Best of Rio de Janeiro State discovery tour

Galeão Airport (Gig) - Rio De Janeiro

Day 1: Rio de Janeiro

Transfer from Galeão Airport (GIG) to your hotel
Car Transfer: Upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro, you will be met by your driver at the airport and transferred by private service to your hotel. Estimated travel time: 30 minutes to 1 hour. Length of service will depend on traffic, and final destination/neighborhood. *This service includes a driver who may not speak English. Please advise if you would like to be greeted by a driver or guide who speaks fluent English.*
Private transfer.

Christ The Redeemer - Downtown Rio - Rio Botanical Gardens

Day 2: Rio de Janeiro

Christ The Redeemer
Excursion: Undoubtedly the most famed attraction in Rio, the statue of Christ the Redeemer towers over the city on Corcovado’s summit. An unmistakable presence, Christ the Redeemer is classified as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The statue’s distinctive Art Deco aesthetic serves as a reminder of Rio’s rich religious and cultural history and rises an impressive 32m into the sky. TOUR LENGTH: approximately 3 hours. INCLUDES: Private transportation, private English-speakig guide and tickets
Private transfer, English-speaking tour guide and tickets included.

Tropical Fruit Tasting at a Local Market
Excursion: South America is origin to an abundance of tropical fruits, many of which are essential to Brazilian cuisine. Whether it’s pineapple or passion fruit, avocado or açaí, your taste buds will be enlivened in this mouth-watering tour. As you soak up a vibrant Brazilian market culture and relish the inviting treats it has to offer, your guide will inform you on their history, culinary uses and economic role. TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours


Visit the Botanical Gardens and Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
Excursion: Jardim Botânico, the city’s iconic botanical garden, is widely revered for its iconic avenue of Royal Palm trees, radiant orchid farm and distinctive architecture. Nearby you will find the majestic central lake, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Amble around it, paddle across it, or station yourself on its banks as you drink in its tranquil atmosphere or a lakeside caipirinha. The historic Parque Lage at the foot of Corcovado Mountain is also joy to explore and only a stone’s throw away. Built in 1840, this park is a stunning example of John Tyndale’s European Romantic architectural vision melding with the the luscious native forest of Mata Atlântica. Parque Lage is also home to one of Rio de Janeiro’s oldest sugar mills.
Private transfer, English-speaking tour guide and tickets included.

Rio's Downtown

Day 3: Rio de Janeiro

Rio's Downtown: History and Street Art Tour.
Excursion: Whether you are seeking to deepen your cultural knowledge of Rio, or delve into its marvellous arts scene, Downtown is the lively epicentre of the city and provides the curious traveller a wealth of delights. Step into Rio’s fascinating history as you trace its changing architectural landscapes and weave your way amongst colonial, neoclassical and Art Deco designs. Whilst the first movie theatres of Cinelândia square echo Brazil's 20th Century modernisation, the old cathedral harps back to its more colonial roots. Experience the distinctive presence of Rio’s past. Traipse from hidden murals to the eminent mosaics of the Selarón steps and feel part of Brazil's artistic community. The city’s vibrant murals embody expressive testimonials of Rio’s people throughout time, and offer an insightful political backdrop to Brazil’s streets. Your guide will also take into account your specific interests and adjust the tour accordingly, so feel free to come with ideas and suggestions. TOUR LENGTH: approximately 3 hours. INCLUDES: English-speaking guide Transportation NOT INCLUDED
English-speaking tour guide included.

Cachaça Stroll in Historic Rio
Excursion: This is a prime opportunity to delve into true carioca culture. The social spirit of Rio’s centre is infectious, with many locals sitting and chatting over cachaça. This famed national drink is made from distilled sugar cane juice, and puts fire into Brazil’s national cocktail, the caipirinha! Be sure to sample a few of these on your trip. As you twist around Rio’s street corners, you will explore the traditional bars which offer up a delectable array of cachaça variations. Dip into them, sip away at them and learn how to drink like a local. TOUR LENGTH: approximate 3 hours. INCLUDES: English-Speaking Guide + Cachaça Tasting
English-speaking tour guide included.

Free evening in Rio de Janeiro
Excursion: Rio exudes a different kind of energy in the evening. The unmistakable rhythms of Batucada samba beat through streets which are lined with laid-back restaurants and alluring cocktail bars. As the sun begins to set, a handful of Rio’s hidden gems start to glimmer. Soak up the smooth ambience over a leisurely dinner. A personal recommendation is the Imaculada Bar and Restaurant for its joie de vivre and delicious local food: climb up some pebbly steps through an alleyway between the Candelária Church and the city’s port district, and you’ll wind up in the historic neighbourhood of Centro surrounding it. If you’re in the mood for live music, the bohemian neighbourhood of Lapa homes Santo Scenarium, a charming jazz bar. After a couple of caipirinhas, slip on your dancing shoes and get stuck into some samba lessons. Of course, the choice of activities can be overwhelming, so our local experts will be on hand with mini guides and recommendations to help you get the most out of your free evening.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Day 4: Rio de Janeiro

Visit the Sugar Loaf
Excursion: The Sugarloaf mountain is an unmistakable feature in Rio’s landscape. From dawn to dusk, its magnificent peak guarantees unparalleled 360 degree views of the city. Gaze at the sandy fringes of Copacabana beach as they stretch out into the Atlantic and spot Cristo Redentor standing prominent on Mount Corcovado. The first stage of the ascent will take you from Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca by cable car. These cable-ways were originally made of wood and designed by the renowned engineer Augusto Ferreira Ramos in 1908, who did much to develop Rio’s built landscape. As you rise above the hustle and bustle of the city, the tranquillity of the mountains takes over, offering a new way of glimpsing Brazil’s vivid surroundings. A second cable car wisps you up from Urca hill to the pinnacle of the Sugarloaf, as you ready yourself for the jaw-dropping heights and unforgettable scenery. An assortment of small bars and stalls welcome you at the top, serving an array of flavoursome local treats.
Private transfer, English-speaking guide and tickets included.

Stand Up Paddle Class
Excursion: When it comes to the perfect beach spot, you'll be spoilt for choice in Rio. From the vogue shores of Copacabana to the secluded bays of Prainha, it may be a struggle to pick one yourself, so our local expert is on hand with firsthand knowledge of where best to go. A popular practice is marvelling at the city's shorelines from the top of a paddle-board. At your chosen spot, an expert will guide you in the method of paddle-boarding, so you are fully equipped with experiencing Rio’s waters in a unique way. CLASS LENGTH: 1 hour INCLUDES: English-Speaking Teacher + Equipment

Rio De Janeiro - Teresópolis

Day 5: Teresópolis - RJ

Transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Teresópolis
Car Transfer: Today, you’ll be transferred from Rio to Janeiro to the historic town of Teresópolis by car. Located in Rio’s mountainous Serrana region, Teresópolis is encompassed by dramatic granite ridges soaring into the sky. The most famous is the peak of Dedo de Deus, or ‘God’s Finger’- keep an eye out for this, you can’t miss it. The Serrana region hints at its colonial past, with evidence of 19th Germanic architecture across the land. Not only does Serra dos Órgãos National Park boast breathtaking scenes of natural beauty, the historic towns of both Teresópolis and Petrópolis provide the curious traveller with a wealth of fascinating history. Estimated travel time - 3 hours.
Trip length: Approximately 3 hours.

Cartão Postal Trail in Teresópolis
Excursion: With spectacular granite peaks and unforgettable mountain views, Serra dos Orgão National Park is a feast for the eyes. Wander through an enchanting rain forest, wash your feet in magnificent waterfalls, and revel in Mother Nature. The perfect pay-off for your morning hike is the Cartão Postal viewpoint: here, you can drink in your invigorating surroundings much like the early Portuguese settlers did long ago. They were struck by the unusual formation of the hilltops, which resemble the pipes of organs in cathedrals closer to home- be sure to keep an eye out for this! As you return to civilisation, venture across a suspension bridge high up in the jungle tree tops and feel even closer to the park’s natural wonder.

Teresópolis

Day 6: Teresópolis - RJ

Terê-Fri Route - Community Based Tour in the Fluminense Mountains
Excursion: The road that connects Teresópolis and Nova Friburgo, is 68 km long, and is dotted with all sorts of interesting people and their crafts - from artists, to farmers, to educators, this route will take you on a cultural immersion with the people of the moutain region of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Different stops along the way change according to the date of your travels and host availability, but some stops may include visits to places like the José Francisco Lippi museum, guided by Regina Furtado, an enchanting story teller, who will tell you all about the Italian immigration to the region, or Alexandre Toscano, the artisan who will tell you all about eco-marble. You will also get a chance to try different foods, like the 150 different pastry fillings at Valéria Fernandes' "Quitutes," or taste goat cheese at the Geneve farm, amongst others!

Teresópolis - Paraty

Day 7: Paraty

Transfer from Teresópolis to Paraty
Car Transfer: Today you will be transferred from the mountains of Teresópolis to the beaches of Paraty. Estimated travel time- 5 hours.
Private transfer.

Paraty Historic Walking Tour
Excursion: The town of Paraty is a true homage to the beauty of Brazil, and is a balanced mix of history, culture and nature. Take a step back in time by strolling along perfectly preserved colonial streets. You'll be sandwiched between dense jungle and feathery white sands, but be sure to keep an eye on the cobbles underneath you too - they can be pretty unforgiving! It's no surprise that it was recognised as a National Historic Site 1966, Paraty’s centre is lined with rows of ornate 18th-century houses, latticed windows and colourful door frames. A unique glimpse into Brazil’s history lies around every street corner. Live music can be heard from a handful of cosy bars and much of the town is enshrined in creativity. The general hubbub of the town is slow and unimposing; it fades out to colourful boats bobbing beside the jetty and the waves of the Atlantic rolling up the shore. As you wander though the town, you’ll be shown a number of beguiling churches with fascinating historical narratives: the Church of Our Lady of the Remedies is particularly picturesque, so don’t forget your camera. No trip here is complete without a snoop around the Casa da Cultura, which exhibits splendid local artwork every week. There’s a lot to pack into this tour, so bring a comfy pair of shoes. Tour length: 1h 30min Includes: English-speaking guide Transfers not included.
Private English-Speaking guide.

Paraty

Day 8: Paraty

Kayaking & Community Tour in Mamanguá Fjord
Excursion: According to Caiçara (traditional population of Mamanguá) tradition, the most used transport are canoes, kayaks and stand up paddle, which leads us to discover the many beaches, meet the locals communities and local restaurants, and explore the exuberant mangrove forest. This tour starts with a short lesson in kayaking and canoeing, and then you'll make your way through a beautiful mangrove, until you get to the Rio Grande natural pool, where you'll have some time to swim, relax, and enjoy the views. You'll then make your way to the "Regato" community. A traditional caiçara community in Mamanguá, where you'll enjoy a regional lunch with fresh and local ingredients, and learn a little bit about the day to day lives of the locals in the region. Make your way back to the lodge via kayak, and enjoy the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Includes: Transfers, equipments and English Speaking guide. Approx tour length: 7-8 hours Small group tours.

Paraty

Day 9: Paraty

Caminho do Ouro Jeep Tour.
Shared Excursion: The Caminho do Ouro is an excellent way to learn about an important part of Brazil's history, in the midst of the Atlantic rainforest. You'll be picked up at your hotel, and start the tour by jeep. The first stop is the Defensor Perpétuo Fort. Today this is a museum, but the structure was built in 1793, during the first wave of villagers in the city of Paraty, which was then called Vila de São Roque. The fort was built with the intention to protect the outflow of gold from the Estrada Real, as well as sugar production in the region. From here, you get a beautiful view of the Paraty bay. We'll continue on our journey through time, aboard our jeep, to the Paraty-Cunha highway, where we'll reach the Serra da Bocaina national park, and find several plant and bird species endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest. After about 40 minutes, we'll finally reach the "Caminho do Ouro," where we'll hop out of the car, and take a hike through a preserved part of 17th and 18th century steps, built by slaves, which connected Paraty to Diamantina. This was the route used by slaves and the Portuguese, to bring gold from Minas Gerais to ship to Portugal. After about 3.5 km of hiking (about 1 hr 30 min), we'll have reached Penha, where we can stop for a swim in a waterfall. On the way, we'll stop for some photo opportunities, because the views are simply incredible! You will get a view of the historic village and the mountain range from here. We'll also make a stop at the Engenho D'Ouro alambique, where cachaça is produced, to learn about the artisanal method of producing the spirit, and get a chance to taste some different cachaça flavours. We will also visit a "Casa de Farinha," where yuca is used to make a flour, "farinha de mandioca," used widely in Brazilian cuisine (and which you may have already tasted on your trip!). Afterwards, you'll want to have some farinha of your own, so there will be a stop for lunch at the Villa Verde restaurant, alongside the Perequê-Açú River, where you can take a dip before lunch, or spend some time relaxing nearby after your meal. We'll return to Paraty so you can rest after this unique experience in Paraty!

Paraty - Rio De Janeiro

Day 10:

Transfer from Paraty to Rio de Janeiro
Car Transfer: Today you will be transferred from your hotel in Paraty to Rio de Janeiro. Estimated journey time: 5 hours.
Private transfer to the airport for your flight home.