14-day taster trip around Brazil's Costa Verde

São Paulo

Day 1: Welcome to Brazil!

Welcome to São Paulo, Brazil's vibrant economic hub. Your driver will collect you from the airport to take you to your city centre hotel. Today, it’s up to you whether to explore solo or be accompanied by a local guide.

Start at Parque Ibirapuera, São Paulo's central park. Enter through Gate 9 to see the Monumento às Bandeiras, celebrating Brazil's 17th-century pioneers. Stroll, bike or relax in the park and visit the Museu de Arte Contemporânea, where the rooftop offers stunning views of the city skyline.

Next, head to Avenida Paulista for shops, galleries and a stop at the Instituto Moreira Salles. On Sundays, the street is alive with performers and vendors. For lunch, explore Rua Augusta’s diverse offerings then visit Oscar Freire Street for upscale shopping in the afternoon. Later, enjoy a free evening.

São Paulo

Day 2: Explore São Paulo

Today is all about discovering São Paulo’s Centro Histórico, immersing yourself in the city's rich history. After breakfast today, start with Sampa Sky, a stunning observation deck on the 41st floor offering panoramic views of the sprawling city. From here, spot iconic landmarks like Oscar Niemeyer’s Edifício Copan and Edifício Itália.

Next, visit the Pátio do Colégio, birthplace of São Paulo and the majestic São Paulo Metropolitan Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece. Walk over to the Mercado Municipal to savour fresh local products and try the famous mortadella sandwich at Bar do Mané.

Take metro line 3 to the artistic Barra Funda neighbourhood. Explore the Latin America Memorial, another Niemeyer creation, and relax at Parque da Água Branca. End your day in Vila Madalena, known for its vibrant street art at Beco do Batman and lively bar scene.

São Paulo - Cunha

Day 3: Travel to Cunha

After breakfast today, we'll head towards the picturesque village of Cunha. Here, you’ll get the chance to visit the Church of Matriz and the Francisco Veloso Municipal Museum. Afterwards, it’s time to explore the local market, where the stalls are filled with local delicacies from shiitake mushrooms to berries, as well as lamb, trout, pine nuts and the famous doce de leite, a type of milk caramel.

The Noborigama wood-fired kilns, of Japanese origin and introduced to Brazil in 1975, have made Cunha a national centre for ceramic art. Visit one of the many craft workshops in the village, before visiting Lavandário, a centre for the cultivation of aromatic plants. Stroll through the heart of the plantations, surrounded by the exquisite scents of lavender, rosemary and lemongrass.

In the evening, settle into your new hotel and relax for the night. 

Cunha - Pedra Da Macela - Paraty

Day 4: Sunrise sights

Venture towards the coast today, departing after an early breakfast to reach the base of Pedra da Macela just before sunrise. After a one-hour, steep hike to the summit at 1840m, you’ll be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views, marking the border between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. As we descend towards Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina and Paraty Bay, you can choose between two paths: adventurers should take the Smugglers’ Trail, a four to five hour hike through an old gold-smuggling route, with open views and dense Atlantic forest. For a more leisurely option, enjoy a scenic ride to the Cachoeira de Sete Quedas or Pedra Branca waterfalls, with a stop at the Paratiana cachaça distillery. Relax, swim and unwind before heading for the the waterfalls.

Tonight, you'll be staying at Paraty, where you can unwind at your hotel ready for tomorrow's explorations.

Paraty

Day 5: The beauty of cobbled streets and colour

After breakfast this morning, wander the quaint cobbled streets of the historic centre of Paraty, where every stone seems to whisper tales of the town's past. Known as one of Brazil’s most beautiful colonial legacies, this UNESCO World Heritage Site oozes historical charm. Stroll past colourful low houses and sobrados (bourgeois houses) on the pedestrianised roads. Paraty also shines with its festivals and cultural events, numerous artisan workshops, high-quality gastronomy and cachaça, a fiery sugar-cane spirit. 

Paraty - Saco Do Mamanguá - Paraty

Day 6: Beautiful boat rides

Embark on a wonderful boat ride after breakfast today, sailing through the Bay of Paraty exploring this area’s astounding beauty. Swim and sail the day away in shimmering water, set against a luscious green mountainous coastline. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the stunning shores of Saco de Mamanguá or, for the more adventurous, hike to the summit of Mamanguá Peak, known as the Sugarloaf of Mamanguá, for some breathtaking views.  

Later in the day, we'll head back to your hotel in Paraty for the night. 

Paraty - Paraty Mirim - Paraty

Day 7: A slice of Brazilian paradise

Have a hearty breakfast and get ready for more exploring. The first stop today is the charming fishing village Picinguaba. Hidden at the end of a sleepy bay surrounded by beautiful calm, green waters, this is a little slice of paradise.

From here, stroll along the vast Fazenda beach, offering several kilometres of white sand, often completely deserted: a true invitation for a swim.

Enjoy lunch at a local shack and try the local home-style cooking specialising in shrimp and fish. Food here is unpretentious but delicious. By sure to try a gelada coconut, a refreshingly cold coconut water.

In the afternoon, continue on to the remote village of Paraty Myrim, with its colonial church, long beach and green and blue waters – it’s a wonderful spot to spend the rest of the day.

At the end of the the day, we'll take you back to Paraty for the remainder of the evening. 

Paraty - Ilha Grande

Day 8: Breathtaking Ilha Grande

It's time to visit a true paradise today, as you set off after breakfast to breathtaking Ilha Grande. Mountainous terrain covered in dense forest cascades into the sea, while magnificent deserted beaches scattered with rocks and caves await. A large part of the island is protected by a biological reserve, ensuring the preservation of 95% of the original forest. Getting around is done solely on foot on this car-free island, so take to one of the many trails and explore.

After checking in at your hotel, enjoy a free day on the island, with numerous options to indulge in. Relaxing in a hammock at the pousada, swimming at the nearest beach, taking a motorboat to Lagoa Azul or Lagoa Verde, scuba diving, kayaking or hiking to Pico do Papagaio (the island’s highest point at 982m) or along trails to the beaches of Lopes Mendes, Feticeira and Dois Rios. You won't be short of things to do here.

Ilha Grande - Praia Da Longa - Ilha Grande

Day 9: Sail along Costa Verde

After breakfast this morning, hop on a specially designed boat to visit Vieiras da Ilha oyster farm, located near Praia da Longa. The farm’s owner will welcome you and explain the process of cultivating oysters, scallops and mussels. Then it’s time to taste the fresh seafood harvested directly on site.

After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, board the boat again ready to explore the surrounding area of Ilha Grande: cue lots of secluded beaches, hidden coves and breath-taking views. Here, you’ll also have the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters and swim alongside the region's colourful marine life.

Later in the day head back to your pousada for another relaxing evening.

Ilha Grande - Rio De Janeiro

Day 10: Swap the sea for the city

Fuel up at breakfast this morning, as you're about to swap the peaceful pace of Ilha Grande for the vibrant bustle of Rio de Janeiro.

Once you've checked into your hotel, the day is free for you to spend as you wish, from sunbathing on the iconic beaches of Copacabana or Ipanema, to wandering through the bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa.

Rio De Janeiro

Day 11: Wonder of the world

After breakfast today, you'll explore two of Rio’s most iconic landmarks: Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain, with a unique twist. Begin with a visit to one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the famous Christ the Redeemer. After taking the train up to the top, marvel at the breathtaking views and the 38m-tall statue with its arms open wide over Rio.

Next, meet your guide for an exhilarating descent through Tijuca National Park on an electric bike. Ride through the lush Atlantic forest, stopping for a refreshing swim at the Paineiras and Cachoeira Tuany waterfalls.

In the afternoon, head to Sugarloaf Mountain and take the cable car to its summit, where you'll enjoy one of the best views of Guanabara Bay, Rio and Niterói. Stay at the top as the sky turns from bright blue to pink and orange as the sun slowly sets over Rio.

Rio De Janeiro

Day 12: Explore the heart of Rio

After enjoying a eisurely breakfast and a free morning, meet a local guide this afternoon for a tour of centro do Rio. The neighbourhood tells the story of the city through multiple eras, from its colonial past to years as the nation's capital, up to the 2016 Olympics, which transformed the centre. Visit the Selarón Steps, a vibrant mosaic of over 2000 ceramic tiles, before taking the tram to the Uruguaiana neighbourhood, another excellent example of the mix of eras and styles. You’ll explore the Biblioteca Real Português, Confeitaria Colombo and the Sahara, a giant souk-like market.

Little Africa is next, in the port area. This historic district was home to the Afro-Brazilian community in Rio and is the birthplace of urban samba, at Pedra do Sal. You’ll end the day at Bafo da Prainha, a place of music, dance and celebration of Brazilian diversity and joy.

Rio De Janeiro

Day 13: Niterói's natural beauty

Niterói, often overshadowed by Rio, is a hidden gem brimming with natural beauty, modern architecture and a laidback vibe. Situated across Guanabara Bay, it offers spectacular views and a quieter atmosphere than its famous neighbour. This morning after breakfast, cross the 13km Presidente Costa e Silva Bridge to reach the city. 

Start with a walk near the fort, where the panoramic view of the bay, with Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance, is a sight to behold. Next, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art before finding a a seaside restaurant to try authentic Brazilian dishes like moqueca or feijoada. In the afternoon, head to Parque da Cidade, where you'll be treated to an incredible view of Rio, framed by mountains and sea — a truly unforgettable sight.

Afterwards, head back to Rio for your final night in Brazil. 

Rio De Janeiro - Galeão Airport

Day 14: Tchau!

It’s time to say goodbye! Your driver will pick you up after breakfast and take you to the airport for your onward flight from Rio de Janeiro.