Savor the Costa Verde : From Sao Paulo to Rio

Your driver will pick you up at São Paulo airport to take you to your hotel.   São Paulo, Nature & Architecture   São Paulo is the vibrant heart of Brazil, famous for its economic dynamism, where modern skyscrapers stand alongside a thriving arts scene. How about venturing into this urban jungle on your own, guided only by our recommendations, to feel the pulse of life and its inhabitants?   To ease into your first steps as a Paulista, we recommend starting with Parque Ibirapuera, known as the Latin American Central Park, a vast green space where nature, architecture, recreational activities, and culture blend seamlessly. Start at Gate 9 to admire the Monumento às Bandeiras, a symbol of the Bandeirantes' history, 17th-century pioneers who explored Brazil's interior territories.   Within the park, you can simply stroll, walk or bike around, relax under the shade of large trees with a fresh coconut water, and visit the Museu Afro Brasil or the Museu de Arte Contemporânea (MAC). Don’t miss the MAC’s viewpoint for a stunning perspective of the city.   If you're up for a bit more action, head to Avenida Paulista. You can wander through shops and visit art galleries. We recommend the Instituto Moreira Salles (IMS), which hosts photography, cinema, and literature exhibitions. The Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) is also worth a visit, housing one of the most important art collections in Latin America. Right across, you can take a break at Parque Trianon. On Sundays, the avenue is closed to cars, giving way to various street stalls, street performers, and other activities.   For lunch, head to Rua Augusta, where you’ll find something for every taste.   Also, visit Oscar Freire Street, considered one of the most expensive square meters in Latin America, renowned as one of the most elegant and popular shopping areas in São Paulo.   After a small break at your hotel in the late afternoon, you can go out again to enjoy local or international cuisine. We have many great recommendations for you.     👋🏽 Let us know if you'd like to be accompanied by a local guide for the day or just for part of it.     Note 1: São Paulo is a dynamic city, but it also presents challenges in terms of safety. We recommend avoiding displaying valuables in public, staying alert, and sticking to central neighborhoods, as well as using Uber in the evening. Note 2: Transportation and entrance fees to sites and museums are not included. Note 3: Museums and parks are closed on Mondays.   Night at the hotel Unique. Deluxe room.   Included: arrival transfer, room & breakfast

Today's agenda includes exploring the Centro Histórico of São Paulo on foot, independently. You'll feel the city's dynamic and intensity as you walk through it.   To start, you can easily reach Sampa Sky by Uber, an observation platform on the 41st floor of a skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city. From up there, admire the city and the architectural works of Oscar Niemeyer, such as the Edifício Copan and Edifício Itália.   After this first overview of the city center, we recommend visiting the Pátio do Colégio, where the city was founded, as well as the imposing São Paulo Metropolitan Cathedral, which features a Gothic style with a Renaissance-style dome.   Continue your visit on foot and head to the Mercado Municipal of São Paulo to discover a variety of fresh products and enjoy the famous mortadella sandwich at the Bar do Mané, one of the most popular Brazilian food spots in the market.   Next, we invite you to head to the Barra Funda neighborhood by taking the metro on line 3 (red) to Palmeiras–Barra Funda station. Explore this alternative, artistic, and trendy neighborhood by visiting the Latin America Memorial, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, and Parque da Água Branca.   We recommend ending your day by heading to the Vila Madalena neighborhood, just 25 minutes away by Uber. This lively neighborhood is known for its bohemian atmosphere, gastronomy, and street art. Walk to the Beco do Batman, a small street full of murals. Stop by a local bar to get a taste of the neighborhood life.   For the evening, if you're still hungry for culinary adventures, head to one of our recommended restaurants.     👋🏽 Let us know if you want to be accompanied by a local guide for the day, or just part of it.     Note 1: São Paulo is a dynamic city but also presents challenges in terms of security. We recommend avoiding displaying valuables in public, being vigilant, staying in central neighborhoods, and using Uber for evening travel. Note 2: Transportation and entrance fees for sites and museums are not included. Note 3: Museums and parks are closed on Mondays. Note 4: Sampa Sky entrance fee ranges from R$50 to R$100, reservation recommended.   Night at the hotel Unique. Deluxe room.   Included: room & breakfast

You leave your hotel in a private vehicle with a Portuguese-speaking driver, heading towards the village of Cunha. You'll embark on a 3 to 4-hour drive along the Costa Verde, a green corridor between the sea and mountains. The picturesque village of Cunha seems protected from outside influences. After visiting the Church of Matriz and the Francisco Veloso Municipal Museum, your guide invites you to explore the local market, where the stalls are filled with local specialties (from shiitake mushrooms to berries, as well as lamb, trout, pine nuts, and the famous "doce de leite", a type of milk caramel). The Noborigama wood-fired kilns, of Japanese origin and introduced to Brazil in 1975, have made the town of Cunha a national center for ceramic art. We visit one of the many craft workshops in the village.   Then, we pass by the Lavandário, a center for the cultivation of aromatic plants: we stroll through the heart of the plantations, surrounded by the exquisite scents of lavender, rosemary, lemongrass...   Note: Entrance fees to the sites are not included.   Night at Chalés Vinhas da Harmonia.   Included: private transport, english speaking guide, room & breakfast

Today, we head towards the coast. We depart by vehicle early in the morning, before sunrise for the early birds, heading towards the base of Pedra da Macela. We’ll embark on a one-hour hike in the cool morning air to reach the summit at 1,840 meters above sea level. We won’t hide it, it’s a steep climb, but the view from the top is worth the effort. Upon arrival, we’re rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the region. We find ourselves on the border between the state of São Paulo, which we’ll leave behind, and the state of Rio de Janeiro, our new territory to explore, as we descend towards the Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina and the Bay of Paraty.   On the way back down, you have two options to suit all tastes:     🦸🏽‍♀️ The Smugglers’ Trail, for the Adventurers     The trail is mostly downhill and largely open. This trail was an old smuggling route for gold, used to transport the precious metal from the Minas Gerais region to the coast. A slightly more adventurous stretch gives the trek its smuggler’s route feel.   Starting from the base of Pedra da Macela via an agricultural path with open views of the surroundings, we then enter the dense Atlantic Forest, rich in biodiversity. Last time we were there, a monkey was waiting right at the forest entrance. Our route ends at Cachoeira de Sete Quedas or Pedra Branca, a bit lower down. This depends on weather conditions and the accessibility of the path. If it’s too wet, vehicles may not be able to drive very high up.   Hike: 4 to 5 hours of walking, including 1 hour of steep ascent. Negative elevation: Between 700 and 1,100 meters. Positive elevation: About 400 meters. Moderate intensity.     🧑🏼‍🌾 The Waterfalls, for the Hedonists     A scenic descent by private transport to Cachoeira de Sete Quedas or Pedra Branca. Along the way, we offer a visit and tasting at the Paratiana cachaça distillery. The waterfalls are peaceful havens where you can swim, stroll, read, and contemplate.   Everyone will meet at the waterfalls for a relaxing break in a small oasis amidst the Atlantic Forest.     Note 1: Distillery entry not included. Note 2: Please bring a water bottle, pants, hiking shoes, swimwear, a towel, rain gear, insect repellent, and sunscreen.   Night at Pousada Literaria.   Included: excursion (private), private transport, english speaking guide, room & breakfast

Your guide will take you through the historic center of Paraty, where every stone seems to whisper tales of the region’s and the country’s past. As you stroll along the narrow, cobblestone streets, you’ll discover one of Brazil’s most beautiful colonial legacies, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The perfectly restored homes and the four magnificent baroque churches in the city reflect the splendor that Paraty enjoyed in centuries past, and the collection of low houses and sobrados (bourgeois houses) in the city center, closed to automobiles, exudes a nostalgic charm.   From the pier, the sea, the church, the hills, and the sky come together in a perfect harmony of whites, greens, and blues.   Paraty also shines with its festivals and cultural events, numerous artisan workshops, high-quality gastronomy, and cachaça.   In short, it’s, in our opinion, a little piece of paradise that deserves to be explored fully, whether you choose to follow your local guide for a few hours or half a day, depending on your interests and curiosity.   Night at Pousada Literaria.   Included: english speaking guide, private transport, room & breakfast

Early in the morning, your Portuguese-speaking captain will lead you to the dock to board his boat, a fisherman's vessel adapted for a day trip. Embark on a day of sailing through the Bay of Paraty, from island to island, from beach to beach. Your captain will show you his most beautiful spots. Imagine yourself sailing in the Carioca Bay, surrounded by an enchanting panorama of islands that seem to emerge from a painting, enveloped by a symphony of blues harmoniously blending with the lush embrace of the Atlantic Forest.   Arriving at Saco de Mamanguá, we suggest a break to eat or swim in "the best place in the world," as proudly proclaimed by a sign adorning its beach.   For the more athletic, a hike awaits you to the summit of Mamanguá Peak, also known as the "Sugarloaf of Mamanguá," which rises to 440 meters, offering a breathtaking panorama.   On the way back, at the end of the day, you will witness a fascinating spectacle as the sky is adorned with shades of orange, red, and pink.   Hike: 5 km - Between 1.5 to 2.5 hours of walking - Positive elevation: 440 m - Intensity: High. Note 1: Only the boat captain is authorized to confirm or cancel the boat departure of the excursion, depending on weather conditions. Note 2: Don't forget your sneakers, swimsuit, sunscreen, and towel.   Night at Pousada Literaria.   Included: private transport, room & breakfast

You set out with your Portuguese-speaking driver, an excellent connoisseur of the region, for a day of exploration and relaxation on the most beautiful beaches in the area. First stop, the charming fishing village of Picinguaba, hidden at the end of a splendid bay, where the beach’s emerald green waters are very calm.   A few kilometers further, you can stroll along the vast Fazenda beach, several kilometers of white sand, often completely deserted, a true invitation for a swim.   You can have lunch in a local shack. The home-style cooking (specializing in shrimp and fish) is unpretentious but delicious. It will be accompanied by a "gelada" coconut (refreshingly cold coconut water).   Depending on the weather and your mood, you can continue to the remote village of Paraty Myrim, with its colonial church, long beach, and green and blue waters.     👋🏽 How about a little surf session? Contact us to rent a board.     Note: Don’t forget your sneakers, swimsuit, sunscreen, and towel.   Night at Pousada Literaria.   Included: local guide, private transport, room & breakfast

Boarding from the port of Paraty with Leonardo, for approximately 1 hour of crossing to Ilha Grande. Note: Only the boat captain is authorized to confirm or cancel the departure for the crossing, depending on weather conditions. In case of bad weather, a land transfer will be organized to Angra dos Reis, for a 15-minute boat crossing to the island.   Since its discovery, Ilha Grande has never ceased to fascinate, as evidenced by the many legends that have sprung up around it, all filled with pirates, treasures, monsters, and storms. A mountainous terrain covered in dense forest cascading into the sea, hundreds of magnificent deserted beaches scattered with rocks and caves, and stunningly beautiful marine life rich in shipwrecks—this is what Ilha Grande offers to those who approach it. A large part of the island is protected by a biological reserve, ensuring the preservation of 95% of the original forest, crisscrossed by dozens of trails that invite you to explore.   Getting around is done solely on foot; cars are excluded from the landscape. No noise, no pollution—a foretaste of paradise, perhaps? Without exaggerating?... Maybe, yes.   🌿 Enjoy a free day on the island, with a wide range of options to explore:   In order of intensity:   Olympic-level relaxation in a competition hammock at the pousada Swimming at the nearest beach Motorboat excursion to Lagoa Azul or Lagoa Verde Scuba diving Kayaking Hiking on the island’s trails to the beaches (Lopes Mendes, Feticeira, Dois Rios) Hiking to Pico do Papagaio, the island’s highest point at 982 meters   👋🏽 Contact us if you’d like us to organize an excursion—we have plenty of great tips for you.   Night at the Pousada Paraiso Azul. Standard room.   Included: boat transfer, room & breakfast

We embark for the day on a boat specially designed for the day's excursion and sail towards the Vieiras da Ilha oyster farm, located near Praia da Longa. Upon arrival, we are welcomed by the farm's owner, who explains the process of cultivating oysters, scallops, and mussels. Next, it's time to taste the fresh products harvested directly on-site.   After lunch at a small local restaurant, we board the boat again to explore around Ilha Grande. Our guide takes us to explore the most beautiful spots on the island: secluded beaches, hidden coves, and breathtaking panoramas.   We will also have the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters and discover the region's colorful marine life.   Night at the Pousada Paraiso Azul. Standard room.   Included: private transport, lunch (no drinks), english speaking guide, entrance fees mentioned in the program, room & breakfast

Preivate boat transfert direction Conceição do Jacarei. Your Portuguese-speaking driver is waiting for you at the port to take you to Rio de Janeiro (about a 2-hour drive). ☀️ This afternoon, we give you some free time in the cidade maravilhosa. Our recommendations? If you’re staying near the beaches, an afternoon at Copacabana or Ipanema is a great choice. We suggest settling down with a chilled bowl of Açai in hand, and watching the relaxed life of the Cariocas. If you bring a soccer ball, you’re sure to make new friends. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.   If you’re staying in Santa Teresa, enjoy an afternoon wandering through this bohemian neighborhood. Let yourself be carried through the narrow streets, look up to see old houses hidden behind lush greenery, and explore the small shops and art galleries. Then, sit on a terrace for a cerveja gelada or a caipirinha.   Note: We will provide all our local tips and advice before your arrival.   Night at the Villa Laurinda. Suite.   Included: boat ticket, private transport, room & breakfast

Rio, the Reinvented Must-Sees   Today, you will discover two of the most iconic places in Rio, if not all of Brazil: Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain. How about visiting them a little differently?   Your driver will pick you up at the hotel and drop you off at the starting point of the Corcovado train. With your tickets in hand, you board to reach the famous Christ the Redeemer. At the top, a true 38-meter-high work of art awaits you with open arms, and what a view, what a breathtaking view!   🚲 Then, a beautiful descent awaits you on an electric bike. You will meet your Portuguese-speaking guide at the train's arrival and start your descent through Tijuca Park, one of the largest urban forests in the world. You will enter the heart of the Atlantic Forest, seeking freshness and silence in the center of Rio. The park is a perfect little nature spot for Cariocas on weekends, and a great playground for the more athletic.   Fancy a quick swim along the way? Your guide will take you to the Paineiras waterfalls and Cahoeira Tuany. You will stop for lunch at Alto da Tijuca, a more remote and dense part of the forest. On the way, you will stop at viewpoints overlooking the city and the bay, such as Mesa do Imperador or Vista Chinesa. After leaving the forest, you will dive back into the lively atmosphere of Rio.   🤩 Your driver will meet you again to take you to the base of the Pão de Açúcar. We recommend a stop at Praia Vermelha for a swim and a coconut water. This little beach feels like a secret hidden in the middle of the city.   You will take the cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain to admire, in our opinion, the most beautiful view of Guanabara Bay, Rio, and Niteroi. Take your time strolling through the park, and then witness the sunset—a magical moment.   On the way down, we suggest passing through the Urca neighborhood for a little aperitif by the water. Your driver can drop you off there, and an Uber can take you back to your hotel afterward.   Electric bike: 2 to 3 hours - Distance: 24 km - Elevation: 1000 meters.   Note 1: If you would like to be accompanied by a bilingual local guide for the day or just part of it, let us know. Note 2: Bring comfortable clothes and a swimsuit. Note 3: Contact us for a hike to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain instead of taking the cable car.   Night at the Villa Laurinda. Suite.   Included: bike rental, private transport, room & breakfast

☀️ This morning, we give you some free time. Our recommendations? Take your time enjoying a good breakfast at the hotel, then go explore one or two neighborhoods. Don't start too early, as we’ll be out until nightfall today! Are you staying near the beaches? A morning at Copacabana or Ipanema awaits you. We recommend settling down with a bowl of chilled Açaí in hand, watching the easygoing life of the Cariocas. If you bring a soccer ball, you’re sure to make some new friends. It’s a beautiful moment of immersion.   Are you staying in Santa Teresa instead? Start your day wandering through this small bohemian neighborhood, letting yourself get lost in its narrow streets. Look up to catch glimpses of old mansions behind abundant greenery, and step into small shops and art galleries. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the best pão de queijo in the city at Cultivar. Then, sit on a terrace for a cafezinho.   Rio, the Heart of the Cidade Maravilhosa   In the early afternoon, after lunch, your guide will meet you for a tour of centro do Rio. This area features a mix of architecture, from old, semi-abandoned houses and grand commercial buildings to former administrative buildings that were relocated when Brasília was created. Within minutes, you transition from a colossal avenue lined with imposing glass skyscrapers to small, unspoiled alleys scattered with stalls and inexpensive shops: welcome to Rio’s historic center!   The neighborhood tells the story of the city through its multiple eras, from its colonial past to its years as the nation's capital, up to the 2016 Olympics which transformed the center.   You’ll visit the Selarón Steps, a vibrant artistic mosaic of over 2,000 ceramic tiles created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, paying tribute to Brazilian culture. You’ll pass under the arches of Lapa, just a few steps away. A stop at Praça Cinelândia provides a brief overview of this dynamic history. If you're feeling peckish, don’t miss the tapioca from a nearby banca.   Next, you’ll take the tram (VLT) to the Uruguaiana neighborhood, another excellent example of the mix of eras and styles. You’ll explore from the Biblioteca Real Português to Confeitaria Colombo, and then to the Sahara, a giant market-like souk.   You’ll then pass by the MAR and MAM museums; although you won’t have time to visit them today, they are beautiful museums worth a visit. A good reason to plan an extra day in Rio?     Share your interests and desires with your guide, and they will tailor the itinerary accordingly.   You’ll then walk to Little Africa, in the port area of Rio de Janeiro. This historic region was home to the Afro-Brazilian community in Rio. The name was given after the abolition of the slave trade in 1831. Between 1850 and 1920, the neighborhood became a refuge for black and African communities from Bahia or the interior of Brazil, seeking work and community life. The area is home to the birthplace of urban samba, at Pedra do Sal.   💃🏾 You’ll end the day at Bafo da Prainha, a place of music, dance, and celebration of Brazilian diversity and joy. We suggest staying there for a drink, cerveja gelada or caipirinha, accompanied by pastéis, while enjoying the samba rhythms that transport you to the heart of carioca vibrancy.     Note 1: Site admissions are not included in the center. Note 2: For the downtown visit, we advise against Sundays and public holidays. Some museums are closed on Mondays. Note 3: You will navigate on foot and by public transport through the city center. For your return to the hotel, you may use Uber directly at the time you prefer. Does that work for you?   Night at the Villa Laurinda. Suite.   Included: english speaking guide, public transport, room & breakfast

Niterói, often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Rio de Janeiro, is nevertheless a city rich in hidden treasures. Located on the other side of Guanabara Bay, this city offers spectacular views, avant-garde architecture, and a more relaxed atmosphere than Rio. Niterói is also a place where nature and culture meet, where tranquil beaches coexist with modern art and where Brazilian history blends with innovation. This morning, you will cross the Presidente Costa e Silva Bridge, an impressive concrete ribbon over 13 km long that connects Rio to Niterói. Your first stop is a walk near the fort. From there, the panoramic view of the bay is breathtaking, with the Sugarloaf Mountain standing proudly on the horizon, offering a stunning spectacle.   You continue to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC), an iconic work by Oscar Niemeyer. Its futuristic architecture seems to float above the water. Inside, the always surprising exhibitions invite you to an artistic exploration as fascinating as it is puzzling.   At noon, enjoy an authentic Brazilian lunch at a seaside restaurant in Niterói. You will taste local dishes such as moqueca, a rich and flavorful seafood stew, or feijoada, the national dish made from black beans and meat, served with farofa and feijão tropeiro.   In the afternoon, from "Parque da Cidade," a true natural balcony, an unparalleled view of Rio de Janeiro, just across the bay, awaits you. The panorama is breathtaking, with the city stretching out before your eyes, framed by the sea and the mountains.   Note: Lunch and MAC entrance fees not included.   Night at the Villa Laurinda. Suite.   Included: english speaking guide, private transport, room & breakfast

Transfer to the airport 3 hours prior to departure. Flight from Rio de Janeiro (time and number to be confirmed).   Included: departure transfer