Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival to Rio
La Suite Hotel

Your guide will meet you at the Rio Airport to transfer you to La Suite Hotel. The Suite Hotel Rio is a small, luxurious guesthouse with amazing style located a comfortable distance away from a full host of Rio sights.

With a total of only seven rooms and suites, the Suite privileges its guests with utmost privacy. Each room has a unique and singular design.

La Suite boasts astonishing views which can be appreciated from private Terraces or large windows. You will be delighted by the hotel's culinary services, offered in its modernist hall and on its outdoor patio, with views of the beach and the Atlantic.

The hotel proudly complements its facilities with two pools. The suite is located on one of the best and most exclusive residential streets and enjoys spectacular views of the ocean. It has access to a well kept secret--Joatinga Beach--surfers' paradise located only two minutes away by car. The famous beach of Ipanema is only ten minutes away.

Day 2

Rio-Paraty
Pousada Picinguaba, Paraty

Transfer to Pousada, Picinguaba, a charming pousada in an exceptional natural setting. Picinguaba overlooks a peaceful bay at the heart of the Natural Park of Serro do Mar, the tropical coastal forest running between Rio and São Paulo, about half an hour's drive south of Paraty. It is the only luxury hotel in a 30km radius. It faces the sea and a 3 km-long protected sandy beach. The hotel offers 10 comfortable rooms all opening onto the natural surroundings and the sea, including a dream honeymoon suite with en-suite jacuzzi and a breathtaking view of the ocean. The local road stops at the beach and one has to walk the last 250m to the hotel, nestled in the forest.

Everything here is attuned to the spirit of the place, with nothing to disturb nature's magic: no TV or telephone in the rooms, no Internet. This place is for you to be in a different world, the only sounds are the wind in the palm trees and the sea gently lapping the shore.

Natural Setting

The Mata Atlantica is one of the richest ecosystems in the whole planet. About 45% of animal and plant species are indigenous. It is home to over 300 bird species, a dream for bird-watchers.

The coast is dotted by small fishing communities and secluded coves. Up mountain, there are friendly villages farming sugarcane, banana and cassava. You sometimes stumble upon forgotten colonial sites or a fazenda from another age where primitive water powered stills are still used to produce sugar cane liquor, cachaça, which is surprisingly tasty and deserves its good reputation throughout the country.

Beaches

In a radius of 10 to 20 minutes away, there are twenty beaches to choose from. There is not a soul on them, most of the year. The calm waters are ideal for swimming. A short boat ride away, you can explore small islands and more sandy beaches.

Just below the hotel, the small quiet beach of the village is ideal for a morning swim, often in the company of turtles, which are a protected species. The temperature of the water varies from 24 to 28 degrees C. depending on the season.

The fabulous beach of Praia da Fazenda, a 3km long shallow and quiet bay, can be reached in 15 minutes on foot or by kayak, or 3 minutes by power boat. It is ideal for jogging, hiking or learning to surf, on the friendly waves. Some beaches can only be reached by boat, so they are totally pristine. Quite often, dolphins come and play in the waves of Praia Brava, one of the best surf spots, a well-kept secret.

Days 3-7

Pousada Picinguaba, Paraty

Your days will be spent exploring the area at leisure.  Your activities will be custom-designed by you, in consultation with your guide.  In addition to the activities listed below, you will also have the chance to tour and enjoy the town of Paraty.

Acitvities include:

    Nature hiking
    Horseback riding
    Ocean kayaking
    Snorkeling
    Surfing
    Swimming
    Yoga
    Massage

Paraty

Paraty is listed as a historical city and is a part of the Brazilian national heritage. The colonial town is situated 30km north of Picinguaba and can be reached by boat, by car or, for the adventure lovers, even by foot, taking the old footpath across the tropical forest.

Paraty used to be the main port for exporting gold to Europe and is a unique example of a fully preserved 18th century harbor town. This is mainly the only access was from the sea, for nearly two centuries.

Today, the beautifully restored town has unspoilt charms and traditions as well as a variety of gastronomic and cultural attractions: art festivals, capoeira and festivals, both religious and popular. Local craftsmanship is also of a very good standard.

Paraty, unique in the history of Brazil and its colonial past, is a town rich in baroque art and architecture and steeped in adventure. It was the arrival point of the gold route which linked the inland towns of the region of Minas Gerais to the sea. One heir to the crown, Dom João de Orleans e Bragança, has his permanent residence in a magnificent palace overlooking the sea. He is a well-known figure amongst the local people.

Day 8

Paraty-Rio

Transfer to Rio for your international departure home.

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