Slow Travel: Southern Brazil In Depth
22 days from £3,200 pp
Slow Travel: Southern Brazil In Depth is a private, 22-day tailor-made tour of southern Brazil, from Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande and colonial Paraty to Curitiba, the Serra do Mar railway to Morretes and car-free Ilha do Mel. Prices start from £3,200 per person and include accommodation, private guides, transport, excursions and internal flights. Perfect for guests with three weeks who want beaches, hiking and small-town Brazil at an unhurried pace, away from the crowds.
Trip Highlights
- Be wowed by Rio de Janeiro, Latin America’s most vibrant and iconic city
- Grab your hiking boots and head to one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet – Lopes Mendes beach
- Ride the scenic Serra do Mar railway, as featured in the BBC’s ‘Race Around the World’
- Explore car-free Ilha do Mel, a protected island reached only by boat
Our Expert Tip
”Embrace Brazil’s vast size and diversity and break it down into visiting manageable regions. Sometimes the less you do, the more you’ll see!”
Sam, Founder
Southern Brazil Itinerary: Day by Day
Day 1-4: Rio De Janeiro
Your journey through southern Brazil begins in Rio de Janeiro, one of the world’s most beautifully positioned cities, with so much to see and do. We suggest extra time here to visit Corcovado, for the statue of Christ the Redeemer, and Sugarloaf Mountain, and to hike up through the Tijuca Forest for an alternative view of the city. Soak up Rio’s atmosphere with an evening out alongside our friendly local guide, and leave time to relax on the famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana.
Day 5-8: Ilha Grande
From the bustling city to green paradise: head to Ilha Grande and stay at O Sitio, one of our favourite boutique beachfront pousadas. Your time here is all about island hopping and nature. On a private boat with your expert guide, seek out lesser-known islands away from the crowds, swim in warm, clear water and discover white-sand coves. Hike to the Pico do Papagaio viewpoint for a picnic lunch with sweeping views over the island. On another day, walk or take a boat to Lopes Mendes, regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. Slow the pace with barefoot evening strolls, fresh seafood and a cold caipirinha.
Day 9-12: Paraty
Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Paraty. This picture-perfect colonial town is as interesting as it is beautiful: it was once a key port for the gold and precious stones leaving Brazil, and its history can be seen in its whitewashed churches and cobbled streets. Explore at your own pace and eat in locally owned restaurants. Hike up Pico do Mamanguá for a panoramic view over the Saco do Mamanguá inlet and the coastline.
Take a kayak out for the afternoon, pull up on a quiet beach and enjoy a cold beer with a freshly caught lunch prepared by local fishermen. Beach life doesn’t get more authentic than this. You can also take a buggy tour into the forest, or a guided boat trip through the mangroves, looking out for colourful fish and rare birds.
Day 13-14: Curitiba
Next, somewhere off the beaten track. A short flight takes you to Curitiba, the capital of Paraná: a modern city full of colour, culture and cuisine, often called Brazil’s green capital for its many parks. Visit local street food markets to taste light bites and local specialities, and walk through the Jardim Botânico, one of the best-known botanical gardens in Brazil. Find out more about this and other authentic cultural highlights along your journey. Find out more about this and other authentic cultural highlights along your journey.
Day 15-17: Morretes
Board the Serra Verde Express, one of Brazil’s most scenic train journeys and as featured in the BBC’s ‘Race Around the World’. The three-hour, 100 km ride winds through the mountains of the Serra do Mar, past steep passes and dense Atlantic rainforest. This is slow travel at its best. The colonial town of Morretes awaits, with hiking, swimming and river kayaking on the doorstep. Our local guide will take you to try barreado, a local dish slow-cooked in a sealed clay pot, traditionally made with beef and served with banana.
Day 18-21: Ilha Do Mel
End your journey on a high at Ilha do Mel, Portuguese for ‘Honey Island’. Reached only by boat, and with cars banned, the island is a protected haven for nature and marine life, with around 23 km of beaches, for rustic adventure and pure tranquillity. Spend your days walking, cycling, boating or even surfing. As well as nature reserves and empty beaches, the island has plenty of history, including the 18th-century Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres, built to defend the bay. A true Travel Differently favourite, time on Ilha do Mel is heavenly. Our top tip: hike to the Farol das Conchas lighthouse at sunset, and take a good camera.
Day 22: Depart
Only two weeks? See our Brazil Rio and Beach Adventure. Want wildlife too? Add the Pantanal from our Wild Brazil holiday.
When to Go
Best time to visit southern Brazil
The best months for this trip are March to May and September to November, with warm days, fewer crowds and good hiking weather. December to February is peak summer, hot and busy on the coast with more afternoon storms. June to August is winter in the south, cooler in Curitiba and Morretes but still pleasant in Rio. Ask us which month suits you best.
Includes
- All accommodation
- Excursions
- Transport
- Private guides
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa cost
- Tips
Why Book With Travel Differently
Passionate and experienced
- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
- Our 5* client reviews reflect our service & standards
- We are a fully independent & owner-run tour operator
- Our holidays include full financial protection & ATOL coverage
- We are destination experts, ensuring authentic & reliable advice
Committed and Responsible
Tailor-made and Personal
- No two trips are the same, our holidays are 100% bespoke
- We design personal, genuine cultural connections & experiences
- From planning to travel, you’ll have one dedicated point of contact
- Our support is available around the clock during your holiday
- We take care of the details, so you don’t have to
Need More Inspiration?
Want to combine multi-countries, take less flights, or include a hike in Patagonia? Thinking of a longer sabbatical holiday, or staying in some luxury yurts? It’s all possible; all our holidays are tailor-made with a focus on responsible travel. Take a look at more ideas below, and contact our experts.
