Day 1 - 3

Rio to Parati. No visit to Rio is complete without a trip to the world famous statue of Jesus Christ on the Corcovado mountain, which can be viewed from almost anywhere in the city. Standing 100 feet high on the mountain, the statue commands the best view in town. We advise getting there early in order to beat not only the crowds but also the haze, which covers the city about mid-morning. Keep an afternoon free to spend at the golden beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, sunbathing and watching the locals in their element. Visit the many market stalls along the waterfront areas at both beaches. From the beach, head up to Sugarloaf mountain to enjoy a fantastic sunset and a few drinks. Another recommendation is to take a Favela Tour to some of the poorer districts of Rio. It is a very unique and interesting insight into how the local people live.

With so much to do and see in Rio, we recommend you stay a couple of extra days to take as much in as you can. There can’t be many more beautiful and exciting cities in the world to start your tour. Please note that we depart Rio by  morning bus to Parati on Day 1. You are strongly advised to consider booking pre tour accommodation to take advantage of all that Rio has to offer.

Heading down the striking coastline, we discover the lovely town of Parati. Parati is an old port town with cobblestone streets and quaint little shops. Here we can treat you to a fantastic day out on an old schooner sailing around the nearby islands. Spend the day relaxing on board or swimming in the warm waters and soaking up some sunshine.

Day 4

Sao Paolo. Travelling away from the coast and into the hills, we are jolted back into 21st Century life again as we arrive into the sprawling metropolis of Sao Paolo. With over 40 million inhabitants, this makes Sao Paolo the largest city in the southern hemisphere.    

Days 5 - 6

Ihla do Mel. Our next stop is the stunning Ihla do Mel (or Honey Island), which is set a few kilometres offshore in the Paranagua Bay. With its crystal waters and white sand beaches, great for both swimming or surfing, the island was declared a protected area in 1992. It is an ideal retreat to enjoy raw, natural beauty: there are no roads on the island, only a network of sandy trails with local pousadas or guesthouses dotted between the trees. So relax on the beach and enjoy the sea breezes or for the more active travellers, enjoy walks along the many hiking trails on the island that time has forgotten. 
   

Day 7

Curitiba. Travelling by boat and bus we reach Curitiba which is the largest city in southern Brazil and home to over one and a half million inhabitants, many of whom are of German, Italian and Polish descent. Stringent urban planning, parks and cycle routes coupled with environmental concern means that residents enjoy some of the highest standards of living in Brazil. The city is also home to several universities and although this is Brazil, temperatures can fall to zero degrees in winter (June thru to August) when cold fronts push up from the south. Take a stroll around Curitiba's parks and museums or perhaps a visit to the famous street which never sleeps: 24 Hours Street!  From Curitiba we catch an overnight bus to Iguazu.