Ten days is a good amount of time to visit Brazil. You will be able to get a slice of the city life, some time on the beach, and maybe even some time in the jungle. Let’s start off by flying into Rio de Janeiro.
Day 1 – Rio de Janeiro
Arrive at Rio de Janeiro. Have a peaceful evening stroll on Copacabana Beach and enjoy an authentic Brazilian barbeque at Churrascaria Palace, Rua Rodolfo Dantas, 16, Copacabana.
Day 2 – Rio de Janeiro
Lots of sightseeing today! Start your day by visiting the Cristo Redentor statue. It can be reached by tram from Cosme Velho. Afterwards head down to Santa Teresa, where the winding streets have many small cafes to have lunch in. After lunch explore the shops and stalls in the area. In the evening, head north to the bar district of Lapa. Have dinner at one of the many restaurants, but after, be sure to go to Rio Scenarium, a samba bar located at R. do Lavradio, 20, Centro.
Day 3 – Rio de Janeiro
See Sugar Loaf Mountain. There is a cable car at Praia Vermelha that will take you all the way to the summit for you to enjoy the views. Spend the night at Ipanema Beach and Leblon areas. There are many bars and restaurants to experience.
If it is a Sunday there is also the hippie fair which features many souvenirs and knick-knacks to buy. Be sure to grab a drink at Academia da Cachaca, a bar that has over 2,000 different examples of the Brazilian liquor Cachaca. It is located at Rua Conde Bernadotte 26, Shop G.
Day 4 – Ilha Grande
Wake up early and catch the 5am Costa Verde bus to Mangaratiba, which departs from the Terminal Rodoviário Novo in Rio. Once you arrive at Mangaratiba Pier, (around 7am) buy your ticket for the 8am Barcas SA ferry to Ilha Grande. Have some breakfast at a local shop nearby. The boat ride will take little less than 2 hours. It is important to note that there are no ATMs or banks on the island, and not all restaurants or hotels will accept credit card, so stock up before you leave. Once settled in your hotel enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 5 – Ilha Grande
Spend the day relaxing on this island paradise. Be sure to visit Lopes Mendes beach, it has been consistently voted as one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. By the beach side, or most likely at your hotel, there will be kayak and snorkeling equipment rental as well. If you would like to go diving, The Elite Dive Center located at Travessa Buganville Vila do Abraão, is a good choice.
Day 6 – Paraty
Take an exhilarating speedboat ride to Paraty. Book a seat online with Safari boat transfers on their website, or contact them at [email protected]. The boat departs at 10am and you will arrive by 11:30am. Spend the rest of your day at Paraty exploring the old colonial town. Have dinner by the sea at Restaurante La Luna, Avenida Jabaquara, Quiosque 10, Praia de Jabaquara.
Day 7 – Paraty
Have an adventure with a kayak journey through the amazing mangroves and rainforest. If kayaking sounds daunting, you can otherwise simply go for a half day hike into the surrounding jungle. Tours can booked through Paraty Explorer, contact them on their website or at [email protected].
Day 8 – São Paulo
Take an early morning bus from Paraty to São Paulo. The bus company you want is Reunidas Paulista, the journey should take 6 hours. Arrive around the afternoon and drop off your belongings at your hotel. Head to Paulista Avenue for the rest of your day and evening. Explore the many large name brand shops, and be sure to check out the Conjunto Nacional at the junction of Paulista and Augusta, it is one of the most traditional buildings in the city. Have dinner at Templo Da Carne Marcos Bassi, one of the best Brazilian style restaurants in São Paulo. They are located at Rua Treze de Maio, 668.
Day 9 – São Paulo
Take the day to explore São Paulo. If you are into museums there are many great art Galleries such as MASP, toted as the city’s best art museum, located at Av. Paulista, 1578. São Paulo also has great parks to enjoy; Ibirapuera Park is beautiful and located at Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, Vila Mariana. If you want to see a little bit of history, check out the Museu Paulista built in 1895 to preserve 400 years of Brazilian History, holding artifacts from the past. It is located at Parque da Independência, Ipiranga. For food, the Japanese cuisine at São Paulo has started to garner a world famous reputation, see what it is all about at Temakeria Paulista, Rua Serra do Japi, 1436, Vila Gomes Cardim.
Day 10 – São Paulo
Spend the rest of your trip as you wish! Maybe revisit Paulista to go shopping, or another museum mentioned above. Pack well and have a safe flight home.
If visiting this many places is too hectic, stay longer in Ilha Grande and skip out Paraty, or simply go from Rio de Janeiro straight to São Paulo. If you are feeling extra adventurous, skip out everything after day 3 and head on an excursion to the Pantanal for a safari, or the famed Iguazu falls. Book a tour to the Pantanal or the Iguazu Falls at Amazon Adventures on their website or contact them at [email protected].
Have a fun and safe trip in Brazil!