Vibrant Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, dense jungles & white-sand beaches

Welcome to Sao Paulo, Brazil’s biggest and most energetic city. Ranking amongst the world’s most populous cities, we’re talking about a true bustling metropolis the likes of New York. Here, you’ll find a city of stylish cafes and restaurants, lively nightlife and vibrant multiculturalism. You’ll be greeted at the airport by a private transfer, ready to whisk you away to your hotel in the city. Meet your fellow travellers and guide, enjoying your first drink together in a rooftop bar with panoramic views over Sao Paulo’s concrete jungle. Follow this up with a pub crawl around Vila Madalena, a creative neighbourhood lined with graffiti murals, bars and art galleries.

After breakfast at the hotel, you’re off to uncover the sights of Sao Paulo. From Paulista Avenue to historical Old City, you’ll explore the city’s most iconic landmarks by foot. Then, it’s time for lunch at Mercado Municipal. Here, you’ll sample a few Brazilian classics such as pastel de bacalao (codfish pastry) and mortadella sandwich. Then, leave Sao Paulo behind you, heading onwards to Paraty. Enjoy a scenic drive through the jungled mountains down to the coast, with a short stop at Pedra da Macela to absorb beautiful landscape views of Paraty Bay (your final destination). You’ll then descend down winding roads until you reach Paraty, a colonial port town nestled along the Atlantic Coast. Surrounded by lush rainforest and turquoise waters, welcome to your secluded coastal retreat. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.

This morning, take a thrilling jeep tour through the coastal wilderness surrounding Paraty. You’ll navigate a landscape of waterfalls and dense rainforest, following the historical Gold Trail through the jungle. For lunch, you’ll enjoy a typical Brazilian menu featuring a choice of roast beef or grilled fish. It’s then back to Paraty, where you’ll explore the city on a walking tour, with regular stops to sample locally-produced cachaca – Brazil’s beloved spirit. Take the rest of the evening to explore Paraty at your own pace, from its restaurants to nightlife.

First thing this morning, you’ll catch a boat over to Saco do Mamangua, an inlet of turquoise waters with a striking fjord-like atmosphere. Settle in for a full-day boat tour, with plenty of stops for swimming, relaxing and enjoying spectacular coastal views. Once you arrive at Saco do Mamangua, you’ll enjoy a short hike up Sugarloaf Peak, which offers beautiful views over the jungled peninsula and sparkling bay. Savour invigorating views from the top, then you’ll make your way back down to ground level, with a quick stop for some snorkelling. Enjoy a well-earned lunch with your fellow travellers, then a leisurely day on the beach lies ahead.

After breakfast at the hotel, swap the coastal serenity of Paraty for the urban rhythms of Rio. Settle in and enjoy the four-hour drive along the coast – as scenic as you can imagine. Upon arrival in Rio, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore your new city at leisure. From its bustling beaches to twinkling cityscape, there’s a real sense of energy and vibrance here that will sweep you into its rhythm. Our suggestion? Meander down to Ipanema for a dip in the sea, or savour views of the city from Arpoador Rock. Reconvene with your group in the evening to enjoy a beautiful sunset with a drink in hand, followed by dinner and cocktails at a stylish Ipanema bar.

This morning, you’re off to Corcovado Mountain, where snaking trails lead up to the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer. Savour expansive views over the bay, dotted with islands that fade into the horizon. Lunch will be at a traditional Brazilian restaurant, serving classic dishes such as slow-roasted pork ribs and feijoada (black bean stew). You’ll then visit the beautiful Parque Lage, a public park just outside the Botanical Gardens. Located at the foot of the Corcovado, the contrast between this former mansion grounds and the surrounding rainforest is strikingly atmospheric. Back in town, you’ll have a couple of hours to spend as you please, before gathering with your group for an exclusive cocktail-making class. Learn all about Brazilian flavour combinations, as you craft your very own cocktails from scratch (and drink them, too).

Start the day with a gentle hike up Pedra Bonita, one of the peaks of Rio overlooking the beautiful azure coastline. Breathe in the glorious views at 2200 feet altitude, before returning to the city in time for lunch (which is yours to arrange). In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Rio’s carnival culture, learning all about the history of samba and carnivalesque parades. Then, it’s time to learn a few samba moves. Relax with a caipirinha cocktail as you embrace the rhythms of salsa, before making your way to Ipanema Beach to catch a spectacular sunset.

Your day begins with a quick hike up Morro da Urca, where you’ll catch a cable car over to Sugarloaf Mountain: Rio’s most iconic natural landmark. Enjoy vast views of the cityscape unfolding before you, then it’s onto a local restaurant for lunch. Tuck into a sizzling Brazilian barbecue with your fellow travellers, followed by a cold beer overlooking the seafront. We’ve left the afternoon free for you to enjoy Rio as you please. As evening falls, reconvene with your group for a farewell feast at a vibrant restaurant-come-nightclub.

After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time for you to make your own way to the airport. If you booked a flight home from Sao Paulo, we recommend catching a domestic flight from Rio, with sweeping views of the coast to enjoy from your window. Looking to explore South America further? Perhaps Argentina or Chile might be just what you’re seeking.