Coastal Journey: Private 4-Day Guided Tour from Rio to São Paulo

DAY 1 –  Pick-up in Rio de Janeiro To Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande - Discover The Beauties Of AngraAfter Rio’s pick-up by our private guide, we drive for about 3:00 h to Angra dos Reis, on a winding road through the mountains with incredible sceneries spanning along all the vastness of the valleys and escarpments laying beside the ocean, locations ideal for photo stops and contemplation.

An island for every day of the year. Angra has no less than 365 islands and more than 2 thousand beaches, surrounded by the region's characteristic green sea.There are numerous activities to do in Angra dos Reis and all roads lead to the sea. With that said, we will then arrive at a marina to embark on a motorboat joining a small group tour to uncover the main offshore islands hopping from one paradise to another for about 6 hours.

On the tour, there are stops for swimming in enticing turquoise waters to dive among colorful fish, and yet explore wild or busy beaches experiencing culture, food and marvelous paradises including the main postcard island Ilha Grande that is absolutely breathless. 

Ilha Grande is one of the great diving spots in Brazil. Amateur and advanced divers find underwater attractions to have fun! With clean crystalline waters of pleasant temperature, it's one of the largest concentrations of shipwrecks in the world as it was a territory of battles between pirates and corsairs along the history.The boat tour in a shared group and with stops for pictures, contemplation, exploration, snacks or lunch, and a little shopping for souvenir.

Blue lagoon is one of the postcards of Ilha Grande, perfect spot for diving. The tonality of the water is incredible and the natural pools are very pleasant.It is one of the best places for snorkeling. There you will surely find many little fishes to be fed. Lagoa Verde has calm, transparent, and green waters.Japariz beach is a good stop for a break for lunch and a little shopping. It is inhabited by a small community of fishermen and traders who maintain intense communication with the continent.

Tourists can also take this opportunity to visit the nearby pretty Funil beach. Located among the mountain, the forest and the sea it's worth taking 15 minutes from the lunch time for visiting it. It has very clear waters and very calm sea, like a lake.Praia da Feiticeira is majestic for its natural beauty, surrounded by trees, flowers and many wild animals, and the typical sound of the Atlantic Forest.Tradition says that couples who kiss on the sand at Praia do Amor will never be apart. When in doubt, better not risk it! The pit stop serves only to fulfill the tradition and not give luck to the bad luck.Breakfast at the hotels.Centrally-located 3-star hotel or inn accommodation with air conditioning.

DAY 2 – Angra To Paraty - Discover The Beauties Of ParatyIn the evening, go to Paraty on a road that cuts in-numerous beaches with all kinds of wonderful views. From Angra to Paraty, the stretch passes through a large uninhabited area, with mountains and preserved forests.

At first glance, it seems that time stopped in Paraty, a small town squeezed between the mountains and the sea that had its peak in the Gold Cycle. The Historic Center preserved its colonial mansions, churches from the 18th and 19th centuries and streets paved by slaves where car traffic is prohibited.

The 2nd day can be spent touring around in the historic city that has a myriad of activities to do and things to see. Walk around the alleys to see a pulsating, charming city, with people, accents and tastes from all over the world, combining tradition and modernity.Paraty is an example of the preservation and richness of colonial architecture. It is one of those cities where history is impregnated in the walls, in the houses, on the floor, in the people who pass by. It pays to save part of your day just getting to know it on a walking tour learning secrets, curiosities and little-known places in a walking tour through the charming Historic Center.

Listed by the National Historical Heritage Institute, the Historic Center of Paraty was built between the 17th and 19th centuries. But still, you will find colonial houses and churches, mostly in good conservation.

Many of the townhouses are occupied by bars, restaurants, inns and craft shops. We can easily spend many hours strolling through the Historic Center, exploring all it has to offer. From artistic interventions in the streets, to many shops to explore and good places to eat - from cheaper options to more “gourmet” ones.Serra da Bocaina National Park imposes itself as a grandiose preserved paradise extending from mountains to beaches. Ecotourism in the Park takes advantage of the most diverse natural attractions ranging from several waterfalls to peaks and viewpoints. That makes you have a unique experience of contact with nature.

The idea is that you enjoy a walking tour in charming Historic Center in the morning and hike to reach one of the beautiful waterfalls in the park in the afternoon.In the evening, Paraty gets even more charming. The lights of the Historic Center give an air of old times and turn the night walk into one of the best moments for tourists. It is irresistible to attend the delicious restaurants, sit at the tables on the sidewalk and enjoy life pass calmly.

After taking advantage of the historic center's elaborate menus, why not sit in one of the bars, try a local cachaça and have fun listening to live music? In Paraty, you can quietly extend your dinner and continue enjoying the night.Breakfast at the hotels.Centrally-located 3-star hotel or inn accommodation with air conditioning.

DAY 3 – Paraty To Ubatuba - Discover The Beauties Of UbatubaThe 3rd day is planned to be spent in the city of Ubatuba, which is an area densely occupied on the roadside beaches, and becomes more rustic and wild towards the sea.

The beaches of Ubatuba are spread over 100 kilometers, the attractions appear in the form of inlets and bays of green and blue waters, framed always by the dense vegetation.

There are dozens of waterfalls, islands for diving, and many trails. Along the Serra do Mar State Park there are hiking options that cover deserted beaches, cliffs, rivers and ruins, always surrounded by the Atlantic forest.

Seafood restaurants are all around the downtown having as highlight the traditional recipe of fish with banana, called Azul-Marinho.

Tourists can also pay a visit to the TAMAR project, which is an ONG that aims to preserve and manage five species of sea turtles that occur in Brazil, all endangered.Tourists can also pay a visit to the TAMAR project, which is an ONG that aims to preserve and manage five species of sea turtles that occur in Brazil, all endangered. The TAMAR in Ubatuba has a complete infrastructure for environmental education and leisure, including tanks and aquariums.One the most incredible hikes on the North Coast of São Paulo is the one called “Seven Beaches trail” (Travessia das Sete Praias) that goes along the coast in a rich area of native Atlantic Forest revealing deserted beaches and sceneries with breathtaking viewpoints.

A stop to enjoy the sea and the amazing view of Cedro Sul beach, considered one of the 10 most beautiful and peaceful beaches in Brazil.

After the hike, enjoy the day at the beach eating appetizers, freshly prepared seafood and having delicious caipirinhas. Head out for swims in the river or the sea. Ask the guide for the beach’s hidden spots like trails to waterfalls, viewpoints and other nearby isolated beaches. Get to know the local traditional community of hospitable fishermen that live there for generations. Breakfast at the hotels.Centrally-located 3-star hotel or inn accommodation with air conditioning.

DAY 4 –  Ubatuba To São Sebastião - Discover The Beauties Of São Sebastião - End Of Tour In São PauloThe 4th day is designed to be spent day in the city of São Sebastião, which is a popular spot on weekends and holidays for locals and beach-goers. Explore its neighborhoods with commercial centers and urban beaches.

Each beach has its own life, with inns, bars, restaurants, and shops. Despite the buzz around it, São Sebastião preserves historic center, taken over by nice colonial houses and chapels that maintain the simple original layout of the 17th and 18th centuries.Get ready to spend a relaxing day on a popular busy sandy beach near snack bars and restaurants having appetizers and sipping drinks beachfront.

Juquehy beach, in the city of São Sebastião, has a long strip of clear soft sand, almost 4 km long with an excellent infrastructure. It brings together all the good in one place: wonderful beach, magnificent sunsets, hikes, Stand Up Paddles, Kayaks, Sur, nearby river, good waves for surfing, or calm waters on the other end to enjoy with kids.

In addition, it is one of the busiest beaches in the region, with two super charming mini-malls and excellent restaurants.

The last leg from São Sebastião to São Paulo is marked by the grandiose mountain range. As São Paulo is 760 meters above sea level, in order to get to it, highways get through this astonishing mountain range that extends for the south and southeast coast of Brasil.

In the evening of the 4th day, the tour ends in the largest city in the southern hemisphere, São Paulo.