The Ultimate Tropical Adventure in Brazil

Welcome to Brazil! On 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 (the 'Marvellous City'), with its iconic sights coming into view. If you arrive on an early morning flight, you'll be able to check-in early, giving you a chance to recover from the long flight. In the afternoon, meet your guide and fellow travellers for a scenic walk along the famous Ipanema or Copacabana beaches – the perfect opportunity to soak up Rio’s vibrant atmosphere. Savour your first coconut water or a refreshing caipirinha while watching the sunset and as evening falls, immerse yourself in Brazilian cuisine with your first taste of the local flavours. Although you'll depart the city tomorrow morning, don’t worry – you'll return to Rio to see more on Day 8. If you decide to arrive a few days earlier, you can take the opportunity to visit some of the city's must-see landmarks not covered in this itinerary, such as the Christ the Redeemer statue.

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

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 in Paraty (where you'll return for one final night tomorrow), bringing only your daypack 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 stunning coastline. Along the route, you’ll explore and swim at beaches like Sono, Antigos, and Antiguinhos – each with its own charm and beauty. Your destination for the night is the fishing village of Ponta Negra, a place where time seems to stand still. Located at 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 locals and indulging in the village’s delicious fresh seafood. Later, bed down in simple but cosy cottages.

Spending the night in Ponta Negra means that with an early start, you can reach the stunning waterfall at Saco Bravo and enjoy it before the boat trippers arrive. Begin by hitting the forest trails again, eyes peeled for parrots, spider monkeys and other exotic wildlife along the way. After a couple of hours hiking, arrive at the incredible Saco Bravo Waterfall, the undisputed highlight of the trek. This unique, natural infinity pool set in the rocky coast overlooks the sea, and is a photogenic masterpiece. Of course, you'll have time to cool off with a dip, and soak in this beautiful spot over a picnic. Hiking back to Ponta Negra, you'll then hop on a quick taxi-boat 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. The evening is yours to explore more of Paraty’s renowned restaurants, boutiques and 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 adventure, venturing to tropical islands and deserted sandy beaches. The route will depend on sea conditions and weather, but will always begin with a safety briefing, where your experienced guide will show you the ropes. 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 snorkelling, and some off-grid beaches favoured by locals – away from the crowds. Keep an eye out for jumping fish, turtles and dolphins, and conclude with a 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 to catch the public boat to Ilha Grande, a divine car-free 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. Leaving Abraão, the trail begins to climb steeply, but your efforts are rewarded with breathtaking views over the bay. As you progress, lush landscapes unfold, with the path weaving through dense vegetation – the terrain can often be muddy and dotted with rocks and tree roots, demanding some careful footing. Along the way, make some rest stops in three stunning beaches, each offering a unique slice of paradise: 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 a cool swim or some well deserved relaxation after your hike. You'll head back to Abraão by boat this afternoon, with the evening free for you to enjoy one of the restaurants in the village with your fellow travellers.

It's your final day on this island paradise as you'll be heading back to buzzy Rio tomorrow. So, make the most of it and enjoy a final day hike, following a trail that winds through the Atlantic Forest across hilly ridges before descending to the stunning Praia de Dois Rio, a secluded beach nestled between two steep mountains. Home to a maximum-security prison between 1904 and 1994, today the site and beach offer a peaceful retreat where nature has reclaimed much of what was once a village. The beach (the name of which translates to Two Rivers Beach) is framed by two freshwater rivers with cool, pristine waters which are perfect for a refreshing swim. You will also have time to explore the Museu do Carcere (Prison Museum), which offers insight into the infamous history of the prison, before hiking back to Abraão.

You'll leave Ilha Grande this morning, catching the first a boat back to mainland followed by a four-hour transfer back to Rio de Janeiro. This coastal city is blessed with some breathtaking natural beauty, nestled between lush, green mountains and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, and this afternoon you'll explore one of its most iconic landmarks: Sugarloaf Mountain. This tall, pointed, isolated peak is a key feature of Rio de Janeiro's world-famous skyline. You'll start with a short hike from Praia Vermelha beach – admire the stunning panoramic views of Rio and keep your eyes open for local wildlife, such as toucans and monkeys. Continue on to the summit of Morro da Urca, where you are free to soak in the views from the observation decks and relax over a drink, before boarding the cable car to Sugarloaf's peak, which towers 395m above sea level. From the top, breathtaking views of Rio await, with the sunset providing an especially unforgettable experience. You'll then return to your hotel in Copacabana for some much-needed rest.

This morning you'll drive to the world’s largest urban forest, Tijuca National Park, for a short but steep 45-minute hike to the peak of Pedra Bonita (693m). Located just outside Rio, it offers breathtaking views of the city. Next, discover the magic behind Rio's famous Carnival as you visit the warehouse of one of the city's leading samba schools. See how elaborate floats and costumes are made, learn about Carnival's history, and try on costumes while sipping a caipirinha. You'll also learn about Pimpolhos da Grande Rio, a youth organization which promotes social inclusion through art, culture, and Carnival. Tonight, it's time to Immerse yourself in Rio’s vibrant nightlife to celebrate the end of this incredible Brazilian adventure. Your guide will take you to some popular local spots – with live Brazilian music from samba to forró, you’ll dance the night away in rustic bars or outdoor parties alongside Cariocas, with a diverse scene famed for welcoming the LGBT+ community.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. Your adventure in Rio de Janeiro and the wild hikes along the Costa Verde are likely to stay in your memory for a long time, hopefully inspiring you to return to 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 Iguaçu Falls, the jaguar sanctuaries of Pantanal, or the Amazon, all easily accessible with direct flights from Rio. Feel free to contact your host for further tips and suggestions.