Summary
Short description
Travel from Rio to Iguaçu Falls via the coastal delights of Ilha Grande and Paraty
Highlights
- Explore Rio's icons, from Sugar Loaf Mountain to Copacabana Breach
- Head to the coast to relax in style on the beaches of Ilha Grande
- Take in the cobblestone delights if UNESCO-listed Paraty
- Experience the power of nature at Iguaçu Falls
In Brief
- 3 Nights Rio de Janeiro
- 2 Nights Ilha Grande
- 2 Nights Paraty - State of Rio de Janeiro
- 2 Nights Iguaçu Falls
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Beach | City | History & culture | Natural world
This tailor-made holiday begins in Rio de Janeiro, where you'll have three days to explore some of Brazil's best-known attractions including the iconic Sugar Loaf, the Cristo Redentor statue and world-famous Copacabana Beach. Then, from Rio, you'll then head to Ilha Grande, a pretty and largely undeveloped island just off the mainland in Rio state's Costa Verde. Optional tours give a chance to explore its jungle-clad hills, deserted white beaches and acclaimed snorkelling spots. Then venture to Paraty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Brazil's best-preserved colonial towns, replete with cobbled streets and whitewashed churches. Your holiday ends with a two-night stay by the breathtaking Iguaçu Falls.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Depart UK
Start your holiday in style with included VIP airport lounge access before your overnight flight to Brazil's vibrant capital.
Day
2
Arrive in Rio
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's most iconic city. You'll be met on arrival at the international airport and transferred to your chosen hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the city at your own pace. Rio has many superb restaurants and, if you're not too tired from your flight, a trip to the neighbourhood of Lapa will reward you with some of the city's best traditional samba venues.
Stay: Porto Bay Rio (Superior) or Belmond Copacabana Palace (Deluxe)
Day
3
Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast at your hotel you'll embark on a full day tour of Rio, beginning with an unforgettable ride in a cable car to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain, from where you'll enjoy panoramic 360-degree views of the entire city including Botafogo and Copacabana beaches and Corcovado. Enjoy lunch back in the city before boarding a train for the scenic ascent of Corcovado, the mountaintop location of the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer, set 2,300 feet above sea level. Spend some time taking in the breathtaking views from the summit before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Stay: Porto Bay Rio (Superior) or Belmond Copacabana Palace (Deluxe)
Meals: B L
Day
4
Rio de Janeiro
Today is free to explore Rio de Janeiro at your leisure. Spend some time relaxing on the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, head to historic lanes of Santa Teresa, or perhaps take a tour of one of the city's favelas (not included).
Stay: Porto Bay Rio (Superior) or Belmond Copacabana Palace (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
5
Rio to Ilha Grande
After breakfast, check out of your chosen hotel and transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to Conceição de Jacareí in the company of your eco-guide. On arrival you'll board a small ferry for the one-and-a-half-hour journey to Abraão Village on the picturesque island of Ilha Grande. On arrival you'll take a short walk to your chosen pousada, spending the rest of the day at leisure.
Stay: Pousada Naturalia (Superior) or Pousada Sagu Mini Resort (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
6
Ilha Grande
Today you can choose between taking a taxi boat to Pouso Beach, followed by a gentle walk through the island's jungle-clad hills to the stunning beach of Lopes Mendes, or, enjoy a relaxing day cruising Ilha Grande's beautiful beaches, bays and lagoons on an Lagoa Azul boat tour.
Stay: Pousada Naturalia (Superior) or Pousada Sagu Mini Resort (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
7
Ilha Grande to Paraty
Return to the mainland this morning and continue your journey south along Brazil's Green Coast to the small seaside town of Paraty. Check into your chosen Pousada and spend the rest of the day relaxing. This evening, head into Paraty's historic town centre and enjoy a dinner at one of the many delightful restaurants that line the quiet cobbled streets (dinner not included).
Stay: Pousada de Ouro (Superior) or Pousada Literaria (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
8
Paraty
After breakfast you'll enjoy a half-day walking tour of Paraty's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along with your guide, you'll trace the history of Paraty from the earliest Portuguese settlers, through the town's sugar, coffee and gold booms and the dark days of the slave trade. This rich and colourful history, combined with the town's beautiful colonial architecture and peaceful seaside setting, make Paraty one of southern Brazil's most appealing destinations. This evening you'll have the option of enjoying a cookery demonstration and dinner in the company of talented local chef Yala Roberts, where you'll learn about the origins and influences of Brazilian cuisine.
Stay: Pousada de Ouro (Superior) or Pousada Literaria (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
9
Paraty to Iguaçu
Transfer to Sao Paulo airport after breakfast where you'll board a flight to Iguaçu Falls. Check into your hotel before embarking on an afternoon tour of the Brazilian side of the falls, taking a descending trail into the river canyon to a series of wooden walkways that take you out across the river and give unrivalled panoramic views of more than 240 waterfalls. Board the glass lift, which takes you back to the lip of the canyon and provides another amazing vantage point for viewing both the falls and the surrounding rainforest. Your tour ends with a visit to a local artisan fair before returning to your chosen hotel.
Stay: Recanto Cataratas Thermas Resort (Superior) or Belmond Hotel das Cataratas (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
10
Iguaçu Falls
Cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge into neighbouring Argentina for a day exploring the Argentine side of the falls. Board a sightseeing train for a journey through the national park, passing colourful orchids, birds and other wildlife. Take a walk along a suspended walkway to the edge of Garganta do Diabo (Devil's Throat), the largest and most impressive fall at Iguaçu.
Stay: Recanto Cataratas Thermas Resort (Superior) or Belmond Hotel das Cataratas (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Days
11-12
Depart for UK
Spend a morning at leisure before transferring to Iguaçu Airport for your onward flight, arriving home the following morning.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
12-day tailor-made holiday
from £3,475 pp incl. flights
Superior
Low Season
from £3,475 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £3,765 pp. incl. flights
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return flights between the UK and Sao Paulo
- Domestic flights between Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Iguassu
- Private transfers
- 9 nights accommodation in 4* (Superior) hotels on a B&B basis
- Private full day Corcovado & Sugar Loaf tour including lunch
- Return shared boat transfer to Ilha Grande
- Private historical walking tour of Paraty
- Private half day Brazilian Falls tour and half day Argentine Falls tour in Iguassu
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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