Road Trip from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro 8 Days of Culture, Nature, and Beaches Brazil | Sao Paulo, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro
During this journey you will experience the fantastic Costa Verde during your own road trip. The green coast of Brazil with its small bays, beaches, and islands will amaze you. Discover the picturesque colonial town of Paraty and get to know the diverse surroundings on your own. Enjoy paradise and the dreamy beaches of Ilha Grande and go on excursions as you please.
Map
Highlights
- Discover lonely bays and beaches
- Immerse yourself in local life
- Stroll through the car-free streets of historic Paraty
- Experience the flora and fauna of the Atlantic Rainforest
- Relax on palm-tree beaches on an island
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Sao Paulo
Included: Rental Car
Airport to Paraty: 200 miles (300 km)
Welcome to Brazil! After your arrival to the airport in Sao Paulo you will pick up your rental car. You will then start your road trip through Brazil. From Sao Paulo, you will set out for about 200 miles (300 kilometers) to the picturesque colonial town of Paraty. The drive along Costa Verde is an amazing experience as the route is one of the most beautiful in Brazil. It passes by beautiful bays and beaches, countless islands, and impressive coastal mountains that tower up to 4,900 feet (1,500 meters). Once you arrive to your accommodation in Paraty you can relax for the rest of the day and stroll through the car-free streets with colorful houses.
Overnight: Pousada do Ouro, Superior room
Day 2: Culture and Historical Highlights
Included: Rental Car | Paraty Walking Tour (private, 2h) | Breakfast
In the morning you will be picked up by an English-speaking guide for a short walking tour through Paraty. You will get to know the historical city center. The picturesque old town was listed as a protected monument in 1966 and today it has the character of a large open-air museum. The center, where you will feel like you have traveled back centuries in time, has often served as a backdrop for historical films and series. At the end of the tour you can arrange the rest of the day according to your own wishes. Ask your guide for suggestions in the surrounding areas of Paraty.
Overnight: Pousada do Ouro, Superior room
Day 3: Paraty, Beaches, and the Surrounding Area
Included: Rental Car | Breakfast
The surroundings of Paraty and the numerous offshore islands have a lot to offer and it is up to you to decide what you would like to see. There is no lack of possibilities. We recommend a trip to Vila de Trindade, just a 40 minute-drive from Paraty. This small paradise is still a local favorite and offers fantastic beaches where you could stay forever.
Overnight: Pousada do Ouro, Superior room
Day 4: Rainforest Mountains, Waterfalls, and Small Villages
Included: Rental Car | Breakfast
Today you might want to explore the rainforest-covered mountains and small villages in the hinterlands. Along the route there are many waterfalls to visit, such as the Toboga waterfall, whose rocky bottom has created a huge natural slide. Another destination could be the nearby village of Cachaca, with a distillery where you can see how Brazil's national drink is produced.
Overnight: Pousada do Ouro, Superior room
Day 5: Onward Journey to Ilha Grande
Included: Rental Car | Breakfast
Paraty to Angra dos Reis: 65 miles (100 km)
Today the journey continues along Costa Verde for about 65 miles (100 kilometers) to Angra dos Reis. Once you arrive you will return the rental car and take a ferry to Ilha Grande. Please note that the boat trip is not included as it depends on what time you arrive. But don't worry, your guide in Paraty will explain exactly how and where to board the ferry. On board you can relax and look forward to the beach paradise that awaits you in Ilha Grande.
Overnight: Pousada Naturalia, Standard room
Day 6: Tropical Island Paradise
Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the numerous beautiful beaches and relax. Ilha Grande is popular for hikers as there are 16 official trails and routes. Also, those who want to go scuba diving are in the right place. Costa Verde is one of Brazil's finest and lures visitors with beautiful coral and a variety of fish. In addition, daily boat tours depart from the pier on which you can admire the island's coast.
Overnight: Pousada Naturalia, Standard room
Day 7: Further Beaches and Atlantic Rainforest
Included: Breakfast
Today can be spent relaxing or on another trip. We recommend an excursion to Lopes Mendes beach, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. It has crystal clear blue water and fine sand. Other sights on the island include Laguna Verde and Laguna Azul which you can visit on a boat trip. We offer many different optional tours on the island.
Overnight: Pousada Naturalia, Standard room
Day 8: Departure to Rio de Janeiro
Included: Transfer from Ilha Grande to Rio de Janeiro (in-group and private, 4h) | Breakfast
After breakfast you will depart from Ilha Grande. You will be picked up on an agreed time and taken to the pier. The shuttle boat, followed by a private transfer with a Portuguese-speaking driver, will take you to the vibrant metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, where you will begin your journey home or onward. We are already looking forward to seeing you again!
Included
- All transfers detailed above
- 1 day trip (with a private English-speaking guide)
- 4 nights at Pousada do Ouro, Superior room
- 3 nights at Pousada Naturalia, Standard room
- 7 breakfasts
- Rental car for 4x 24h from Sao Paulo to Angra dos Reis in the selected car category (unlimited mileage)
- Rental car information sheet
- One-way fees
- Collision damage waiver and loss damage waiver (“risk coverage for the car”), and third-party liability cover (“risk coverage for third parties”)
Not included are airfare, fuel, optional additional coverage, additional driver, beverages, meals not indicated in the itinerary, tips, and personal expenses.
Info
- All tours can be customized, shortened, or extended depending on your interests.
- In case of very early departures or late arrivals, meals may be omitted.
- Day trips can be adapted to local conditions (of course, always in the interest of the guest) to ensure a safe and eventful journey.
- Information on distances and travel times are approximate.
- The renter must be 21 years of age or older, have a valid driver’s license issued no less than 2 years before the date of rental.
Here you will find further information and details about car rental categories and insurance.
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