What do you think of when you think about Brazil? Is it the beautiful beaches, Carnival, samba or the Amazon Rain Forest? Although this is Brazil, it really is only a drop in the ocean of what remains to be one of the most undiscovered tourist destinations. There is far more to see and do here that most people realize and that's what keeps people coming back time and time again.

Brazilian Travel Tips:

Brazil is a huge country, about the size of Australia, with quite defined and different regions. Because of this, there is great cultural diversity. Infrastructure differs between regions, as does the weather you can come to expect. The Southeast, where Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are located, is the most developed area in Brazil. Most of the business and commerce takes place here and the area really can be compared to the developed world.

The untouched beauties of the country lie in the countryside and coastal areas, easily accessible from the luxury of the big cities. The rainy period in the Northeast of the country is from April to August. In The Southeast, heavy rain can fall for about an hour, usually in the evenings from December to February.

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all visitors to Brazil. This must be done 10 days prior to your trip.

New Year and Carnival are the peak seasons. At these times, prices can rise quite sharply in popular places like Rio de Janeiro.

Security has been an issue in Brazil and, unfortunately the world press has not favored the country well. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have successfully reduced crime in recent years but, like all other cities of the world, some common sense is required when out and about in the city. Crime is rarely reported in tourist areas and even less so in the countryside and coastal towns.

Brazil really has it all, from stunning beach destinations to cultural retreats, sporting activities and much more. It's a place that will enchant you so much that you'll always want to come back.

On this excursion you will get to see Brazil's untouched Atlantic coastal rainforest area. This little piece of paradise is situated halfway between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. When Brazilians talk about the beauty of their own country, this is what they are talking about: beautiful pristine beaches, historic cities, tropical rain forests, waterfalls and simple town's folk living in small fishing villages.

Mountains covered with a cascade of shades of green, rain forest tumbles down into the clear blue sea of the Atlantic, forming a continuous series of bends and curves, sculpting hidden beaches and alcoves of beauty. The tour ends in the city of Rio de Janeiro, The "cariocas", or people of Rio call it the "cidade maravilhosa" or "wonderful city". The dramatic landscape, friendly "cariocas" and their easy way of life make the city truly live to its name.

PLACES TO SEE

Paraty

Paraty used to be one of Brazil's richest towns in days gone by. The port was the biggest exporter of gold and diamonds in the 17th century. The colorful houses, the stone cobbled streets, charming shops, nightlife and quaint restaurants make this city truly unique. Paraty is one of the best preserved colonial towns in all of South America, shadowed by mountains covered in untouched Mata Atlantica Rainforest. Beyond the hills, traditional coffee farms are still scattered about the landscape making the area truly picturesque.

Picinguaba and Almada Village

These tiny fishing villages are nestled in an area of Atlantic coastal, one of the most bio-diverse ecosystems on the Planet. Life here is close to nature; the locals called "Caiçaras", are a mix of Portuguese immigrants, the descendents of slaves and the Brazilian indigenous people who live off the land and sea in almost perfect harmony with their surroundings.

Ilhabela

Ilhabela (roughly translated as "Beautiful island") is actually an island group. The main island, although commonly called Ilhabela, is officially named Ilha de São Sebastião (St. Sebastian Island). It is the largest oceanic island in Brazil. Ilhabela is famed for being the largest ship's graveyard in Brazil which makes it real paradise for scuba divers. The expansive landscapes of both Ilhabela and The São Sebastião Channel make conditions for sailing among the best to be found anywhere in the country. The São Sebastião Channel forms a narrow strait between the coastal mountains and the island itself offers sailors calm waters and strong winds throughout most of the year. Ilhabela is perfect for adventure sports, such as windsurfing, sailing, surfing, diving, fishing, mountain climbing and trekking. Not to mention being an ecotourism hotspot.

Itinerary (just our suggestion)

Day 1

Late arrivals at Sao Paulo's Guarulhos airport spend the first night at the airport hotel. Early arrivals head straight for the coast.

Day 2

The day starts with a traditional Brazilian breakfast. We then continue down the main coastal road (known as Rio-São Paulo road) famous for being the scenic route. The picturesque landscape of Atlantic forest complemented by beautiful sandy beaches make the journey of two hours fly by, until a short ferry ride that takes you to Ilhabela (beautiful Island), the largest Brazilian Oceanic Island. Once there, you will stay at the charming and comfortable DPNY Hotel. A fantastic place to relax and recover from your journey.

Day 3

A day to discover what makes the locals call this island beautiful or, if you prefer, a day to relax and take advantage of the hotel's excellent spa and beauty facilities. Dinner at Troia, the renowned restaurant at the hotel is included.

Day 4

After check out at noon, we will take a two hour drive to the mainland to visit the village of Almada; a small fishing village in an area called Ubatuba. There, we will stay at Casa Mila, a simple and friendly guest house that is located on a mountain top with breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest.

Day 5

After breakfast, a day trip to Picinguaba Village and Fazenda Beach. In the evening, we're on our way to Paraty , one of the most charming and beautiful historic towns in Brazil, so much so that it is recognized by UN as a Historic Heritage Site.

Day 6

Optional tours are available on this day, but many of our guests prefer to do their own thing, whether it be returning to their favorite beach, or catching up on shopping.

Day 7

After lunch we leave for Rio de Janeiro; known for being one of the most beautiful and exciting cities of the world. We arrive in Rio in the early evening and check into our hotel accommodation in the world famous beachside neighborhood of Copacabana.

Day 8

After breakfast at the hotel, we make our way up the mountain by car to get a closer look at Christ the Redeemer "Cristo Redentor", on Corcorvado. After taking in the breathtaking views of Rio's coastline, we take the cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain, "Pão de Açucar" and enjoy even more of the dramatic landscape that makes Rio famous. (tickets not included)

Day 9

Breakfast at the hotel. Checkout is at noon and its then time to leave this wonderful city. We'll accompany you to the airport and send you on your way. It is possible to stay in Rio de Janeiro for longer if you wish. (Consult your travel agent while booking or see our tour guide while here in Brazil )