Rio, Paraty & Ilha Grande Tour

7 Days

From $ 1,189

About this SAAT Travel tour: Rio, Paraty & Ilha Grande

The Rio, Paraty & Ilha Grande tour takes you on a sun-soaked trip along the stunning tropical coastline of Brazil, visiting some of the country’s very best beaches. Beginning in Rio you’ll visit all the highlights including Copacabana and Ipanema, Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado and the iconic statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’. Then it’s along the Costa Verde to Paraty, and on to the paradise of Ilha Grande, a beautifully pristine island off Brazil’s tropical coast. On the Rio, Paraty & Ilha Grande trip you’ll be visiting many of Brazil’s top beaches, so whether you prefer one of Rio’s glittering city stretches or a deserted palm fringed bay on Ilha Grande you are pretty much guaranteed to find your perfect beach.

Day 1
Touchdown in the Marvelous City

Rio de Janeiro
Upon touchdown in Rio you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and shown to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to spend either relaxing at your hotel or heading out to explore the nearby beaches, boulevards and boutiques. Ask your specialist for recommendations of interesting places to visit. Sunset in Rio is spectacular and the best place to experience it is with the locals on one of Rio's many beaches. As the sun begins to set and the mountains cast long shadows over sea and sand under a stunning pink and golden sky, order yourself a caipirinha, sit back and enjoy the show.

Day 2
Tijuca Forest & Corcovado

Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast you'll begin your day with a trip through Tijuca, the largest urban forest in the world, which covers the mountains overlooking the city in a blanket of deep green. You'll then continue on to the top of Corcovado, the 710m mountain that is home to the iconic statue of 'Christ the Redeemer'. From here the views of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, the beaches and the Atlantic Ocean are breath-taking. You'll then return to your hotel and have the afternoon and evening free to enjoy the beaches, and perhaps head out to the dancing district of Lapa for a little Samba and a caipirinha or three. (Meals - B)

Day 3
Sugarloaf Hike

Rio de Janeiro
The dramatic Sugarloaf Mountain is a well-known Rio landmark. Today, instead of standing in line to ride the aerial cable car with dozens of others, you will have the unique experience of reaching the summit on foot. Starting with a stroll along the beautiful shoreline to warm up, you'll begin a 300m hike to the stunning Sugarloaf summit. From the top the views over Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach and up to Corcovado are about as spectacular as you can get. This tour can be extended to a full-day adventure, either kayaking to an island five miles from Sugarloaf or rock-climbing and rappelling. Note: Those not up for the hike can opt to take the cable car to Sugarloaf's summit. (Meals - B)

Day 4
Relaxing in Rio

Rio de Janeiro
A free day in Rio is full of possibilities - boat trips, hang-gliding, art tours, football matches and of course the failsafe option of sun, sea and sand at one of Rio's top beaches. You could also head out of the city and spend a day in Petropolis, the mountain town where the Emperors of Brazil spent their summers, or pick up a new skill and take some Brazilian cuisine or dance classes. Other options include heading into the nearby mountains for whitewater rafting, horse-riding, mountain biking or trekking. Just let us know how you prefer to spend your time and we can help make it happen. (Meals - B)

Day 5
Green Coast Road

Rio de Janeiro to Paraty
After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel in Rio and driven along the coastal road to Paraty. The spectacular drive along the Costa Verde takes three to four hours and follows a winding route through coastal mountains and jungle covered slopes that drop directly into the sea below. Sparkling waterfalls tumble down the slopes, while golden stretches of sand are glimpsed between the palm trees. After arriving at your hotel in Paraty you'll check in and have the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax and enjoy dinner in one of the town's restaurants. (Meals - B)

Day 6
The Gold Trail

Paraty
Today you will have a guided tour of the area during which you will learn about its fascinating history. Beginning with a trek along the old Gold Trail constructed by slaves all the way up into the mountains to the gold fields of Minas Gerais. You'll also visit the beautiful Tobog Waterfall where you'll have the chance to see the stunning countryside of Paraty's surroundings. Later on you will stop off at several Cachaca distilleries where you can learn about the process of producing Brazil's national spirit. On the way back to your hotel you will visit a Bromeliad Exhibition, home to a staggering 300 different species of this beautiful plant. (Meals - B)

Day 7
Paraty Bay Boating

Paraty
Today your guide will meet you at reception for a stroll down to the pier where you'll board your boat for the day. Paraty Bay has around 65 beautiful islands, each with golden sandy beaches, lush forests and palm trees. The waters of the bay are perfect for swimming and snorkeling and during the day your boat will take you to three or four of the islands, where you'll stop to enjoy the scenery, snorkel, swim, and sunbathe. The tour includes tropical fruits and a mask and snorkel. You'll return to Paraty Harbor in the evening and have the evening free to relax. (Meals - B, L)