer back to the mainland, and then onward for around one-and-a-half hours to Paraty, a perfectly preserved colonial gem tucked between Rio and Sao Paulo. Cobblestone streets wind past whitewashed houses with brightly painted doors, tiny chapels and Baroque churches. The town’s rich culture carries echoes of Caicara, Portuguese and African traditions, visible in its art, music and cuisine.
Spend three nights in a charming colonial pousada (historic hotel), hidden amid lush greenery. The restaurant partners with a nearby farm, ensuring fresh and seasonal flavours with every meal.
While the days are yours to explore at your own pace, a kayaking excursion in Paraty Bay is the perfect introduction to this corner of the Costa Verde. Paddle along calm waters, take in the view of the town nestled among the mountains, and hop out at secluded beaches for refreshing swims. Tide permitting, wander through mangroves and spot the bright red crabs scuttling among the roots. For hiking enthusiasts, a trek to Ponta Negra promises panoramic views and a taste of the region’s tropical abundance.
Paraty invites a slower rhythm, where colonial charm meets lush coastal landscapes – ideal for wandering, paddling, and soaking in all of Brazil’s azulado (blue-hued) magic.
The time has come to say adeus to Brazil. Today, a private transfer takes you to Sao Paulo Airport for your direct 11-hour-and-40-minute flight home. Leave behind cobblestones, colonial charm and the Costa Verde as you settle in for an overnight journey – perhaps sneak one last caipirinha or a view of the coastline from above – before landing the following day.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
