The Ultimate Tropical Adventure in Brazil

Upon your arrival in Rio de Janeiro, meet your driver and head to your hotel in the heart of Copacabana. On the way catch your first glimpses of the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City), with iconic sights like the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain coming into view. If you arrive on an early morning flight, an early check-in is guaranteed to give you a chance to recover from the long flight. In the afternoon, meet your guide and fellow travellers and enjoy a scenic walk along the famous Ipanema or Copacabana beaches. This is the perfect opportunity to soak up Rio’s vibrant atmosphere. You might want to savor your first coconut water or a refreshing caipirinha cocktail while watching the sunset and as evening falls, immerse yourself in Brazilian cuisine with your first taste of the local flavors. Although you'll depart the city tomorrow morning, don’t worry—you'll return to Rio for more activities at the end of the trip. If you decide to arrive a few days earlier, take the opportunity to visit some of the city's must-see landmarks not covered in the itinerary, such as the world-renowned Christ the Redeemer.

This morning, leave the hectic buzz of Rio behind and embark on a 4 hours' drive along Brazil's stunning Costa Verde, with jungle-covered mountains on one side and the sparkling blue Bay of Angra dos Reis, dotted with tropical islands, on the other. After checking in to your Paraty hotel and grabbing lunch, get ready to immerse yourself in the area's rich history and pristine nature. This afternoon you'll hit the Gold Trail, an 18th-century path, originally built by enslaved Africans, which once connected Paraty to the gold mines of Minas Gerais. You'll hike a small section, mainly downhill through the lush forest, stopping at waterfalls for a refreshing swim or to slide down the natural rock formations. Off the trail, visit a traditional distillery near the falls to see how cachaça is made. Enjoy tasting session and learn about Paraty’s role in the history of Brazil’s national cocktail, the caipirinha. This evening, stroll through Paraty’s cobbled streets, lined with colorful colonial houses, and soak in the charm of one of Brazil’s best-preserved colonial towns, with plenty of cosy restaurants for dinner later.

This morning, you’ll embark on an unforgettable two-day trek along some of the most pristine and secluded beaches on Brazil’s Costa Verde. You can leave your main luggage safely stored at your hotel (where you'll return for one final night tomorrow) or at a local representative office in Paraty, bringing only a small rucksack with essentials and a change of clothes. After a short road transfer to the trailhead, you’ll begin hiking through the lush Atlantic Forest, making your way along the region’s stunning coastline. Along the route, you’ll explore and swim in beaches like Sono, Antigos, and Antiguinhos— each with its own charm and beauty, offering a chance to discover your personal favorite. Your destination for the night is the authentic fishing village of Ponta Negra, a place where time seems to stand still. Nestled on the edge of the jungle in the remote Juatinga Peninsula Eco-reserve, Ponta Negra is surrounded by untouched forest, and the local Caiçara community continues their traditional way of life, living off the sea. Spend the afternoon relaxing, getting to know the friendly locals and indulging in the village’s delicious fresh seafood - caught straight from the surrounding waters! Later, bed down in simple but cosy cottages equipped with hot showers and electricity to recharge your devices.

Spending the night in Ponta Negra means you can enjoy an early start to reach the stunning Saco Bravo waterfall before the boat trippers arrive! But first, you'll hit the forest trails again with a chance to spot exotic wildlife including parrots and spider monkeys aling the way. It will be a 2-hour hike before you arrive at the incredible Saco Bravo Waterfall, the undisputed highlight of the trek. The unique natural infinity pool set in the rocky coastline overlooking the sea is a photogenic masterpiece and you'll of course have time for a refreshing dip and a pic nic. Next, hike back to Ponta Negra, hop on a quick taxi boat ride back to Laranjeiras, where your adventure began yesterday, and transfer by road back to Paraty. You'll be back in town by the afternoon, leaving you time to unwind at the comfortable hotel and for a much-needed shower. The evening is yours to explore more of Paraty’s renowned restaurants, shops or music bars, which stay open late.

Stunningly beautiful, Paraty’s bay is best explored from the water. So today, you’ll enjoy a leisurely guided kayak tour, venturing to tropical islands and deserted sandy beaches. The route will depend on sea conditions and weather but always begins with a safety briefing, where your experienced guide will show you the ropes to ensure your safety and enjoyment. After hitting the warm, flat waters, you’ll take in panoramic views of Paraty and the coastal mountains. Stops typically include Malvão Island, known for its crystal-clear waters ideal for optional snorkeling, and some off-grid beaches favored by locals away from the tourist crowds. Keep an eye out for jumping fish, turtles, and occasionally dolphins, and conclude with a memorable paddle through the mangroves, observing the wildlife up close before returning to the mainland. After a quick lunch, you'll transfer to Angra dos Reis for a scheduled public boat to Ilha Grande, a divine car free tropical Island with incredible hiking trails and beaches. Your base for the next three nights is Abraão, the island’s main village, where you'll check in to your cosy guesthouse, surrounded by tropical beauty and complete with hammocks for relaxation.

This morning you'll set off on a relatively short but adventurous hike through the vibrant jungles and pristine beaches of Ilha Grande. Get ready to experience the jungle and the ocean all in one, for a truly island living. Leaving Abrao, the trail begins to climb steeply, rewarding your effort with breathtaking views over the tranquil bay. As you progress, the path unfolds into a lush landscape, weaving through dense vegetation where the terrain can often be muddy and dotted with rocks and tree roots, demanding some careful footing. Along the way, you make some rest stops in three stunning beaches, each offering a unique slice of paradise, namely Palmas Beach, Mangues Beach and Pouso Beach. Finally, you will arrive at Praia Lopes Mendes, one Brazil's crown jewels. The soft, white sands and glistening waves are perfect for some deserved relaxation and deserved swimming in paradisiac surroundings. You'll head back to Abrao by boat this afternoon, with the evening free to enjoy one of the restaurants in the village with your fellow travellers.

It's your final day in this island paradise as you'll be heading back to buzzy Rio tomorrow. So make the most of it and enjoy one final full day hike, following a trail that winds through the Atlantic Forest across hilly ridges, eventually descending to Praia de Dois Rio, a stunning, secluded beach nestled between two steep mountains. In the past, this area was home to a maximum-security prison, which operated from 1904 until its closure in 1994 amid much controversy. Today the site and beach offer a peaceful retreat where nature has reclaimed much of what was once a village. The beach (whose name traslates to Two Rivers Beach) gets its name from the two freshwater rivers that frame it, with cool, pristine waters which are perfect for a refreshing swim. You will also have time to also explore the Museu do Carcere (Prison Museum), which offers insight into the history of the infamous prison and access to some of its preserved premises, before hiking back to Abrao.

You'll leave Ilha Grande this morning, catching first a boat back to mainland followed by a 4 hours' transfer back to Rio de Janeiro. This vibrant, coastal city is blessed by some breathtaking natural beauty, nesteled between lush, green mountains and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. This afternoon you are off to explore one of its most iconic landmarks: Sugarloaf Mountain, a tall, pointed, and isolated peak contributing to Rio de Janeiro's world-famous skyline. You'll start with a short and pleasant hike from Praia Vermelha beach, where you are treated with stunning panoramic views of Rio and may even spot local wildlife, such as toucans and monkeys. Next, you'll climb to the summit of Morro da Urca, where you are free to soak in the views from the observation decks, relax with a refreshing drink, before boarding the cable car to Sugarloaf's peak, which towers 395 meters above sea level. From the top, breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro await, with sunsets providing an especially unforgettable experience. You'll return to your hotel in Copacabana after sunset for some much needed rest.

This morning you'll drive to the world’s largest urban forest, Tijuca National Park, just outside Rio. Here you'll enjoy a short but steep 45-minute hike to Pedra Bonita peak (693m), from where you can enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of the city. Next, discover the magic behind Brazil's famous Carnival with a visit to a leading Samba School’s warehouse. See how elaborate floats and costumes are made, learn about Carnival's history, and try on costumes while sipping a caipirinha. Hosted by Grande Rio Samba School, the tour also highlights Pimpolhos da Grande Rio, a youth organization promoting social inclusion through art, culture, and Carnival. Tonight it's time to celebrate the end of this incredible Brazilian adventure with your group. Immerse in Rio’s vibrant nightlife and your guide will take you to some popular local spots featuring live Brazilian music. From samba to forró, you’ll dance the night away in rustic bars or outdoor parties alongside locals, with a scene famed for welcoming the diverse LGBT community.

Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. The time in Rio de Janeiro and the wild hikes along the Costa Verde are likely to stay in your memory for a long time, and it may hopefully inspire you to return to mighty Brazil for more adventures in the future. If you're not ready to leave just yet, you can also choose to extend this tour to visit other parts of the country independently such as iconic Iguacu Falls, the jaguars sanctuary of Pantanal or the Amazon, all easily accessible with direct flights from Rio. Feel free to contact your host for further tips and suggestions.