Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1 – October 13
Touch down at Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG), where private transportation whisks you to your Copacabana beachfront hotel. Settle into your ocean view room and gather this evening for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll taste your first Brazilian flavors.
Overnight: Windsor California Copacabana Hotel or Equivalent
Day 2 – October 14
This morning, board a historic electric tram that climbs through the Atlantic rainforest to Christ the Redeemer. Standing at the feet of this modern wonder, take in stunning views across Rio’s beaches, mountains, and bay. Next, ride the Sugarloaf cable car for 360-degree panoramas spanning Copacabana Beach, Corcovado Mountain, and the Rio-Niterói Bridge. Between the two iconic sites, explore Santa Teresa, a bohemian hillside neighborhood where colonial architecture meets contemporary art galleries, studios, and cafés. Stop at the famous Selarón Stairs, where over 2,000 colorful tiles from 60 countries create a vibrant open-air mosaic connecting Santa Teresa to Lapa.
Overnight: Windsor California Copacabana Hotel or Equivalent
Day 3 – October 15
Step into Rio’s carnival culture this morning with a guided visit to Acadêmicos da Grande Rio, one of the city’s premier samba schools. Discover the history behind carnival parades, admire elaborate costumes, and learn samba steps from professional dancers. This afternoon, continue your dance education with a private samba class, where you’ll master solo and partnered moves while exploring one of Brazil’s most joyful cultural expressions.
Overnight: Windsor California Copacabana Hotel or Equivalent
Day 4 – October 16
After breakfast, journey south along the spectacular Costa Verde, where dramatic mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean. Your private transfer winds through lush rainforest and along coastal roads, with stops at scenic viewpoints and charming seaside cafés. Arriving in Paraty, step back in time as you explore this perfectly preserved colonial gem. Wander cobblestone streets with your guide, visiting 18th-century churches including Matriz, Santa Rita, Rosário, and Das Dores, along with local museums, artisan ateliers, and historic houses that reveal Paraty’s rich past as a gold trade port.
Overnight: Pousada do Principe or Equivalent
Day 5 – October 17
Set sail this morning aboard a traditional schooner for a five-hour exploration of Paraty Bay. The boat glides past over 60 islands and countless beaches, stopping at two pristine islands and two secluded beaches. Each stop offers 30 to 40 minutes for swimming in crystal-clear waters, snorkeling among tropical fish, or simply relaxing on white sand beaches. Light lunch and refreshments are available onboard as you soak in the coastal scenery.
Overnight: Pousada do Principe or Equivalent
Day 6 – October 18
Savor a free day in Paraty to explore at your own pace. Wander through art galleries showcasing local artists, browse handcrafted jewelry and textiles in boutique shops, or visit a traditional cachaça distillery to sample Brazil’s iconic sugarcane spirit. Alternatively, take a short taxi ride to nearby beaches for an afternoon of sun and surf. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating your Brazilian adventure with fresh seafood, traditional moqueca stews, and contemporary Brazilian cuisine.
Overnight: Pousada do Principe or Equivalent
Day 7 – October 19
After breakfast, private transportation delivers you to São Paulo International Airport (GRU) for your departure flight. The scenic drive retraces the coastal route through rainforest and mountains, offering final glimpses of Brazil’s natural beauty before you head home with memories of samba, sunshine, and colonial charm.
Please book return flights home after 4pm local time. Note, your arrival and departure airports for this trip are different. You will arrive at Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG) and depart from São Paulo International Airport (GRU).
Highlights
Iconic Landmarks
History & Culture
Incredible Beaches
Pricing & Inclusions
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
6 nights' accommodations in boutique hotels
Single occupancy rooms
Airport arrival transfer (Rio de Janeiro)
Airport departure transfer (São Paulo)
Private ground transportation throughout
English-speaking local guides for tour is in Rio and Paraty
Christ the Redeemer electric tram tickets
Sugarloaf Mountain cable car tickets
Samba school visit and samba dance class
Schooner boat tour of Paraty Bay
Daily breakfast & dinner, 4 lunches.
All entrance fees, tips, and activity costs listed in itinerary
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
International airfare to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) and from São Paulo (GRU)
Travel insurance
Lunch on Free Day
Alcoholic beverages
Items of a personal nature
Gratuities and tips for personal services
Is This Tour For Me?

Travel Style: History/Culture
Physical Rating: 3
Age requirement: 18+

Michelle Alexander


















