Rio to Ilha Grande city and beach break

  • Stand at the feet of the statue of Christ the Redeemer

    Visit Rio's famous Christ the Redeemer

  • Beautiful Ihla Grande, Brazil

    The white sands and crystal clear waters of Ihla Grande

  • Explore the historic neighbourhoods

    Explore the historic neighbourhoods

  • Take the cable up to the top of Sugarloaf mountain

    Take the cable up to the top of Sugarloaf mountain

  • Enjoy more than 150 km of hiking trails

    Enjoy more than 150 km of hiking trails

  • Wander among the cobbled streets Paraty

    Wander among the cobbled streets Paraty

  • Stay at a hotel near Copacabana or Ipanema beaches

    Stay at a hotel near Copacabana or Ipanema beaches

  • Your trip begins in the chaos of Rio de Janeiro
Trip ideas

Duration(in days): 9

From: Rio de Janeiro

To: Rio de Janeiro

From

£1,175

Exc. International flights (per person, based on 2 sharing)

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See more ideas for: Brazil

Experience Brazilian city life and beaches on this trip from Rio to Ilha Grande.  Begin in Rio, the marvellous city (or as the locals say A Cidade Maravilhosa). Stand atop Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountain and take in the spectacular views of this city, set amidst lush green mountains and crystal clear waters. Sip a Caipirinha while sunbathing and people-watching on some of the world’s most famous urban beaches, Copacabana and Ipanema. Listen to the intoxicating sounds of samba and get caught up in the city’s energetic pace thanks to the charisma of its people, the ‘Cariocas’.

After a few days exploring  Rio, you’ll head to Paraty; the perfect retreat with stacks of colonial charm. Only a few hours away from Rio, Paraty is a historic coastal town and offers plenty of character thanks to its cobbled streets, beautiful buildings and an eclectic mix of boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Spend your time relaxing in your ‘pousada’ (guest house) or on the local beach.

Spend the last three nights in one of Brazil’s lesser-known but unique islands; Ilha Grande is reached by boat and is home to pristine beaches and lush green forests. With one of the most pristine remnants of Brazil’s Atlantic rainforests, this a real hotspot of biodiversity and conservation and both land and marine flora and fauna are protected environments here.

Small-scale eco-tourism is encouraged here making Ilha Grande an ideal spot for nature lovers to escape from the busier beaches and cities of mainland Brazil.  Relax in the surrounding landscapes – all of which need to be discovered on foot as there are no cars on the island!

This itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements; please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream trip.

Highlights

  • People watch on Rio’s famous Ipanema and Copacabana beaches
  • Take in the panoramic views at the Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountains
  • Enjoy the car-free historical centre of colonial Paraty
  • Stay in a typical Brazilian pousada
  • Snorkel in the pristine blue waters of Ilha Grande

 

Itinerary in brief:

  • 3 nights Rio de Janeiro
  • 2 nights Paraty
  • 3 nights Ilha Grande

 

Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro

On arrival, you'll be met by your private driver and taken to your hotel for a 3-night stay at near Copacabana or Ipanema beach.

Spend the rest of the day soaking up the famous Brazilian sunshine and enjoying a local Caipirinha while watching the world go by.

Day 2: Jeep tour to Corcovado & Sugar Loaf

Today, we’ve arranged a half day tour to Rio’s most famous sites; Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Your guide will pick you up at the hotel, and you'll join a small group jeep tour of the city. Look forward to a fun-packed tour as you reach the Corcovado and stand at the feet of the statue of Christ the Redeemer.  Next, take the scenic cable car to get to the top of Sugarloaf for spectacular views over the city.

After the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel, and you may spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 3: Rio   

Today the day is yours to explore Rio at your own pace.

You may choose to spend it relaxing on the beach, or you might decide to visit the historical neighbourhood of Santa Teresa.

Day 4: Rio to Paraty

After breakfast, catch a bus to Paraty, a few hours from Rio. This stretch of road is one of the most beautiful in Brazil, full of bays and mountains and turquoise seas and islands. Once you arrive in Paraty, check into your hotel with the rest of the day free to rest or explore.

Day 5: Paraty

Today is free for you to explore at your own pace.

Day 6: Paraty to Ilha Grande

This morning, you'll catch a bus to Angra dos Reis, just over an hour away, from where you will take the boat crossing to Ilha Grande. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Days 7 & 8: Ilha Grande

You have a few days here on Ilha Grande to rest or explore! Discover the beautiful beaches, go snorkelling or perhaps walk in the lush and biodiverse forests. There are no cars on the island, so it will be the perfect break to wind down.

Day 9: Depart Ilha Grande

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be collected and driven to Rio Airport to connect with your onward flight.

 

Rio de Janeiro and the surrounding areas like Paraty and Ilha Grande are famous for being sunny all year round and temperatures reach up to 30°C in summer time (November to February), however, being a tropical climate, summer can also bring some rain.

This itinerary is purely a suggestion, and can be tailor-made to your requirements, so please contact us with your dates and requests and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you.

What's included
  • 8 nights’ accommodation with breakfast
  • Half day jeep tour to Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountains
  • All transfers on a private or shared basis as outlined in the itinerary
  • Boat return transfers to Ilha Grande
Not included
  • Optional excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Any meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary

8 nights in 3* accommodation.

Hotels in this category include:

  • Windsor Martinique, Rio de Janeiro
  • Pousada do Principe,Paraty
  • Pousada Naturalia, Ilha Grande