Itinerary ● Highlights of Southern Brazil in 3 Weeks.
✈️ Setting off.
UK nationals planning a visit to Brazil don’t need to apply for any visas in order to be granted entry. However, you must ensure that the Federal Police stamp your passport upon entry or else this could cause some complications when you are departing. It is also worthy to note that your passport should have at least 6 months validity remaining.
This itinerary is aimed at those who are willing to take public transport and stay in shared accommodation such as hostels. It is equally useful to those who are planning to stay in private accommodation, although costings will not reflect the cost of your holiday.
💡 Useful Resources.
Rio de Janeiro ● 5 nights.
Few things can be said about the crown jewel of Brazil that have not been said before — or more to the point — cannot be summed up by one look at the astonishing landscape. Carved into lush and rugged rainforest terrain, which edges its way to the coast, merging with golden sands that greet the Atlantic Ocean.
With an abundance of incredible beaches, you will be spoilt for choice as to where to spend your time. Located in the south of Rio, the bustling suburbs of Ipanema (📷) and Copacabana (📷) are vibrant and glamorous. This breath-taking stretch of coastline has become emblematic of Brazil’s astounding natural beauty. Lively nightlife and a promenade lined with ritzy sea-front hotels have cemented this neighbourhood as a tourist favourite.
Beach enthusiasts willing to venture outside of the tourist centre will be rewarded with some absolute gems devoid of smothering crowds.
Located one hour to the south-west of Central Rio, immaculate white-sand Prainha is a contender for the most picturesque beach in the region.
Located about half an hour from the centre, a strip of sand is back-dropped by an imposing rocky bay. Here, Joatinga (📷), is a great beach to find respite from the crowds.
💰 Dorms from £26 per night.
💰 Rooms from £189 per night.
💰 Dorms from £19 per night.
the Maze.
💰 Rooms from £25 per night.
Of course, no visit to Rio is complete without making the pilgrimage to the peak of Corcovado. Here stands the near 100-foot tall statue of Christ the Redeemer (📷), casting his blessings over Rio.
Whether you are religious or not, this monument is so iconic that it is worth the journey — if only for the unbeatable view alone. With a little bit of preparation, you can enjoy the ease of taking the Corcovado Rack Railway to the summit, with tickets in the peak season costing roughly 100 Real.
For a cultural experience that will surely put an enduring smile on your face, weekly samba shows are performed by award-winning group Samba do Trabalhador at the outdoor venue of Renascença Clube.
There is a jovial atmosphere in this diverse crowd, with generations of locals accounted for in equal parts. For decades the club has been unifying Cariocas; bringing together friends and family to embrace the rich musical culture of their country.
📖 Keen to learn more about Rio? Our Rio de Janeiro pocket guide is on-hand.
Conceicao de Jacarei ● 1 night (optional).
Continuing forth from Teresopolis, it is recommended to book another night in Rio in order to catch the early morning bus to Conceição de Jacareí. This small coastal town is located in close proximity to the town of Angra dos Reis, however, Conceição de Jacareí is home to the best hostel in the region and a picturesque harbour (📷) to boot.
An overnight stay is rewarding, although the main reason for staying here is to access the ferry between the town and the untamed beauty of Ilha Grande across the water.
Ilha Grande ● 4 nights.
A combination of existing development restrictions and being the historic location of quarantine for lepers and high-risk prisoners, Ilha Grande has only started receiving an influx of tourists since 1994, when its maximum security prison was closed down.
The result of all these set backs? A rugged and untamed gem covered in dense jungle and incredible unspoilt tropical beaches dotting the entire coast. Hundreds of lavish beaches await discovery, with countless trails and private tours to help you navigate the harsh terrain that separates far flung treasures from the island's base of Vila do Abraão.
With the Brazilian government promoting eco-friendly tourism to the island — which is regulated as a national park — motorised vehicles are banned here. To reach the isolated beaches on the South-West corner of the island entails a private boat tour. Luckily, the local people are warm and accommodating, so it is likely to find a fair price and service with a smile.
💰 Dorms from £7 per night.
Holandes Hostel.
💰 Dorms from £12 per night.
Perhaps the most popular hike on the island is the trail between Vila do Abraão and the expansive white sand bay of Praia Lopes Mendes. A two hour hike is all that separates you from relaxing on one of the most tranquil beaches in the world. Along the way, you will encounter more fine beaches such as Praia de Palmas, with golden sand and palm trees lining the backdrop. From Abraão, hike through the jungle for 1½ hours on the trail to Cachoeira da Feiticeira.
The South-West corner of Ilha Grande is an essential visit, whether completing day trips from Abraão or splashing out for one of the spectacular properties available on Airbnb. It is easy to charter a boat transfer from Abraão; just speak with the reception at your accommodation and they will be happy to assist. Pristine Praia de Provetá is well worth the additional journey, with a charming beach-front settlement on the shore, encouraging interaction with local islanders.
Paraty ● 2 or 3 nights.
Charming whitewashed homes are painted in a rainbow of vibrant colours, enclosing the cobbled streets of the central thoroughfare. Famed for its delicate charm and wistful atmosphere, Paraty is a delightful colonial town that is likely to steal your heart.
Departing Ilha Grande, take the ferry from Vila do Abraão to Angra dos Reis in order to easily connect with a bus to Paraty. Buses between the two towns depart as frequently as every 30 minutes.
Once you arrive, you will have plenty of time to explore. The colonial town of Paraty (📷) is likely where you will spend your evenings when visiting the area, providing a magical base to explore the abundant amount of spectacular beaches and waterfalls found nearby.
💰 Dorms from £10 per night.
💰 Dorms from £11 per night.
Continuing the trend of uncovering secluded beaches, the stunning Lula Beach is accessible only by boat from the neighbouring town of Paraty Mirim. Hop aboard a public bus that connects the two towns and then organise your transfer to the rugged peninsula.
Another absolute gem for those who aren't afraid to venture off the beaten path, the glorious Praia do Sono is a hidden oasis. Fine white sand and crystal waters define this beach that is — you guessed it — only accessible via leasing a boat or a moderate hike.
Trindade ● 1 night.
Technically a suburb of Paraty, Trindade is situated about 40 minutes to the south of the colonial town via public bus; although taxis are another viable option. Here, you will discover a former fishing village re-invented to bonafide tourist hotspot.
Famed for the wonderful Praia do Cachadaço, the area conceals a tropical treasure trove in the form of Cachadaço Natural Pool (📷) — home to a myriad of tropical marine life —enclosed from the sea by dramatic volcanic rocks.
Curving across the north side of town, Praia do Cepilho is a sweeping sandy bay abuzz with life, including local eateries serving up fine and fresh seafood; an ode to the taste of Trindade and its heritage as a fishing hub.
Ubatuba ● 2 nights.
A bus ride of just over an hour connects you to another tourist haven. Ubatuba, a bustling seaside resort town, welcomes you to the state of São Paulo. This hotspot draws locals from the state's mega-city to enjoy a beach getaway during summer. Settle in at your accommodation and head straight out to explore more blissful Brazilian nature.
Luckily, you needn’t stray very far. As hinted at in its name, Praia Grande sprawls across the length of the town and is a hive of activity, where locals and tourists mingle on golden sands over drinks and casually competitive games of sport.
Located on a small peninsula jutting out to the Bay of Ubatuba, the serene Praia do Cedro is accessed by short hiking trail; also suitable for bikes. This beach offers peace and quiet even in busier times, so if you want to recline in the sand few tourists around, take note. Directly opposite at the parallel side of the bay, Praia Vermelha do Norte is closer to town and is well worth visiting.
To the north-east of Ubatuba, make sure to visit the suburb of Prumirim. Relax on Ilha do Prumirim — easily one of the prettiest islands in a region brimming with tropical bliss. There is also the enchanting Prumirim Waterfall nestled in the forest close-by.
Far from the established tourist circuit of Ubatuba, visiting the untouched paradise of Praia Grande do Bonete will require a return taxi transfer to the suburb of Lagoinha, then proceeding along a one hour hiking trail — but it is so worth it. People who’ve made the journey seem to unanimously agree that this place is close to paradise on Earth.
Ilhabela ● 3 or 4 nights.
A lush, paradisiacal island famed for its heart-fluttering natural splendour. Home to blissful sandy beaches and a balmy, idyllic climate, Ilhabela a truly dream-like wonderland.
Due to lacklustre transport links between Ubatuba and the port town of São Sebastião, a journey that would otherwise total less than two hours is stretched out to almost 4 hours’ worth of travel. To reach São Sebastião by bus, you should follow the details listed on Rome2Rio in regards to where you should switch buses. It may be worth looking into a taxi option from Ubatuba, though rates in the area can be expensive. It is worth enquiring with your accommodation.
Once you make the ferry crossing into Ilhabela though, it is guaranteed that the slightly strenuous journey will be entirely worth the effort. It is likely that you will be staying on the west coast, although the best beaches are located on the east. Unlike Ilha Grande however, Ilhabela is more adapted to tourism; with buses running routes across the island.
Hop aboard the Expresso Fênix bound for the town of Pacuíba, where — after an hours’ journey across the fringes of the rainforest — you will be able to relax on the lovely Praia do Jabaquara.
Not too far from Pacuiba, Praia da Fome hides in perfect isolation. Accessible only by boat, this can be arranged from Pacuiba. It is well worth the excursion for its translucent blue waters and white sandy shore, aligned by palm trees and a beach shack serving up cold drinks.
With countless beaches strewn across the coast of Ilhabela, it may be hard to decide which ones to prioritise during your visit — especially given that many are difficult to reach and require devoting a lot of time to hike to.
Other than beaches, you should definitely make a point of visiting the divine Cachoeira do Gato, elegantly cascading down a small cliff-face buried in dense rainforest.
São Paulo ● 3 nights.
By far the largest and most populous city in Brazil, São Paulo doesn’t possess the traditional tourist draws that Rio enjoys. Instead, it is well-known as the cultural capital. A place where diverse cultures blend together seamlessly, rhythmic samba fills the air and trendy art centres converge. São Paulo is a treat for all those willing to delve into this concrete jungle.
For your final stop on this unforgettable tour of Brazil, you will catch a direct bus from the port of São Sebastião to the bustling metropolis of São Paulo (📷).
Appealing to a hip crowd, São Paulo is a haven for young travellers seeking to discover the alternative side of Brazil. Mingle with friendly locals in one of the community hubs found throughout the city.
The expansive complex at Sao Paulo Cultural Centre utilises a vast open space with a minimalist modern flair. Complete with rooftop garden alongside art exhibitions, theatres and independent shops.
The fringes of the central city harbour some treasures of their own. Beco do Batman (📷) has become a firm favourite amongst opportunistic photographers looking to snap the perfect Instagram memoir. Vibrant, colourful graffiti and street art coats the walls of this alley, elevating it beyond its former designation as a rundown side-street.
To the north, another stellar cultural centre awaits those who venture off the beaten path. A glowing example of urban restoration, the SESC Pompeia (📷) has enhanced the social lives and opportunities of locals. A hub for creatives, the centre embellishes its industrial setting with quirky artistic interiors, exhibits and social spaces, making this the perfect place to gather.
💰 Dorms from £10 per night.
💰 Rooms from £275 per night.
🎀 Rounding off.
Hopefully this itinerary has given you a glimpse into exactly just how many wonderful destinations Southern Brazil has to offer. Highlighting hidden gems of the coast, as well as guiding you through the mega-cities that bookend your trip.
If you plan on following this itinerary — fully or partially — make sure to reference the Interactive Map (🗺) during your travels to ensure you don’t skip out on any of the unmissable sights near you!
