Brazilian Beaches Extension

• 5 days

DAY 1: Rio: Transfer to Ilha Grande

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred from your Rio hotel to the port to connect with the ferry to Ilha Grande. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your Pousada.

DAY 1: Ilha Grande

The island retreat of Ilha Grande, off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, is covered with tropical beaches and virgin rainforest and only a few small settlements. It has a rich history, having housed a leper colony and then a high-security penitentiary for some of Brazil’s most dangerous political prisoners, until its closure in 1994. The island is noted for its unspoilt beaches, rugged landscape, rich vegetation and scenic beauty. The largest settlement on the island is the picturesque, palm-fringed beachfront town of Vila do Abraão.

DAY 2: Free day in Ilha Grande

Enjoy your free day in Ilha Grande.
On an island world-famous for over 100 beaches, Lopes Mendes Beach is one that stands out with its 3 km (1.9 mi) of white fine sand. Frequently ranked among the world’ most stunning beaches, it is well worth the hike to reach it. Or spend your time exploring the township or one of the many other beaches the island has to offer at your own leisure.

DAY 3: Transfer from Ilha Grande to Paraty

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred back to the mainland. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Paraty.

DAY 3: Paraty

Set against a backdrop of steep mountains covered in lush forest, the small, historic coastal town of Paraty is one of Brazil’s gems. It was a port during the Brazilian Gold Rush and the cobbled streets of the colonial centre are lined with 17th and 18th century buildings and churches. Paraty sits on the Bay of Ilha Grande. The emerald green waters are dotted with tropical islands and lined with secluded beaches.

DAY 4: FD Jeep Tour to Waterfall & Distilleries Paraty

This tour is ideal for those seeking adventure and contact with nature. After departing from Paraty by jeep, we arrive at the tranquil Serra Bocaina National Park for our first encounter with the jungle. A short walk through the rainforest brings us to the stunning waterfalls of Pedra Branca, Toboga and Tarzan, each of which we will stop to enjoy a refreshing swim. After departing the falls, we make our way through the local countryside, stopping at a local cachaça distillery dating back to the 18th century, where we have the opportunity to taste this local firewater and see how it is produced.

Stopping for lunch at Engenho de’Ouro restaurant (included), before continuing to our final stop at Casa de Farinha Ouro Branco, which is a bakery producing manioc flour desserts where guests have the opportunity to buy and try unique Brazilian sweets.
Departing daily at 10:30am.

DAY 5: Transfer from Paraty to Rio

You will be collected from your hotel in Paraty at a pre advised time and transferred to your hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

• You must include the incredible and awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls Extension on your Brazilian itinerary. Situated in two UNESCO World Heritage-designated National Parks these amazing falls completely dwarf Niagara Falls. Witness one of the most incredible displays of cascading water the world could produce.

• Extend your time in Brazil and explore the worlds largest wetlands area and snorkeling in crystal clear freshwater springs with our Pantanal and Bonito Extension. Explore these unsurpassed waters through the comfort of a beautiful ecolodge in the Pantanal, experiencing the world’s densest flora and fauna ecosystem, then discover for yourself how the town of Bonito got it's name.

• For something different and unique, consider heading north for the Bahia In Depth Extension. This region is considered one of the most diverse and culturally rich regions of Brazil and deserves the trip. Explore the glorious Chapada Diamantina National Park with it's variety of canyons, waterfalls, caves, rivers, natural pools, and more. You will also get a great mix of big city vibes in Salvador, and relaxed beach destinations like Troncoso and the island of Morro de Sao Paulo (so relaxed even cars aren't allowed).

Chimu Adventures undertakes a number of sustainability measures within its operations including:

1) Only using local guides and office staff to both maximise local employment opportunities and minimise carbon footprints. Local guides also ensure you benefit from the intimate knowledge, passion and culture of the country you’re visiting.

2) Where possible, using locally owned and operated boutique hotels to maximise the return to the local community.

3) Chimu’s “Pass it on” programme has provided funding to hundreds of local community projects in Latin America. Our aim is to empower local communities, helping them to develop their own infrastructure for the future. Since 2006, we have been working with Kiva (a well-known Non-Governmental Organisation), providing hundreds of loans to local businesses all over South America.

4) In our pre tour information we provide a range of tips and advice on how to minimise your impact on both local environments and communities.

5) Chimu Adventures’ offices also take a number of sustainability measures including carbon offsets for company vehicles and most staff travel. Chimu Adventure’s internal processes are also structures to create a paperless office and to reduce waste. There are also internal programmes to help staff minimise their carbon footprint such as our staff bike purchase assistance plan which encourages office staff to commute to work via bicycle. Currently almost half of our office based staff commute to work via bicycle.