The Best of Brazil

Take the ferry to Ilha Grande, carpeted in lush jungle and surrounded by idyllic beaches. Spend the next couple of days exploring this beautiful island, perhaps taking a boat tour (optional, extra cost) or just chilling and relaxing on the beach with an occasional dip in the warm seas. For the more adventurous you could listen out for howler monkeys as you hike through the jungles to the top of Abraão to Pico do Papagaio, snorkel the coves in search of tropical fish, or admire the scenery while sipping on a caipirinha. 

Visit an Afro-Brazilian community on your way to the colonial city of Paraty, whose cobbled streets lead to old churches, plunging waterfalls and forest covered hillsides. Paraty’s bay is dotted with 65 paradise islands, which you’ll explore by schooner. Island hop along the blue seas, stopping at the most beautiful of the many beaches for snorkelling and swimming, or just take a walk along the rocky shorelines. There’s also the option of a visit to a Cachaça Distillery, a spirit made with sugarcane.

Fly to Foz do Iguaçu and admire the mighty Iguassu Falls, checking out the views from both the Argentina and Brazil sides. Walk the trails and boardwalks at the top of the 275 individual waterfalls covering over 3 kilometres of gorges. Get closer to the spray as you sail the shoreline of the Devil’s Throat, the highest and deepest part of the waterfall system, or perhaps take a trip to the Parque des Aves to admire the exotic birds (both optional, extra cost).

Return to Rio and explore the well-known Copacabana neighbourhood. Unsurprisingly, most head to the famous beach for a spot of sunbathing, a game of volleyball, or just to watch the locals playing football. So grab your cocktail and sit back and relax. If you wish, you can watch an energetic samba show, a display of colour and vibrancy with costumed dancers and musicians demonstrating Brazilian dance and capoeira (a form of martial art) with a carnival-style parade.