Brazil Icons: São Paulo to Rio

Welcome to São Paulo, Brazil’s cultural epicentre, home to neo-gothic architecture, cutting-edge museums and thriving street food markets. Unlike the tropical regions of the country, São Paulo experiences all four seasons each year – from cool winters to steamy summers. On arrival, a private group transfer will whisk you from the airport to your hotel, where you’ll have time to check-in and unpack. Get to know your fellow Flashpackers over a lime-spiked caipirinha sundowner, followed by a hearty Brazilian dinner. Clink glasses to toast the upcoming eight days of adventure.

Today is all about exploring São Paulo on a private guided city tour. Start in Liberdade Japantown, home to the world’s largest Japanese community outside Japan. Here, centuries-old churches sit alongside ramen restaurants and manga shops. Next, venture back to the historical centre. Behind its neoclassical facade, the Mercado Municipal houses a rainbow array of street food hawkers, selling everything from juicy orange papayas to meat-stuffed mortadella sandwiches. Top off lunch with a chilled Brahma beer at a rooftop bar, overlooking the soaring São Paulo skyline. From here, you’ll head to Batman’s Alley, an outdoor gallery showcasing the city’s remarkable graffiti art. The evening is yours to explore the city at leisure; just ask your Pack Leader for insider tips to the hottest restaurants and cocktail joints.

It’s time to say farewell to São Paulo. Hop in your private group transfer, headed to Paraty. Creative types will love this beautifully preserved European-style coastal town, known for its art and literature scene. Vibrantly painted townhouses and 18th-century churches are backed by lush jungle and pristine beaches. Follow your expert guide through the cobblestone alleyways, as you learn about the town’s gold-mining and piratical past. Nowadays, the colourful streets are home to artists and chefs, drawn to the town’s free-spirited vibe. Take the opportunity this evening to explore the artistic town on your own. Alternatively, band together with your fellow travellers to find a restaurant for dinner. Foodies will delight at the options here – from Brazilian steakhouses to fresh-off-the-boat seafood spots. 

Today, you’ll head deep into the Serra da Bocaina National Park, home to jaguars, sloths and spider monkeys. Hop inside a private 4×4 Jeep and follow the Caminho do Ouro, a historical rainforest trail that was once used to transport gold and coffee to Rio de Janeiro. Next, lace up those hiking boots for a walk past thundering waterfalls, lush gorges and natural swimming pools. Lunch will be served at a rustic jungle restaurant, followed by a cachaça distillery visit to learn how this fermented sugar cane spirit is made. Swimsuits at the ready this afternoon. You’ll visit the shallow Tobogã waterfall; the smooth rock face here makes the perfect natural waterslide. 

After breakfast, it’s time to leave Paraty and travel north up the Atlantic coast towards Rio de Janeiro. En route you’ll stop off to visit Ilha Grande, a pristine island covered in protected rainforest. First stop: Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) where forested hillsides cascade down to impossibly blue waters. It’s easy to see why this is one of the most beautiful marine areas in Brazil. You’ll have the option to go snorkelling, where you might spot sea turtles if you’re lucky, surrounded by technicoloured fish. Back on dry land, continue to the village of Freguesia de Santana to marvel at the church from 1796. Lunch is served at an exclusive restaurant, before your journey continues on to the glittering lights of Rio.

Pinch yourself, you’ve just woken up in the legendary Rio de Janeiro. You’ll be picked up in a 4×4 from the hotel for a postcard-perfect drive along the city’s famous beaches, before heading into the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world. Atop the Corcovado Mountain lies the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, standing sentinel over the metropolis. Soak up the panoramic view from the top. Next, swing by the rainbow-coloured Ecadaria Selaron, a photogenic mosaic staircase, created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. Cap off the day in Santa Teresa, the oldest neighbourhood in Rio. It’s known for its snaking streets, dotted with 19th-century mansions, bohemian restaurants and avant-garde galleries. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring this quarter at your own pace.

Enjoy a slow start, before joining your group for a private a volleyball lesson on Ipanema Beach. You’ll be taught by Pelé da Praia – nicknamed after the infamous football star – who will prepare you for a fun-filled match against local players. Feeling like a true Carioca, the rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at leisure: this is your chance to scale Sugar Loaf mountain or cycle along Copacabana’s waterfront. For tonight’s farewell treat, you’ll be taken to a live music club for Brazilian aperitivo (think deep-fried beef croquettes and breaded cheesy shrimp), washed down with a couple of zingy caipirinhas. Dance ‘till dawn with your fellow travellers in the lively Lapa neighborhood – it’s your last night after all.

After a final breakfast in Rio, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow Flashpackers. When you’re ready to fly, your Pack Leader can arrange a taxi to the airport. If time, head to the Museum of Modern Art overlooking Guanabara Bay, where you can marvel at masterpieces by Jackson Pollock and Joan Miró, as well as top Brazilian artists Tarsila Amaral and Hélio Oiticica. Alternatively, wander through Pedra do Sal, known as ‘little Africa’, famous for being the birthplace of samba music. No doubt, this trip will leave you with a taste for Brazil that’ll tempt you back for more.