The Ultimate Self-Launched Adventure in Brazil: Rio, Paraty & Ilha Grande

Fly into Rio Galeão International Airport (GIG). Skip the private transfer and take the BRT Transcarioca bus direct to Alvorada terminal, then connect to Copacabana for around £2. Check into your hostel or budget guesthouse in Copacabana or Ipanema. Spend the afternoon strolling the famous beachfront promenade, people-watching and soaking up the electric atmosphere. Grab a fresh coconut water or caipirinha from a beachside kiosk as the sun sets. Head to a local boteco (bar-restaurant) for your first taste of Brazilian food — feijoada, pão de queijo, or fresh grilled fish. Budget: look for Airbnb rooms or hostels in Copacabana from around £18–25 per night.

🚌BRT Transcarioca bus from airport to Alvorada terminal, then connect to Copacabana (~£2 total)

🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse in Copacabana or Ipanema (e.g. Mango Tree Hostel or similar, ~£18–25/night)

• →Arrive at Rio Galeão Airport (GIG) — take BRT Transcarioca bus to Copacabana (~£2)
• →Walk Copacabana and Ipanema beachfronts at sunset
• →Enjoy a caipirinha at a beachside kiosk
• →Dinner at a local boteco in Copacabana

Take an early morning bus from Rio's Rodoviária Novo Rio bus terminal to Paraty with Reunião or Costa Verde bus companies — journey takes around 4 hours and costs approximately £10–12. Buses depart several times daily. Check into your guesthouse in Paraty's historic centre. After lunch, join a self-bookable Gold Trail hike (Trilha do Ouro) — you can hire a local guide at the trailhead or book via GetYourGuide for around £20–25pp. The trail winds through Atlantic rainforest, past waterfalls and natural rock slides perfect for swimming. Afterwards, visit one of Paraty's traditional cachaça distilleries (such as Engenho Murycana) for a free or low-cost tasting session. Wander the UNESCO-listed cobblestone streets in the evening and choose from the town's many excellent restaurants for dinner.

🚌Public bus from Rio Rodoviária Novo Rio to Paraty (~4hrs, ~£10–12)

🛏Budget guesthouse or pousada in Paraty historic centre (~£18–22/night)

• →Bus from Rio Rodoviária Novo Rio to Paraty (~4hrs, ~£10–12 with Reunião/Costa Verde buses)
• →Guided hike on the historic Gold Trail (Trilha do Ouro) — book via GetYourGuide or direct at trailhead (~£20–25pp)
• →Swim at waterfalls and natural rock slides along the trail
• →Cachaça tasting at Engenho Murycana or similar local distillery (free–£5)
• →Evening stroll through Paraty's colonial cobblestone streets

Leave your main luggage at your Paraty guesthouse (most will store it for free) and pack a daypack for two days on the trail. Take a local van or shared taxi to the trailhead at Laranjeiras (~£3–5). From here, trek through the Atlantic Forest along the Costa Verde coastline, passing beaches like Sono, Antigos, and Antiguinhos — each ideal for a swim. The trail is well-marked but hiring a local guide is recommended for the first section; ask at the Paraty tourist office or book online for around £20–30pp. Your destination is the remote fishing village of Ponta Negra in the Juatinga Eco Reserve. Stay in simple community-run cottages or homestays (book ahead via local guesthouses in Paraty, ~£15–20/night). Enjoy fresh grilled fish from the village's local cooks.

🚌Shared van or local taxi from Paraty to Laranjeiras trailhead (~£3–5)

🛏Community-run cottage or homestay in Ponta Negra (~£15–20/night, book ahead through Paraty guesthouses)

• →Store main luggage at Paraty guesthouse
• →Shared van/taxi to Laranjeiras trailhead (~£3–5pp)
• →Trek through Atlantic Forest to beaches: Sono, Antigos, Antiguinhos
• →Swimming at multiple beach stops along the route
• →Arrive at remote Ponta Negra fishing village in Juatinga Eco Reserve
• →Fresh seafood dinner with local Caiçara community

Start early to beat day-trippers to the stunning Saco Bravo Waterfall — a natural infinity pool carved into coastal rock, overlooking the sea. The hike there and back from Ponta Negra takes around 4 hours through dense jungle, so keep your eyes peeled for parrots, spider monkeys and other wildlife. Swim in the natural pool and enjoy a packed picnic lunch. Hike back to Ponta Negra and catch a water taxi back to Laranjeiras (arrange with local boatmen the night before, ~£8–12pp for 30 mins). Transfer by local shared van back to Paraty. Spend the afternoon unwinding and explore Paraty's boutiques, live music bars and restaurants independently in the evening.

🚌Water taxi Ponta Negra to Laranjeiras (~£8–12pp), shared van back to Paraty (~£3–5)

🛏Budget guesthouse or pousada in Paraty historic centre (~£18–22/night)

• →Early morning hike to Saco Bravo Waterfall — natural coastal infinity pool (~4hrs round trip)
• →Wildlife spotting: parrots, spider monkeys en route
• →Swim at Saco Bravo and picnic lunch
• →Water taxi from Ponta Negra back to Laranjeiras (~£8–12pp, arrange with local boatmen)
• →Shared van transfer back to Paraty
• →Free evening exploring Paraty's restaurants and music bars

Book a guided kayak tour of Paraty's bay directly with local operator Paraty Explorer or via GetYourGuide (~£30–40pp for a half-day). The tour covers tropical islands, deserted beaches, mangrove paddling and optional snorkelling at Malvão Island — essentially the same route as the guided tour. After lunch (grab a pastry or açaí bowl from a local café), take a local bus or taxi to Angra dos Reis (~1.5–2hrs, ~£5–8) and catch the public ferry to Ilha Grande. The CCR Barcas ferry from Angra to Abraão runs twice daily and costs around £3–5pp. Check into a budget pousada in Abraão village — hammocks, tropical garden vibes, and friendly hosts are the norm here.

🚌Local bus/taxi Paraty–Angra dos Reis (~£5–8), public ferry Angra–Abraão (~£3–5pp)

🛏Budget pousada in Abraão village, Ilha Grande (~£18–25/night)

• →Half-day guided kayak tour of Paraty Bay — islands, beaches, mangroves, optional snorkelling (book via GetYourGuide or Paraty Explorer, ~£30–40pp)
• →Public bus or shared taxi from Paraty to Angra dos Reis (~£5–8)
• →Public CCR Barcas ferry from Angra dos Reis to Abraão, Ilha Grande (~£3–5pp)
• →Check into pousada in Abraão village

Buy a ticket for a collective boat from Abraão pier to Pouso Beach — these run regularly from the waterfront for around £5–8 return, or you can join a shared boat tour. From Pouso Beach, follow the clearly marked jungle trail to Lopes Mendes Beach (~1 hour each way), repeatedly ranked among Brazil's most beautiful beaches. Sink into the white sand, surf gentle waves, and soak it all in. Return to Abraão by collective boat in the afternoon. Spend the evening wandering the village's waterfront restaurants and bars — fresh grilled fish is the local speciality and excellent value.

🚌Collective boat Abraão–Pouso Beach–Abraão (~£5–8 return, buy at Abraão pier)

🛏Budget pousada in Abraão village, Ilha Grande (~£18–25/night)

• →Collective boat from Abraão pier to Pouso Beach (~£5–8 return)
• →Jungle trail hike from Pouso Beach to Lopes Mendes (~1hr each way)
• →Swim and relax on Lopes Mendes Beach — one of Brazil's finest
• →Return collective boat to Abraão
• →Dinner at a waterfront restaurant in Abraão village

Today's highlight is a full-day hike to Praia de Dois Rios — a remote beach flanked by two freshwater rivers, set between steep jungle mountains. The trail is well-signposted and starts from Abraão; it's approximately 9 miles return and takes 4–5 hours total. The route winds through Atlantic Forest over hilly ridges before descending to the beach. Once a maximum-security prison (1904–1994), the site now houses the fascinating Museu do Carcere (Prison Museum) — entrance is free. Take a dip in the rivers or the sea, explore the ruins, and hike back at your own pace. No guide required — grab a free trail map at the Abraão tourist info point. Pack a picnic lunch from the village before you set off.

🚌On foot from Abraão — no transport needed

🛏Budget pousada in Abraão village, Ilha Grande (~£18–25/night)

• →Self-guided hike to Praia de Dois Rios via Atlantic Forest ridge trail (~9mi return, 4–5hrs)
• →Visit the Museu do Carcere (Prison Museum) — free entry
• →Swim in the two freshwater rivers and the sea at Dois Rios Beach
• →Picnic lunch — buy supplies in Abraão before departure
• →Return hike to Abraão

Catch the first morning ferry from Abraão back to Angra dos Reis (~£3–5pp), then take the public bus direct to Rio de Janeiro's Rodoviária Novo Rio (~£8–10, journey 2–2.5hrs). From the bus station, Metro Line 1 takes you directly to Cardeal Arcoverde station in Copacabana. Check back into your Rio hostel or guesthouse. In the afternoon, head to Sugarloaf Mountain for sunset. Start with the free short hike from Praia Vermelha up to Morro da Urca, then take the cable car to Sugarloaf's summit (ticket ~£18–22pp, book online to avoid queues via the Bondinho Pão de Açúcar website). The views over Rio at golden hour are extraordinary. Return to Copacabana for a well-earned rest.

🚌Ferry Abraão–Angra (~£3–5pp), public bus Angra–Rio (~£8–10), Metro to Copacabana (~£1)

🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse in Copacabana (~£18–25/night)

• →Morning ferry from Abraão to Angra dos Reis (~£3–5pp)
• →Public bus from Angra dos Reis to Rio Rodoviária Novo Rio (~£8–10)
• →Metro from Rodoviária to Copacabana (~£1)
• →Hike from Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca viewpoint (free)
• →Cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain summit — book online via Bondinho Pão de Açúcar (~£18–22pp)
• →Sunset views over Rio de Janeiro from the summit

Take a local bus or Uber to Tijuca National Park (~£5–8) for an early morning hike up Pedra Bonita (2,273ft) — a steep but short 45-minute trail with jaw-dropping panoramic views over Rio. The trailhead is free to access. Afterwards, book a visit to a samba school warehouse (quadra) — Salgueiro, Vila Isabel or Grande Rio offer public visits and rehearsal nights, typically for a small entrance fee of £5–10. This is the real, community-driven Carnival experience. In the evening, head to the Santa Teresa or Lapa neighbourhoods for live samba, forró and Brazilian music at legendary spots like Rio Scenarium or Bar Semente — most venues have no cover or charge £3–5. Dance with locals until late and celebrate the end of an incredible journey.

🚌Local bus or Uber to Tijuca National Park (~£5–8), Metro/bus between neighbourhoods (~£1–2)

🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse in Copacabana (~£18–25/night)

• →Local bus or Uber to Tijuca National Park trailhead (~£5–8)
• →Hike Pedra Bonita in Tijuca National Park (~1.5hrs, free trailhead access)
• →Visit a samba school warehouse (quadra) — e.g. Grande Rio or Salgueiro (~£5–10 entrance)
• →Dinner in Santa Teresa or Lapa neighbourhood
• →Live samba and forró nightlife in Lapa — Rio Scenarium or Bar Semente (~£3–5 cover)

Enjoy a final breakfast at your guesthouse or grab fresh pão de queijo and fresh fruit from a local padaria (bakery). Check out and make your way to Galeão Airport via the BRT Transcarioca (~£2) or Metro + shuttle bus. If time allows before your flight, take a final walk along Copacabana beach or grab a last caipirinha at a beachside kiosk. If you're not ready to leave, Rio connects directly with Iguaçu Falls, Pantanal and the Amazon — all worth extending your trip for.

🚌BRT Transcarioca bus to Galeão Airport (~£2)

🛏N/A — departure day

• →Breakfast at local padaria — fresh pão de queijo and fruit juice (~£3–5)
• →BRT Transcarioca or Metro to Galeão Airport (~£2)
• →Optional: final Copacabana beach walk before departure