Rio's Best Beaches

Trip Highlights

Discover Rio de Janeiro's emerald coast as you stop at three of its best beach destinations.  Begin in Buzios, the St. Tropez of Brazil, a peninsula scalloped by twenty-six golden sand beaches, dotted with trendy restaurants, fine boutiques and hip beach bars. Head south to the glitzy iconic beachfront city of Rio de Janeiro, shadowed by its lush forested mountains. Soak up all the culture that Rio has to offer, while visiting the famous Christ Redeemer Statue on Corcovado Hill and Sugarloaf Mountain. From the city's vibrancy, change the pace as you head to the tropical island oasis of Ilha Grande, for the perfect barefoot luxury experience. Accessed from the mainland by a short boat ride, the island is a protected nature reserve and covered in virgin Atlantic forest and wild beaches. Enjoy breathtaking hiking trails to various beaches and nearby coastal villages, as the island is vehicle-free! 

Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival at Rio de Janeiro International Airport, you will be privately transferred for an approximate 2h45m drive to the beach town of Buzios. After check-in, enjoy your day at leisure with the views of the coast right at your feet.

Vila da Santa Buzios Hotel Boutique & Spa (no meals)

Experience the beauty of the Búzios peninsula on a schooner boat tour that will take you to twelve of its most famous beaches (Armação, Ossos, Azeda, Azedinha, João Fernandes, João Fernandinho, Branca, Feia, Tartaruga, Virgens, Amores and Canto), as well as three gorgeous islands. This journey includes the opportunity to snorkel and swim in the crystal clear water. Equipment for snorkeling will be provided. Duration of this journey is approximately 2h30m, which provides just enough time to enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight at Vila da Santa Buzios Hotel & Boutique (Breakfast)

Enjoy the morning and early afternoon at leisure before making your way to Rio de Janeiro for check-in. In the late afternoon, you will tour Sugar Loaf Mountain for a visit to one of Rio’s most famous sites, known for its iconic cable cars and spectacular views at the best possible moment: sunset.  

Overnight at Hotel Arpoador (Breakfast)

In the morning, we will visit Christ the Redeemer Statue, recently elected as one of the seven modern wonders of the world. The statue sits 2,300 ft. above sea level, atop Corcovado Hill. Following a scenic drive along the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, we will arrive at the foot of the hill, where we will board a small train up along the beautiful mountainside. Upon reaching the top, visitors will experience a panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro and discover why it is known as the “Marvelous City”! 

Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure exploring the beaches right at your doorstep.

Overnight at Hotel Arpoador (Breakfast)

In the morning, you will be privately transferred to Angra dos Reis and reach the pier to take the scheduled boat with a drop off at your exlusive villa in Praia Vermelha. Situated in a secluded and pristine area of Ilha Grande near a quiet fishing village with a a few local restaurants, you will be surrounded by the lush Atlantic rainforest with various trails leading to different beaches. The entire island is a state park and all motor vehicles are banned, making this beach experience even more laid back than ever. The wildlife on the island consists of parrots, exotic hummingbirds, butterflies and monkeys. Most beaches can be reached either by boat from the villa or also by foot. Boat transfers to the different beaches can be arranged, as well as snorkeling and diving upon request. There is a private jetty on site for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. Local wholesome meals are served with beautiful views over the bay.

Overnight at Vila Pedra Mar (Lunch & Dinner)

Spend the day simply relaxing and exploring the nearby beaches, or touring the island by boat.

Overnight at Vila Pedra Mar (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

At the scheduled time, you will be transferred by boat to the mainland in Angra dos Reis, followed by a transfer to the airport in Rio de Janeiro for your departing flight home.

(Breakfast)

• 7 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)

• Daily breakfast

• Additional meals as specified in the itinerary

• Private scheduled guided touring as specified

• All ground transfers between airports and accommodations

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international or internal flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• Rio de Janeiro is suitable for an all year round destination, but for a comfortable beach experience with warm weather and sunny days, the best time to visit is between December and March.

• Consider an extension to Salvador da Bahia to round out your Brazilian cultural experience, or perhaps head to the Pantanal, Iguassu or Amazon for a submersion into the country’s profound nature. Ask your Travel Designer for more details.

• Consider arriving to Brazil in February to experience Carnival and witness the elaborate festivities and soul of Brazil.