Rio, Lush Islands & Colonial Treasures
Brazil in 9 Days, 7 Nights in Destination starting from 1,699$
Trip Highlights
Christ the Redeemer
Copacabana Beach
Ilha Grande
Paraty
Rio de Janeiro
Included
All flights
Accommodation
All transfers
Activities
Breakfast only
Availability
Departures available until December 2025
Available Group tours
Solo travelers from + $390
Add up to 3 nights to your stay
Categories available
charm included
superior from + $600
Itinerary
Land in Rio de Janeiro, birthplace of samba! Begin your Brazilian adventure in Paraty. Discover this charming colonial town, known for its rich history and natural wonders. Next head to Ilha Grande, ringed by beaches and covered by Atlantic forest. Explore the incredible, unspoilt beach of Lopes Mendes. Finally, head back to Rio, where you will gain an all-encompassing perspective.
1st Day: US - Night on board
Ready to explore the delights of beautiful Brazil? Head to your departure airport for a flight* to Rio de Janeiro. Night on board.
*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
2nd Day: Rio de Janeiro
Bem-vindos ao Brazil! Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and take a shared transfer shuttle with a Portuguese-speaking driver to the hotel in Copacabana. Get settled in before spending the rest of the day at your leisure, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and gorgeous landscapes. Take a walk along the beachside promenade to watch the locals playing football on Copacabana or Ipanema beach. Overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro.
3rd Day: Rio de Janeiro - Paraty
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, transfer to Paraty where a local representative will give you all the information about your trip for the next few days. The Costa Verde, the road between Rio and Paraty, is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Brazil. Waterfalls can also be seen cascading down the sides, while golden stretches of sand appear between the palm trees. Set amidst jutting peninsulas and secluded beaches, you will discover the colonial town of Paraty.
After settling into your hotel, your private local guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin the walking tour of Paraty. Different from most other colonial cities, as it is full of character and originality, which earned it its place as a National Historic Monument and World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Overnight stay in Paraty.
4th Day: Paraty
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have a free day to enjoy the beautiful colonial town, nestled on the southeastern coast of Brazil, known for its rich history, architectural beauty, and natural wonders. Steeped in colonial heritage, the town's cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and colorful doors evoke a sense of old-world charm. We recommend an optional Jeep tour to the Serra da Bocaina National Park*. Overnight stay in Paraty.
*Optional half-day Jeep tour: Enjoy an exciting Jeep ride into the National Park of Serra da Bocaina. Visit several waterfalls with the chance to swim under some of them. Tour distilleries of cachaca, the famous Gold Trail and other attractions. An excellent opportunity to see some of the flora (bamboo, jequitiba, palm trees, bromeliads, etc) & fauna of the region and all its preserved biodiversity.
5th Day: Paraty - Angra - Ilha Grande
Breakfast at the hotel. It’s time to leave Paraty behind, your transfer will take you to the port of Angra, where you will connect with the ferry that will take you to Ilha Grande. Appreciate the magnificent scenery of mountains, jungle, cliffs, islands, bays and the deep blue ocean on board. After approximately 30 minutes, the ferry will arrive at the charming main town of Ilha Grande, Vila do Abraão.
Stretching quietly along the coast, you can explore the island's beautiful main village with its picturesque church and palm trees after settling into your hotel. As cars are prohibited on the island, to preserve its natural beauty and tranquility, you will reach your hotel on foot. The rest of the day is free to explore the beautiful small beaches near Vila do Abraao, such as Praia Abraãozinho and Praia Crena, before watching the sunset over the Atlantic. Overnight stay in Ilha Grande.
6th Day: Ilha Grande
Breakfast at the hotel. Today explore the incredible, unspoilt oceanic beach of Lopes Mendes. The astounding color of the Atlantic ocean contrasting with the sand will be a sight to behold. It has been featured many times in travel magazines as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Brazil! Arrive by boat to Praia do Pouso from where you will hike (for 30 minutes approx.) to get to the pristine beach. Enjoy a relaxed day sunbathing, swimming and lounging on the beach fringed with almond and palm trees. Overnight stay in Ilha Grande.
Note: We recommend bringing plenty of sunscreen, a towel, water and food.
7th Day: Ilha Grande - Rio de Janeiro
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, take the ferry back to Angra dos Reis where transportation will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro. Once you have settled into your hotel in Rio, why not wander into town to explore some favorite local spots. Stroll along the long boulevards by the beaches of Ipanema, Leblon and, of course Copacabana, while singing the song!
Along the way, you will find many huts selling freshly squeezed juices and refreshing coconuts while you continue to enjoy the breathtaking cityscape of Rio de Janeiro and discover why it's known as the ‘Marvelous City’! We recommend a our optional local food tasting and caipirinha experience* to make the most of your evening. Overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro.
*Optional local food tasting and caipirinha experience: This evening, your guide will pick you up from the hotel to teach you to eat and drink like a local! They will give you a taste of local life, street food and of course share a caipirinha together while telling you stories about this famous cocktail. A great experience you can’t miss!
8th Day: Rio de Janeiro
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on a fascinating tour of Rio de Janeiro! Beginning with Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world, ascend to the top of Corcovado Mountain where the statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. Enjoy the striking views of the forest below and city below, where the mountains of Rio plunge into the clear blue water. The view from Corcovado at the base of the 124-foot tall statue is simply breathtaking.
Next, discover the heart of Rio's historic center, passing by old colonial buildings and charming cobblestone alleys. Then, head to the main sites of downtown Rio de Janeiro, such as the Sambadrome, the Selaron Stairs, the Cathedral and the Maracana Stadium (entrance fee not included). To continue getting to know this incredible city, we recommend an optional excursion to Sugarloaf Mountain*. Overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro.
* Optional Excursion to Sugar Loaf Mountain: Head for the neighborhood of Urca where one of the largest symbols of the city is located: Sugar Loaf Mountain. Travel to the top on a cable car and enjoy the spectacular views of Rio-Niterói Bridge and Corcovado Mountain. Look down on Copacabana beach, the Santa Cruz fortress and several beaches of Niterói and be amazed at the sheer beauty and diversity of the Rio skyline, and enjoy an amazing sunset.
9th Day: Rio de Janeiro - US
Breakfast at the hotel. Sadly, it's time to bring your amazing journey through Brazil to a close. At the indicated time, take a shared transfer shuttle to the airport for a return flight back to the US*. Night on board.
*Depending on the flight time, you may not be able to enjoy your breakfast at the hotel.
