ITERNERY :

Day 1-4 : RIO DE JANERIO

Some of the must-see attractions in Rio de Janeiro are the Christ the Redeemer Statue (one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and the most famous landmark of the city), Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches (the two most iconic beaches in Rio), Morro da Urca and Sugarloaf Mountain (two peaks with magnificent views of the city) and the Selaron Stairs (a staircase covered with colorful mosaic tiles).

For more details on these attractions and other great places to visit in the city, read my blog post on the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro.

Accommodation : Ritz Copacabana Hotel. – This boutique hotel is located on the famous Copacabana Beach and features modern, tastefully decorated facilities. There’s also a rooftop terrace and pool offering spectacular views of the city and the coast.

Day 5-7 : PARATY

After exploring Rio, head to the small seaside town Paraty. It is located 250 km (155 miles) west of Rio, so you need to either rent a car, take a shuttle or catch a public bus to get there. I promise you it’s worth the drive!

Paraty is known for its UNESCO-listed historic center full of whitewashed colonial buildings and charming cobblestone streets, a legacy of the Portuguese era of Brazil

There are plenty of amazing restaurants, boutiques and cute souvenir shops to explore here. Since Paraty is also renowned for its high-quality cachaça (Brazilian sugar cane liquor), you can take a distillery tour to sample some of this locally-made spirit.

Streets of Paraty

However, the best part about Paraty is the incredible nature surrounding it. The region is home to beautiful waterfalls, mountains covered with dense Atlantic rainforest and a coastline sprinkled with secluded beaches that you can visit on a boat tour.

Some of the most impressive natural wonders of Paraty are Saco do Mamangua (a fjord surrounded by green peaks, calm beaches and untouched nature), the Toboga

Waterfall resembling a huge water slide, and Cachadaço Natural Pool in the neighboring town Trindade.

Accommodation : Pousada Aconchego – This beautiful guesthouse is perfectly located in the historic center ofParaty. It features colonial-style rooms, a tropical garden and a gorgeous outdoor pool.

Day 8-10 : SAO PAULO

Drive back to Rio and catch a one-hour flight to São Paulo, the final destination of your 10- dayBrazil itinerary.

Being the largest city in Brazil (and in South America), São Paulo is a vibrant metropolis and amelting pot of cultures with strong influences from European, Japanese, Arab and African populations. Although the city is mainly known as a financial hub and the center of Brazil’s economy, it also boasts countless cultural attractions and a top-notch culinary scene.

One of the best things to do in São Paulo is to stroll along Paulista Avenue, a bustling street lined with high-rise buildings, shops, museums and cultural centers. I also recommend checkingout Ibirapuera Park, which is São Paulo’s equivalent of New York’s Central Park. If you’re into art, make sure to visit Beco do Batman, a free open-air gallery of incredible street art, and Pinacoteca, a visual arts museum focusing on the works of Brazilian artists.

Accommodation : Meliá Paulista – A 5-star hotel on Paulista Avenue, the most iconic street of São Paulo. With itsbright and spacious rooms, a large indoor pool, a wellness and fitness center, this hotel offers great value for money.