Overview
Emerald green mountains dropping into a translucent sea, colorful towns with colonial architecture, white-sand beaches, dolphin-filled bays, and even a tropical fjord—the dazzling stretch of Brazil’s Atlantic coast from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro is one of the most spectacular spots in this gorgeous country. This Private Journey is an active discovery of Brazil’s vibrant cultural and natural wonders. You’ll paddle kayaks along secluded beaches, hike to hidden waterfalls, explore the stunning colonial city of Paraty, and succumb to the enticing charms of Río!
Days 1-3
Paraty / Stand-up Paddle Boarding / Sea Kayaking / Saco do Mamanguá
From São Paulo, a private transfer brings you to Paraty, a beautiful colonial city with wonderfully preserved architecture. The tranquil waters of Paraty’s bay create the perfect place to explore by stand-up paddle board and sea kayak, and you’ll be able to access remote coves you can’t reach by vehicle. You’ll also boat to Saco do Mamanguá, the only tropical fjord on the Brazilian coast, for a hike to the peak of Mamanguá Sugarloaf with its stunning panoramas of the fjord.
Paraty / Stand-up Paddle Boarding / Sea Kayaking / Saco do Mamanguá - Days 1-3
Pousada Arte Urquijo
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Paraty, BrazilYou’ll experience great character and ambiance at this one-of-a-kind hotel, a restored “sobrado” (two-story house) from the 18th century. Beautifully decorated with the owner’s own paintings, it’s ideally located in the heart of the historical center of Paraty. As befitting an older residence, the six guestrooms are small but cozy, and some of them are reached by narrow, winding stairs. There’s also a tiny but lovely pool tucked into a courtyard—an excellent place to relax with one of Brazil’s signature caipirinhas!
Pousada Literária (Optional Upgrade)
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Paraty, BrazilAlthough this upscale boutique hotel is centrally located (you can walk to anywhere), it’s a wonderfully quiet oasis—nothing but birdsong fills the air! Guestrooms are set around the beautiful courtyard pool, with its lovely gardens filled with colorful bougainvillea and orchids. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the service is excellent. There’s also a spa with massage treatments, sauna, and small fitness center.
Days 4-6
Ilha Grande / Lopes Mendes
At Ilha Grande, a tropical island oasis with a unique history, you’ll enjoy a historical tour of Ilha Grande State Park, where you’ll feel immersed in the period of Indians, buccaneers, and the times of coffee and sugar cane farms. You’ll also discover its beautiful white-sand beaches, including Lopes Mendes, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in all Brazil, and take your choice of optional activities including a hike to a waterfall or to Pico do Papagaio, or a boat tour of the lagoons (all at additional cost).
Ilha Grande / Lopes Mendes - Days 4-6
Pousada Naturalia
Days 4 to 6 (3 nights), Ilha Grande, BrazilThis aptly named pousada has a wonderfully peaceful setting, sheltered beneath leafy trees, with winding pathways bringing you to comfortable guestrooms overlooking the beach. Welcoming guestrooms feature ceiling fans, fridge with mini-bar, and balcony hammocks—the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the views. There are no TVs, but who needs one when you have these romantic ocean views!
Aratinga Inn (Optional Upgrade)
Days 4 to 6 (3 nights), Ilha Grande, BrazilIlha Grande is a little slice of heaven, and this romantic rainforest hideaway is the perfect place to pamper yourself. Air-conditioned deluxe suites offer sea and coastal mountain views, and the tropical garden is filled with birds and flowers. After an active day, come back to your retreat and enjoy high tea, complete with special cakes. The owner and her staff do everything they can to make your stay as pleasant as possible (not a difficult task!).
Days 7-10
Río de Janeiro / Sugarloaf Mountain / Christ the Redeemer
Río de Janeiro is known as the “marvelous city,” celebrated for its vibrant culture, samba and Bossa Nova music, landmark beaches, and absolutely stunning setting on Guanabara Bay. Explorations include a visit to Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain—1,299’) and the iconic Christ the Redeemer, perched on top of Corcovado and towering more than a hundred feet high. Depart on Day 10.
Río de Janeiro / Sugarloaf Mountain / Christ the Redeemer - Days 7-10
Mercure Rio de Janeiro Copacabana Hotel
Days 7 to 9 (3 nights), Rio de Janeiro, BrazilIf you want to be in the heart of the action and enjoy people-watching, this hotel is perfectly located—right across the road from Copacabana Beach. You can wander along the beach, have a swim (the hotel will loan you a beach umbrella and towels), meet the locals, buy some local crafts, or enjoy one of the many bars along the boardwalk. “Executive” rooms are comfortable and modern, and offer partial views of the beach. There is a good breakfast buffet.
PortoBay Rio Internacional (Optional Upgrade)
Days 7 to 9 (3 nights), Rio de Janeiro, BrazilThis 117-room hotel is right across from Copacabana Beach, with many nearby shops, bars, and restaurants. Guestrooms feature private verandas or panoramic window views, and the rooftop terrace offers a spectacular vista of the famous bay and major sights of Rio de Janeiro. A sunset cocktail here is unforgettable! You'll also find a pool, massage room, sauna, and glass-fronted fitness center here (imagine doing your daily workout while gazing out at the bay and beach!).
Coastal Brazil Private Journey
