Day 1
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to settle in, walk by the beach and ease into the rhythm of the city.
Rio journey
Rio, Paraty & Ilha Grande – 11 days / 10 nights
Big-city Rio, colonial history and a car-free island along the Costa Verde
11 days / 10 nights Easy to moderate Tailor-made independent journey
This is one of the most natural routes out of Rio. The scenery changes gradually along the coast: Rio’s mountains and beaches give way to Paraty’s colonial streets and then to Ilha Grande’s rainforest, coves and car-free village life.
Four nights in Rio are followed by three in Paraty and three on Ilha Grande. The journey stays along the Costa Verde, combining city, culture, Atlantic rainforest and sea without domestic flights.
Rio de Janeiro
Highlights
- Four nights in Rio de Janeiro
- Three nights in historic Paraty
- Boat trip among the islands and coves of Paraty Bay
- Three nights on car-free Ilha Grande
- Atlantic rainforest, beaches and a boat excursion
11 days / 10 nights
Day by day
Day 2
Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer and Rio’s contrasts
A guided city day includes Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado and selected parts of Rio. Depending on traffic and interests, the day may also take in Santa Teresa, the historic centre or other neighbourhoods that complement the mountain views.
Day 3
Sugarloaf, Urca and Guanabara Bay
Ride the cable car to Sugarloaf via Morro da Urca. When weather allows, the visit is timed for the best visibility. The rest of the day is free for the beach, Lagoa or independent exploring.
Day 4
Rio at your own pace
A free day to shape around your interests. Ipanema and Copacabana are close at hand, but the Botanical Garden, museums, the historic centre, football or a food experience can be equally rewarding.
Day 5
Along the Costa Verde to Paraty
After breakfast leave Rio and follow the Atlantic coast south towards Paraty. Forested mountains, bays and islands make the transfer part of the change of scenery. Check in and enjoy a free evening.
Day 6
Paraty’s historic centre
A guided walk through the traffic-free colonial centre explores cobbled streets, churches and townhouses from the period when Paraty was an important port for the inland gold trade. The afternoon is free.
Day 7
Boat trip in Paraty Bay
A day by boat among islands, sheltered coves and beaches off Paraty. The exact route is chosen according to weather and sea conditions, with time for swimming and short stops.
Day 8
From Paraty to Ilha Grande
Travel north along the Costa Verde by road, then continue by boat to car-free Ilha Grande and Vila do Abraão. After check-in the rest of the day is free.
Day 9
Ilha Grande from the water
A boat trip explores some of the island’s coves and beaches with swimming and snorkelling stops. The route is chosen according to weather and sea conditions and may focus on different parts of the island.
Day 10
Free day on Ilha Grande
A full day for the beach, a rainforest hike or another boat trip. Lopes Mendes is a popular option when weather and sea conditions are suitable.
Day 11
Ilha Grande to Rio and departure
Return by boat to the mainland and continue by road towards Rio de Janeiro and the airport. For an early international departure we normally recommend an extra night in Rio.
Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation and facilities
Selected hotel in Rio de Janeiro
We normally recommend a well-located hotel in Ipanema, Copacabana or Leblon, depending on budget, party profile and the atmosphere you prefer.
Selected pousada in Paraty
In Paraty we favour a pousada with convenient access to the historic centre and straightforward pickups for excursions.
Selected pousada on Ilha Grande
On Ilha Grande we choose a smaller pousada within practical walking distance of the pier, beaches and restaurants in Vila do Abraão.
Easy to moderate
Physical level
The programmes include walking, steps and periods in warm weather. The pace can be adjusted and most transport is by car, minibus or boat.
At Iguazú Falls and on Ilha Grande there is more walking on uneven or wet surfaces. Tell us if anyone has limited mobility and we will adapt the itinerary.
Included
- Accommodation with breakfast as described in the itinerary
- Airport transfers in Rio de Janeiro
- Guided Rio sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- Local transfers explicitly stated in the itinerary
- Local assistance before and during the journey
- Road transfers Rio–Paraty and Paraty–port for Ilha Grande
- Three nights with breakfast in Paraty
- Guided walk in Paraty’s historic centre
- Shared boat trip in Paraty Bay
- Boat transfers to and from Ilha Grande
- Three nights with breakfast on Ilha Grande
- Shared boat excursion on Ilha Grande
Not included
- International and domestic flights unless explicitly included in the quotation
- Meals other than those stated in the itinerary
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions and upgrades
Good to know
The programme is a suggested framework and is adapted to flight times, weather, opening hours and your preferences.
Hotels and pousadas are selected for location, standard and budget and specified in the personal quotation.
Excursions may move between days without changing the main content of the journey.
Boat services to Ilha Grande depend on weather and sea conditions. An early international departure from Rio normally requires a final night on the mainland.
Rio de Janeiro
What to bring
Rio and the Costa Verde are often warm and humid. Pack light and bring comfortable shoes, sun protection and a lightweight rain layer.
- Light summer clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection and sunglasses
- Lightweight rain layer
- Small daypack
- Swimwear
- Personal medication
Rio de Janeiro
Images from the destination and tour
Would you like to combine Rio with more of Brazil?
We tailor hotels, excursions, transfers and the length of the journey to your travel dates and preferred standard.