To the southwest of Rio lies Ilha Grande, home to dozens of beaches and lush rainforests. We’ll make our first stop at this island paradise and follow it with a trip to the UNESCO heritage listed town of Paraty, a pleasant colonial town known for its original architecture.
South America
Rio Beach Escape: Ilha Grande & Colonial Paraty
6 Days, Departs daily. From NZD $1,252pp.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Drive along Brazil's spectacular Green Coast road, a winding route through coastal mountains and jungle covered slopes.
- Swim and snorkel off deserted tropical island beaches at the island paradise of Ilha Grande.
- Explore the charming little town of Paraty with its narrow cobbled streets and rustic, whitewashed colonial buildings.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Rio to Ilha Grande
- Day 2: Ilha Grande Day at Leisure
- Day 3: Ilha Grande Day at Leisure
- Day 4: Ilha Grande to Paraty
- Day 5: Paratay Walking Tour
- Day 6: Departure
Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary
- Extra time is never wasted time in Ilha Grande.
- Further explore the inland areas close to Paraty which include some exceptional waterfalls and a Cachaça Distillery.
- Extend your stay and discover more of Brazil.
Travelling with Eclipse
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- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
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- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
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Day 1 - Rio de Janeiro: Rio to Ilha Grande
Rio to Ilha Grande
From the airport or your hotel in Rio, you will be met by your driver (without guide) and transferred 2-3 hours to the old port in Angra dos Reis. As you arrive to the port, take a 2-hour ferry journey to Ilha Grande. The scenery in this area is spectacular and gives you time to appreciate the magnificent coastline of Rio de Janeiro State. The ferry arrives at the wonderful Vila do Abrao, the main village of the island, which stretches quietly along the coast. There will be assistance by our english-speaking representative as you arrive to the Island.
You will then transfer to your hotel on foot as cars are prohibited on Ilha Grande. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore the beautiful beaches close to town.
Day 2 - Ilha Grande: Ilha Grande Day at Leisure
Ilha Grande Day at Leisure
Today is at your leisure to explore the island, one of Brazil's most well-preserved natural habitats. Trails crisscross the island, winding through pristine jungle, crystal clear waterfalls and deserted beaches such as Lopes Mendes (voted one of the best in Brazil).
Ilha Grande is an unspoiled paradise waiting to be explored. You'll have the option to head out on a boat trip around the island to visit some of its many secluded beaches inaccessible by foot. You'll also have the option of snorkeling amongst the tropical fish, sea turtles and coral of the lagoons, or scuba diving amongst the many wrecks in the open seas. There is rumour of pirates treasure buried somewhere near the island, so keep your eyes open.
If all this seems like a little too much activity, why not spending the day relaxing on one of the island's beaches.
Breakfast included.
Day 3 - Ilha Grande: Ilha Grande Day at Leisure
Ilha Grande Day at Leisure
Today is at your leisure to explore the island, one of Brazil's most well-preserved natural habitats. Trails crisscross the island, winding through pristine jungle, crystal clear waterfalls and deserted beaches such as Lopes Mendes (voted one of the best in Brazil).
Ilha Grande is an unspoiled paradise waiting to be explored. You'll have the option to head out on a boat trip around the island to visit some of its many secluded beaches inaccessible by foot. You'll also have the option of snorkeling amongst the tropical fish, sea turtles and coral of the lagoons, or scuba diving amongst the many wrecks in the open seas. There is rumour of pirates treasure buried somewhere near the island, so keep your eyes open.
If all this seems like a little too much activity, why not spending the day relaxing on one of the island's beaches.
Breakfast included.
Day 4 - Ilha Grande: Ilha Grande to Paraty
Ilha Grande to Paraty
After breakfast you'll be shown to the small port in town to catch the boat from Ilha Grande back to Angra dos Reis for your one hour trip down the coast to Paraty. After arriving at your hotel in Paraty, you'll have the afternoon and evening to spend at your leisure.
Breakfast included.
Day 5 - Paraty: Paraty Walking Tour
Paraty Walking Tour
In the morning you will start the day with a light walking tour with one of our local guides, making your way through the quaint and colourful streets of Paraty. Different from other colonial Brazilian cities, the architecture of Paraty has character and originality. It is also a Historic National Monument and UNESCO listed. As you meander through the cobblestone streets, visiting churches, galleries, museums and houses, you will learn of the legends and history of the town.
Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
Breakfast included.
Day 6 - Paraty: Departure
Departure
After breakfast we transfer you back to Rio (3-4 hours - Portuguese speaking driver) or if you prefer we can also arrange for you to be transferred to San Paulo airport (4-5 hours).
Breakfast included.
Please contact us for dates
Comfort
Ilha Grande, Brazil - Naturalia Ilha Grande
Paraty, Brazil - Pousada Corsario
Superior
Ilha Grande, Brazil - Ancoradouro Ilha Grande
Paraty, Brazil - Porto Imperial Pousada
Deluxe
Ilha Grande, Brazil - Asalem Pousada
Paraty, Brazil - Pousada Literaria
Whats included?
- Accommodation with private facilities
- Hotel Taxes
- Entrance Fees
- Tours with English speaking guides
- Transfers
- Meals as specified
What’s not included?
- Air Transportation
- Airport entrance/departure taxes/hotel taxes
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
Hotel rates are based on twin share lead in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events.
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: South America
The vivid sights and sounds of South America offer something for everyone. Stretching from the Caribbean to Patagonia, the variety of cultures, climates and landscapes has to be experienced firsthand to be believed. The memories you take home will leave you wanting more – we’re sure you’ll want to return again and again, just like us!
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