Brazil's Costa Verde: Paraty & Ilha Grande

Visit the four top attractions of Rio de Janeiro in an open Hummer-style Jeep. Begin your tour at Tijuca National Park, which is part of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Preserve. This tropical nature reserve, with its mountainous terrain and series of waterfalls, is inhabited by iguanas and monkeys. Drive within the national park and head to Corcovado, a granite peak that is the foothold of the world-renowned Art Deco statue, Christ the Redeemer. The statue is a cultural icon and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. From the foot of the statue, soak in panoramic views of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Later, ascend Sugar Loaf Mountain by two separate cable car rides. The first cable car takes you to Morro da Urca and the second up to Pao de Acucar. Wander around and soak in 360-degree city views from the observation platform. Finally, cruise to the 350-acre Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, which boasts more than 7,000 species of tropical plants.

(Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers; All entry fees are included; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy-moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Please wear light clothing and comfortable walking shoes)

Master the art of making traditional Brazilian dishes on this enjoyable tour. Set out in the mid-morning or later to spend the next few hours perfecting secret techniques under the guidance of an expert chef. Choose to make feijoada, a stew with meat and black beans, or Bahian-style moqueca, a seafood stew made with coconut milk. For dessert, try either brigadeiro, a chocolate dessert, or cheese and guava paste. You’ll be working with recipes that incorporate ingredients that are available across the globe, in case you’d like to recreate the magic back home. Pick up helpful tips and hear about the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Brazilian gastronomy, from your chef. Once the dishes are ready, sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor before you head back. (Only possible from Mon – Sat; Duration: 4 hours; Time: between 10am and 9pm; Private activity & transfers; Meals included; lunch/dinner; Fitness level: easy; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)

Enjoy a variety of joyous, energetic Brazilian traditional dances that showcase the country’s rich musical heritage and folklore. Sit back and watch the Bossa Nova, Samba and other music and dance styles. Groove to traditional rhythms from the Amazon, Pampas and Pernambuco. Be amazed by around 16 different dance styles including the Boleadeira, Lambada, Carimbo, Xaxado, Forro, Frevo, and Maculele, and the skillful combination of martial arts and dance – the capoeira. Get a flavour of the history and culture of the country conveyed by the graceful and acrobatic dancers in this show that almost seems like a tour through Tupiniquins lands, the Parintins Festival, Lambada, Carimbo, Xaxado, Forro, Frevo, Maculele, Capoeira, Dance of Orixas, Boleadeiras, Bossa Nova, and the Samba de Gafieira carnival.

(Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity and Transfers; Dinner is not included; This tour is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Please note that taking pictures or recording the performance is not allowed).

On this privately guided tour, you will be able to explore on foot the colonial treasures and exciting tales of Paraty, allowing you to gain a deep insight into the history of this picturesque colonial town. (Duration 1.5 hours, if you have a preference for timing, please tell your travel consultant at the time of booking, otherwise our team will schedule the tour at the best available time. Walking Tour, Private Activity)

Experience two different sides of Paraty on this enjoyable tour. Journey to the scenic National Forest of Serra da Bocaina, a protected Atlantic tropical rainforest, in search of picturesque waterfalls. See Pedra Branca waterfall, one of the most beautiful in the region. Try to spot the various species of flora and fauna as you walk along with your knowledgeable guide. Drive on to Toboga waterfall that cascades down over a smooth rock. For an adrenaline rush, slide down the rock for about 90 feet to splash into the natural pool at the base. Next, travel to a cachaça distillery to learn how this popular Brazilian liquor is distilled. See how it is extracted from sugarcane and aged in wooden barrels. Afterwards, make your way to a local restaurant, on the banks of the Pereque River, where you can buy yourself lunch. You could then enjoy a quick dip in the natural pools there before it’s time to head back.

(Duration: full day; Shared activity; Only transfers from Paraty downtown included; Starting point: Paraty Tours office; Lunch can be included at additional charge)

Caiçara Pousada sits in a sandy corner of Abraao Beach, close to the pier and downtown Vila do Abraao. Set along the waterfront, this comfortable guest house makes for a laidback getaway. When you book a three night stay here, do not miss signing up for the included guided exploration of the beautiful and secluded Lopes Mendes Beach. Accessible only on foot or by boat, this famous beach is known for its stretch of white sand, crystal clear water, and big waves perfect for surfing. Take a scenic boat ride that stops at Pousa Beach and includes a 20-minute walk to Lopes Mendes Beach. Once you reach, enjoy the sun, surf and sand at the pristine beach that is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the country. After, take the boat back to your hotel. Alternatively, you could trek to the beach with an experienced guide accompanying you, who will share insight into the region. The approximately 4.5 mile trail can be rough and steep in sections and you must be prepared for the walk. (Duration: half day/full day; Shared activity & transfers; Fitness level: easy (if traveling by boat))

Embark on an exhilarating speedboat ride to the Cagarras Archipelago. Rio de Janeiro was the first city to be declared a World Heritage Site as an Urban Cultural Landscape, and one of the best ways to appreciate this scenery is from the sea. Set sail from the Urca Pier, passing by the Fortress of São João Baptista, closely linked to the city’s foundation. Soak up the beauty of Rio de Janeiro’s coastline, while circling the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain. Drop anchor off Praia Vermelha, also known as the Red Beach. Go swimming or just enjoy the marvelous waterfront views, before cruising past the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Continue across the waters of Guanabara Bay to Ilhas Cagarras, an uninhabited archipelago of seven islands. Here, enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the company of green and hawksbill turtles, a variety of fish and maybe even bottlenose dolphins. Back on board, your experienced skipper will offer insights into the area’s rich biodiversity. On your return journey, drift past the Santa Cruz Fortress, Adao and Eva beaches. View the Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum before mooring at the jetty. (Duration: 3 hrs; Time 0800/1200/1530 hrs (peak season) & 1000/1530 hrs (off-peak season); Shared activity; Group size: 8-12 ppl; Private transfers; Starting point: Urca Pier, Rio de Janeiro; Fitness level: easy; Please note that the afternoon cruise is recommended for better scenic views, especially at sunset; Operates subject to min 2 ppl confirmed & if weather conditions permit)