Costa Verde Beaches

This 13-day guided itinerary will take you to Costa Verde, a beautiful region located in the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, one of the world’s greatest eco-destinations. This program takes in a pinch of colonial history and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hiking, snorkelling, kayaking and a lot of beach hopping. Visit the tropical wild places of Ilhabela and Ubatuba, the historic town of Santos, Paraty and Angra dos Reis, the pristine nature of Saco do Mamanguá and more. Hike in Serra de Bocaina National Park, a region of incredible biodiversity, home to sloth, monkey and big cat, as well as a rich historic past. Emerald-jade waters, lush landscapes, white-sand beaches and islands, colossal mountain range – Costa Verde is beyond picturesque. Stay in charming hotels, meet the local caicara people and try organic food prepared with love. The trip can be adapted to a different length. You can start either in Sao Paulo or in Rio de Janeiro and we will adjust the trip depending where you arrive. This is a great option for nature lovers who are looking to spend time closer to nature, but also to history and culture mongers, who like to go back in time in authentic places.

13 Days – From £2,600 per person

*equivalent in USD, EUR accepted

Itinerary: Sao Paulo, Santos, Guaruja, Ilhabela, Ubatuba, Paraty, Mamanguá, Angra dos Reis, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro

Included

Price is per person, based on two people sharing in a double/twin room
Accommodation with breakfast (more hotels HERE)
All the excursions mentioned in the itinerary
All transfers by car on a private basis
Entrance & guiding fees to all the mentioned National Parks
All mandatory local taxes

Excluded

Visa, where applicable
International Flights (See Flights to Brazil)
Domestic Flights
Personal Expenses
Insurance
Tips & Gratuities
Meals not mentioned in the description.

Flights

International flights are not included in the package price. We give you the freedom to book the flights yourself, use miles and choose your preferred airline, and if you are stuck we can help you find the right connections. Return flights to Brazil start from £800 per person, depending on the connections and time of the year. Fly to Salvador (SSA) or to Recife (REC).

For families and groups (starting with 5 pax), we can book domestic flights in Brazil, during the high season, and if the trip is part of a more complex itinerary. This is to ensure a seamless travel and no complications.

How to Book

Send us a message on WhatsApp or email us at brazil@boutiquetravelexperts.com to check availability, discuss your preferences and get a quote.

This is a sample itinerary and prices are correct at the time of writing. We can tailor it to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities. More days can be added. Other hotels can be chosen, according to your liking. You can also combine this trip with other sights in Brazil, like the cosmopolitan Rio de Janeiro, the exciting Amazon rainforest, the fascinating Pantanal or the deep canyons of the south. For more travel inspiration check our Brazil Itineraries.

When to Visit

Best time to visit: year round. It is best to avoid weekends when the beaches are very crowded with weekend holidaymakers from Sao Paulo.

Ubatuba: Normally it is a rainy place. The best time to visit Ubatuba is from December to February when temperatures remain high and you can enjoy beach weather! It rains less in these months.
Ilhabela: October to December is a good time to visit Ilhabela, as there is less rain and the beaches aren’t particularly crowded.
Paraty & Ilha Grande: December to March – rainy season, hot and busy. It rains at the end of the afternoon. It’s rare to rain all day. April to June – lovely weather, little rain, not so hot and clear skies. July to August is still cool, no rain, you need often a jumper at night. September to November is warm and chilled, not packed.

To avoid unpleasant weather surprises, we recommend to check our Brazil Weather Guide to plan your trip in the right season. Click on the month you want to travel in and see the tours which are best for each month of the year.

Day 1 - Sao Paulo

Before heading to the beach, discover Sao Paulo, one of the best places in Brazil for foodies. Head to the lively metropolitan market where vendors sell everything from fruits and spices to salted codfish. Try exotic fruits, tasty Brazilian snacks and meats. Then take a look over this bustling metropolis from its skyscrapers, such as Edificio Italia which has a lovely cocktail bar restaurant. This is an excellent place to grab a drink and marvel at the jaw-dropping huge city around you. Later, head towards Sala Sao Paulo, the largest concert hall in Latin America, located inside a train station. Overnight at Hotel Amalia.

Day 2 - Santos & Guaruja

Today head to the coast. Take a schooner tour of Santos Bay or sunbathe on the beaches of Santos, such as Aparecida, Embaré, Gonzaga or José Menino. Later hop on a 40-minute ride in an old tram through the historic center of Santos. Visit Pelé Museum, the four-story museum that tells the story of this beloved legend. Don’t miss the Coffee Museum located at the former coffee exchange building. Continue to Guarujá, the Pearl of the Atlantic, a town with some of the most beautiful beaches in São Paulo. Visit the fortress of Santo Amaro da Barra Grande. At sunset, head to Morro do Maluf lookout with beautiful views of the sea along the coast. Overnight at Bourbon.

Day 3 - Ilhabela

On the way to Ilhabela, stop at São João de Bertioga, the oldest fortress in Brazil, and in the indigenous village of Aldeia Rio Silveira. Upon arrival in São Sebastião, take a ferry to the island of Ilhabela. The volcanic peaks and a dense jungle will rise in front of you. The island is very rustic and preserved, a great place to disconnect and enjoy nature. Its waters are scattered with shipwrecks which make for excellent diving (Ilha das Cabras). After check-in, take a boat to the wild beaches of Indaiaúba and Bonete, some of the most beautiful in Brazil. Walk to Poço Fundo for a fresh bath, stopping at Buraco do Cação. On your return, enjoy the atmosphere in the historic centre. Overnight at Velinn Pousada Bromélias.

Day 4 - Ubatuba & Picinguaba

Today go beach hopping, discovering the wild and pretty sights of Ubatuba. Start at Praia do Lázaro, a calm beach surrounded by lush green mountains. Continue to Praia do Cedro, surrounded by tropical jungles and views over the ocean. Then visit calm and relaxing Praia do Felix and the nearby Praia do Português, surrounded by rocks and coconut trees. Continue to the preserved area of Praia da Fazenda, away from the urban infrastructure. Later, go to Picinguaba and take a boat to the island of Ilha dos Porcos and Ilha das Couves, truly charming places with crystal clear and calm water. And finally, visit Praia da Almada, a dreamy beautiful beach, a perfect one for watching the sunset. Overnight at Pousada Picinguaba.

Day 5 - Paraty

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the colonial town of Paraty. From lush forests to the idyllic beaches and bays, Paraty is a haven for ecotourism as well as a playground for beach fans and history buffs. Come for the heritage, culture, sand, music and nightlife. The town has a laid-back vibe and offers a well-preserved architecture with baroque churches, cobblestone streets, and whitewashed buildings. Take a walking tour through the charming streets learning about the legends of past centuries as you visit churches, museums, and historic homes. In the evening, take a walk through Paraty’s bustling streets, and enjoy some live music at a local restaurant. Overnight at Pousada Literaria.

Day 6 - Paraty Beach Hopping

In Paraty Bay the waters are often shallow, allowing to enjoy relaxing floating. Ilha Comprida is a lovely snorkelling spot, best in the morning. Later after breakfast, pack a bathing suit and go beach & island hopping in the bay. There are hundreds of gorgeous islands and islets. Board a traditional boat and visit Barra do Corumbe, Sono Beach, Praia da Lulu, Jabaquara and Pontal, Cedro Island, Trindade Beach and many more. You’ll find pristine water, soft sand and a true tropical vibe. Stop for snorkelling in pristine waters, swim with turtles, rays and all manner of colorful sea creatures. Spend a relaxing day between the different beaches and coves. Overnight at Pousada Literaria.

Day 7 - Bocaina & Sono Beach

Today take a bicycle and head to some of the waterfalls with the wind in your hair. Deep in the forest, water flows on top of giant stones, forming slides and natural pools at the end. Slide down and get a natural massage from the falling water. Visit Tarzan, Toboga, Saco Bravo. In the afternoon, hike along the beautiful trail to Sono, Antigos, Antiguinhos, and Ponta Negra beaches, opening up wonderful views of the beach with crystalline waters. Trek through the rainforest to the beach, through the leafy jungle, discovering the Atlantic Forest, learning about the area’s history and natural resources. Return to Paraty after the long hike and relax with a good dinner. Overnight at Pousada Literaria.

Day 8 - Saco do Mamanguá

Today discover the Brazil’s only tropical fjord, Saco do Mamanguá, extending for 8 km. This place is a hidden gem in the Paraty region, located nearby Joatinga Ecological Reserve. After breakfast, enjoy a boat ride through the spectacular fjord till the beginning of your trail. Hike along the Atlantic Forest to the top (4 hours). Make a recharging picnic stop and take in the splendid views from the top. Afterward, descend to the bay and have a well deserved typical caiçara lunch. Then head to the beach to relax after the hike. Observe the canoes, boats and birds. Enjoy the starry nights, sleep and wake up in full contact with nature. Overnight at Refúgio do Mamanguá.

Day 9 - Saco do Mamanguá

After breakfast, discover the remote beaches of the fjord from another perspective, from the bottom. Meet the guide and go canoeing, paddling through the mangroves. The rich biodiversity is impressive. Make stops along the way for swimming and enjoy the beaches. You will reach a place with a natural pool. After relaxing, paddle to a local caicara community for lunch. Enjoy the relaxed vibe of these remote areas and recharge from the warm smiles of its people. Make your way back to the hotel by canoe. Overnight at Refúgio do Mamanguá.

Day 10 - Angra dos Reis

Today take a transfer further on along the Costa Verde (2, 5 hours). Upon your arrival in Angra dos Reis, take a island hopping tour in the Bay of Angra which counts over 300 islands, each one more beautiful than the previous one. Its unique composition turns into a beautiful green labyrinth. Some of the places you will visit are Ilha da Gipoia and Ilhas Botinas. With its crystal clear waters, these small islands are perfect for snorkeling and marvelling with the thousands of tiny colored fish that live there. Upon your return, discover the small historic center with white-washed houses and baroque churches. Angra is one of the oldest cities in Brazil. Overnight at Pousada Vitorino.

Day 11- Ilha Grande

After breakfast you will be picked up at your pousada and transferred to the ferry port. Board a boat to Ilha Grande, a paradise hideaway island. On arrival you will be assisted and transfer to the pousada as there are no cars or roads here. The island features pristine Atlantic Rainforest vegetation, numerous walking trails, waterfalls, tranquil villages and secluded beaches. There is also interesting wildlife, amongst which sloths, monkeys, turtles and other species. It is a protected island and a UNESCO Heritage Site. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, take a lazy walk to the beach for swimming. Overnight at O Sitio.

Day 12- Ilha Grande

Have breakfast at the pousada and choose between visiting Lopes Mendes Beach or Lagoa Azul. Lopes Mendes Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, located in the southeastern part of the island. Take a boat ride and a short trek through the forest and arrive at a relaxing beach filled with white sand and crystal-clear water. Lagoa Azul is located on the northernmost region of Ilha Grande. Here you can take a schooner cruise to Ilha Comprida and from there you can enjoy this enthralling lagoon and swim among its colorful fish. After the tour, return to the pousada for your last night on the island. Overnight at O Sitio.

Day 13 - Transfer to Rio de Janeiro

After breakfast, your last day in the paradise. This in-depth itinerary of Costa Verde takes time, as there are many points of interest. However, it can be shortened and adapted according to your preferences. You will be transferred back to Angra dos Reis by boat. Here you will be met by your driver who will bring you to Rio de Janeiro by car (3 hours). You will be taken to the airport for your onward flight. Alternatively, extend your trip by spending a few more days in Rio de Janeiro, balancing off the beach hopping journey with a busier vibe of this huge metropolis. If you want to discover more places near Rio, head to Teresopolis and Buzios.

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