Rio, Paraty, and the Pantanal
Sparkling Beaches, An Idyllic Colonial Town & Amazing Wildlife
Days: 10 | From: $9,750/per person
- Includes accommodations at first class hotels that reflect the best of local culture
- Includes excursions and tours with superb private guides
Experience the beaches and mountain of Rio de Janeiro, then head to Paraty, a preserved colonial town. Finish your trip exploring the Pantanal, one of the best places in South America for wildlife viewing.
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We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.
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At a glance
- Rio de Janeiro
3 nights: visit the beaches of this sparkling coastal metropolis - Paraty
3 nights: enjoy the pristine rainforest and beaches of this 17th century colonial town - Pantanal
3 nights: explore the world’s largest continuous wetland
All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.
Customize this trip
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Sample itinerary
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro
Arrive to Rio de Janeiro, a coastal metropolis, where your private guide will take you to your hotel on Copacabana Beach. This is one of the best locations in the city; many of Rio’s best restaurants, boutiques, and cafes are located here and in neighboring Ipanema and Leblon.
Accommodations: Belmond Copacabana Palace
The Copacabana Palace opened its doors in 1923 and continues to be the grande dame of Rio hotels. The hotel's illustrious history is apparent from the minute you walk in the door and see the photos of the countless celebrities and political leaders that have stayed there. The hotel overlooks Copacabana Beach, and its grounds and facilities are exceptionally elegant. Operated by Belmond (formerly Orient Express), the service is impeccable.
Alternative lodging options: Janeiro Hotel, in the trendy Leblon areaChrist Statue and Historic Santa Teresa
Get to know beautiful Rio with your private local guide. Head to the top of Corcovado Mountain to the iconic Cristo Redentor statue, where you can take in one of the best views in the world. Afterward, visit the Tijuca Forest National Park, the largest urban forest in the world. Drive through the historic Santa Teresa neighborhood, filled with mansions dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and see Rio’s bustling downtown.
Time to Relax and Explore Rio; Cable Ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain
After a relaxed morning on your own, head up Sugar Loaf Mountain on a cable car for privileged views of Guanabara Bay, Corcovado, Rio-Niteroi Bridge, Santa Cruz Fortress, and the glittering scenery of Rio.
Journey to Paraty, a Small Town with Idyllic Beaches
Enjoy a scenic private transfer south to Paraty, a small town filled with beautifully preserved buildings dating from the 17th century. It is located along a pristine stretch of Atlantic rainforest and surrounded by idyllic beaches, many of which can only be accessed by boat.
Accommodations: Casa Turquesa
Located next to the pier in the heart of Paraty’s historic center, the Casa Turquesa is a 10-minute walk to the beach. The hotel offers nine spacious suites, each with unique furnishings designed by Brazilian artists. The hotel offers a bar and wine cellar, pool and hot tub, internal courtyard, reading room, and gardens with a gazebo.
*Includes: BreakfastTake a Schooner Trip Around Paraty's Bay
Navigate the bay surrounding Paraty in a schooner, stopping to visit secluded island beaches. A great introduction to the natural wonders and scenery of the place. You can eat lunch at a restaurant where they are pulling the fish right out of the sea.
Relax and Explore Paraty
Enjoy a day at leisure in Paraty to explore on your own or just relax and soak up the local ambience. We can also arrange a variety of excursions for you, such as trips to nearby beaches or inland historical sites, a Jeep tour to the Serra da Bocaina National Park, visits to local cachaca distilleries, or a journey out to Juatinga Peninsular Eco-reserve, Brazil’s only tropical fjord, for a hike up Mamanguá Sugarloaf Peak.
Head to the World’s Largest Continuous Wetland
Fly to Campo Grande, where your private guide will meet you and drive you into the Pantanal, to your lodge at the Caiman Ecological Refuge. Here you will have a briefing with your guides to learn about your activity options for the coming days. After dinner you’ll have your first excursion: a nighttime exploration to seek out nocturnal wildlife, including the resident caiman.
Accommodations: Caiman Ecological Refuge
The Caiman Ecological Refuge is located on a 53,000-hectare ranch in Brazil's Pantanal wetland. It offers daily excursions to explore the area, with two daylight tours and an evening activity. Some of the regular activities include photo safaris, walking tours, canoe tours, Jeep safaris, and night safaris to look for nocturnal wildlife.
*Includes: Breakfast, DinnerGo in Search of Monkeys, Toucans, Macaws, Giant Anteaters, Tapir, and More
Your exact activities will vary, but the Caiman Ecological Refuge offers a variety of excursions to explore this natural ecosystem: trail walks, caiman tours, photo safaris, canoeing, and more. The Pantanal is one of the best places in South America for wildlife viewing, and your guides will help you spot the local species and make the most of your time.
Accommodations: Caiman Ecological Refuge
The Caiman Ecological Refuge is located on a 53,000-hectare ranch in Brazil's Pantanal wetland. It offers daily excursions to explore the area, with two daylight tours and an evening activity. Some of the regular activities include photo safaris, walking tours, canoe tours, Jeep safaris, and night safaris to look for nocturnal wildlife.
*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDepart for Home or Your Next Destination
Today you will say goodbye to your local guide and head to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination.
Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary
Take a Jeep tour around Paraty, visiting the Serra da Bocaina National Park and hiking several local waterfalls. You will also have the opportunity to visit several local cachaca distilleries.
Journey out to the Juatinga Peninsular Eco-reserve, Brazil’s only tropical fjord, to visit the the Saco do Mamanguá. This is a unique marine ecosystem in the Paraty region, and the area offers great hiking and beach swimming.
Include some downtime for rest and relaxation! Some free time to unwind or have a massage will allow you to feel refreshed and ready for the remainder of your trip. Many of our properties include excellent spas or wellness centers. We can help arrange these services or include properties that offer health & wellness amenities.
Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
Why Travel with Vaya?
We're TRUE specialists
We’ve not only traveled there, we’ve lived there. Our smart and engaging specialists are all current or former expatriates with years of experience in the region.
Uplifting service
From the first phone call to after you get back, we're here for you every step of the way. We listen, create, customize and advocate for you, and design experiences that go beyond the expected.
Thoughtful travel
Our discerning sensibility and good taste go beyond just choices in hotels and top guides; we have a walk the walk commitment to the environment and are genuine leaders in conservation efforts.