Away from the city bustle, this tour takes you off the beaten track to explore Brazil's more tranquil side
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
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Explore the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro
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Wander around the intriguing Santa Teresa neighbourhood
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Meander through Tijuca Forest and surrounding beaches
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Relax on the serene beaches of Florianópolis
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Hike the beautiful trails of Ibitipoca National Park
What's included
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Luxury accommodation throughout
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Full support from your Travel Designer and concierge before, during and after your trip
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Private tours and experiences
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All internal flights, trains and private transfers
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Expert guides in each destination
At a glance
This tour is perfect for those who wish to seek out the beauty of Brazil’s nature and culture at a more relaxing pace.
The start of your journey will be briefly spent in Rio de Janeiro, before heading to the more secluded locations this country has to offer. However, you shall be safe from the stresses of the city with a couple of perfectly designed days spent ticking off the city’s unmissable culture and surrounding nature while avoiding the crowds. First, you’ll wander around the culturally-rich neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, home to many painters, cafes and artists’ studios. On your second day, you’ll venture to the Tijuca Forest and the southern beaches, found just a few minutes away from the city’s main hub, where you’ll discover grand yet tranquil views of both the mountains and the sea.
You’ll then spend the next four nights in the coastal city of Florianópolis, known for idyllic beaches which are drastically quieter than Rio de Janeiro’s, providing an ideal spot to unwind. The city is also an expectational place from which to ascend the nearby forested mountains for some amazing hiking opportunities.
The final stop on your journey will be the most secluded, Ibitipoca. Found 1,500 metres above sea level, it’s truly a hiker’s dream, with waterfalls and rivers, caverns and caves and awe-inspiring views to make each step worthwhile.
After three nights here in this peaceful and quaint area, you’ll head back to Rio de Janeiro airport to finish your journey rejuvenated by the exclusive gems and brilliant backroads of Brazil.
Example trip itinerary
Rio de Janeiro
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation in Rio de Janeiro
- Pool
- Full spa
- Restaurant
- Lounge
Set in the charming old colonial neighbourhood of Santa Teresa this hotel offers a different approach to the Rio experience away from the high rise beach hotels. The location up on the hill offers a great viewpoint from which to admire the city and an oasis of calm in which to relax.
The hotel has full spa facilities, beautifully decorated rooms and great pool area. Formally a colonial farm house the building has been carefully restored and converted with its history in mind and a light modern touch; using old woods and natural fabric but cut with clean modern lines. Rooms are also equipped with all modern comforts that you would expect in a contemporary luxury hotel.

With a few days in the 'Marvellous City', you can explore and enjoy Rio de Janeiro at your leisure. As Brazil's second largest city, it's often mistaken as its capital for the richness of its culture. Explore the colourful streets, which host the famous annual carnival, enjoy the breathtaking views from atop the Corcovado Mountain just underneath the shade of Christ the Redeemer, or stroll the famed Copacabana Beach.

The faded grandeur of this part of the city, often referred to as 'the Montmartre of Rio', set into the hills close to the centre of town, still retains a rich cultural atmosphere of art, music and history. Your guide will take you to the Ruins Park, a cultural centre in the remains of a 19th-century house, which has a Belvedere that commands some of the best views over Rio.

The Tijuca Forest is just a few minutes away from densely populated areas yet is a lush green mass of trees and tropical plants with an impressive waterfall at its centre. You'll continue to Barra Beach for some acai juice then travel from São Conrado Beach to Leblon by the beautiful and scenic Niemeyer Avenue that runs between the mountain and the sea.
Transfer
Private transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport
Flight
Flight to Florianopolis airport
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Florianopolis
Florianopolis
Accommodation in Florianopolis
- 25 private bungalows
- Fitness Centre
- Cinema
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Tennis Court
- Swimming pool
- Dior Spa
Located on its own private peninsula, Ponta dos Ganchos has it all. Twenty five bungalows make up the resort where the rainforest meets the emerald sea. This luxurious hotel boasts total privacy if desired while offering amenities like fitness center, restaurant, bar, lounge, pool, tennis court, ocean view massages, Dior Spa, and even a small cinema.
Activities include private nature trails for hiking, scuba diving and boat trips. The sea in the area is particularly good for diving as two important currents meet, meaning a huge variety of sealife.
Each bungalow has a sea view, veranda with hammock, king size bed and fireplace. The more luxurious bungalows coming with private pools.
The hotel’s restaurant is outstanding, serving a good variety of dishes including plenty of seafood. Top chefs from around Brazil operate on a rotation to keep the level of food and innovation at the highest level. Breakfast is included in the price.
The coastal city of Florianópolis, found in southern Brazil, is the capital of Santa Catarina island, which is joined to the mainland by two bridges. While less populated than Rio de Janeiro, it's still a great place to soak up the outgoing culture of Brazil. Although renowned for its idyllic beaches, Florianópolis also offers forested mountains and amazing hikes. Spend your days in this idyllic Brazilian spot relaxing on the long stretches of sandy beach, surfing the waves and dining on delicious food.
Transfer
Private transfer to Florianopolis airport
Flight
Flight to Rio de Janeiro
Transfer
Private transfer to Ibitipoca
Ibitipoca
Accommodation in Ibitipoca
- Eight suites
- A choice of different accommodations within the reserve: Engenho Lodge, Mogol Village and Remote
- Spa and Jacuzzi
- Subterranean cinema
- Private airfield
- Luxury river-beach hut
- Restaurant
- L'Occitane products
Far from being commonplace in the Brazilian interior, this elegantly restored colonial farmhouse set amongst the green undulating hills of the Ibitipoca State Park makes for a wonderfully unique stay.
Aptly owned by a mining magnate in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais and only 270km from Rio de Janeiro, guests can delight in Reserva do Ibitipoca’s understated luxury and spa whilst enjoying assorted wildlife expeditions and bespoke excursions to waterfalls and white sandy river beaches. 4WD, horse riding, electric cars and bikes are also available for a small extra cost.
The rooms are elegantly simple, maintaining the warm assurance of modernity that is brilliantly juxtaposed with an inspiring use of antiques and restored furniture.
A colourful wall hanging or religious icon touches on the farmhouse’s once domestic story, remindful too of local artisanship, whilst an animal hide rug laid on the original polished wood floors illustrates a satisfying contrast of textures.
There is a fenced veranda that wraps itself around one corner of the farmhouse bedecked with the odd rocking chair and inviting armchairs and sofas on which to relax, eat breakfast and take in the views of the surrounding hills and lake. Food here is a real highlight and guests will enjoy delicious home-cooked food made using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
A short stroll across the lawn is the hotel’s large spa housed in a converted outbuilding. Another separate lodge within Comuna do Ibitipoca’s garden has a sauna and heated outdoor Jacuzzi.
Ibitipoca’s service is exceptional and the staff’s knowledge of the parkland’s rich flora and fauna, which include red deer, jaguars, pumas and many native tree specimens, cannot fail to impress.
Rates are based on a minimum two-night stay and include all meals, taxes, and tours into the Reserve with an English-speaking guide.
Ibitipoca State Park sits 1,500 metres above sea level and is a hiker's paradise that is known for its wonderful biodiversity, waterfalls, rivers, pools, caverns, caves and captivating look-out points. Found in the south east of Minas Gerais, three and a half hours away from the bustle of Rio, it really feels like another world. Here in the midst of beautiful Brazilian nature, you'll find the perfect place to recharge. Yet Ibitipoca is not entirely natural for there's a quaint village known for its quiet cobbled streets where locals exchange friendly chitchat in the main square (Praca da Matriz) while live Jazz music adds to the chilled atmosphere. Ibitipoca is also popular for its delicious food scene, so be sure to fully indulge yourself while here.
Transfer
Private transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
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Secluded Brazil
How we work
This tour is perfect for those who wish to seek out the beauty of Brazil’s nature and culture at a more relaxing pace. The start of your journey will be briefly spent in Rio de Janeiro, before heading to the more secluded locations this country has to offer. However, you shall be safe from the stresses of the city with a couple of perfectly designed days spent ticking off the city’s unmissable culture and surrounding nature while avoiding the crowds. First, you’ll wander around the culturally-rich neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, home to many painters, cafes and artists’ studios. On your second day, you’ll venture to the Tijuca Forest and the southern beaches, found just a few minutes away from the city’s main hub, where you’ll discover grand yet tranquil views of both the mountains and the sea. You’ll then spend the next four nights in the coastal city of Florianópolis, known for idyllic beaches which are drastically quieter than Rio de Janeiro’s, providing an ideal spot to unwind. The city is also an expectational place from which to ascend the nearby forested mountains for some amazing hiking opportunities. The final stop on your journey will be the most secluded, Ibitipoca. Found 1,500 metres above sea level, it’s truly a hiker’s dream, with waterfalls and rivers, caverns and caves and awe-inspiring views to make each step worthwhile. After three nights here in this peaceful and quaint area, you’ll head back to Rio de Janeiro airport to finish your journey rejuvenated by the exclusive gems and brilliant backroads of Brazil. | Whats included?
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Days 1-3 |
Rio de Janeiro |
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel in Rio de Janeiro |
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Accommodation in Rio de Janeiro
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Hotel Santa Teresa - $$$$$
Set in the charming old colonial neighbourhood of Santa Teresa this hotel offers a different...
|
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Two nights in Rio de Janeiro With a few days in the 'Marvellous City', you can explore and enjoy Rio de Janeiro at your leisure. As Brazil's second largest city, it's often mistaken as its capital for the richness of its culture. Explore the colourful streets, which host the famous annual carnival, enjoy the breathtaking views from atop the Corcovado Mountain just underneath the shade of Christ the Redeemer, or stroll the famed Copacabana Beach. |
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Santa Teresa neighbourhood tour The faded grandeur of this part of the city, often referred to as 'the Montmartre of Rio', set into the hills close to the centre of town, still retains a rich cultural atmosphere of art, music and history. Your guide will take you to the Ruins Park, a cultural centre in the remains of a 19th-century house, which has a Belvedere that commands some of the best views over Rio. |
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Tijuca Forest and beaches The Tijuca Forest is just a few minutes away from densely populated areas yet is a lush green mass of trees and tropical plants with an impressive waterfall at its centre. You'll continue to Barra Beach for some acai juice then travel from São Conrado Beach to Leblon by the beautiful and scenic Niemeyer Avenue that runs between the mountain and the sea. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport |
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Flight to Florianopolis airport | |
Private transfer to your hotel in Florianopolis | |
Days 3-7 |
Florianopolis |
Accommodation in Florianopolis
•
Ponta dos Ganchos - $$$$$
Located on its own private peninsula, Ponta dos Ganchos has it all. Twenty five bungalows make...
|
|
Four nights in Florianopolis The coastal city of Florianópolis, found in southern Brazil, is the capital of Santa Catarina island, which is joined to the mainland by two bridges. While less populated than Rio de Janeiro, it's still a great place to soak up the outgoing culture of Brazil. Although renowned for its idyllic beaches, Florianópolis also offers forested mountains and amazing hikes. Spend your days in this idyllic Brazilian spot relaxing on the long stretches of sandy beach, surfing the waves and dining on delicious food. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Florianopolis airport |
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Flight to Rio de Janeiro | |
Private transfer to Ibitipoca | |
Days 7-10 |
Ibitipoca |
Accommodation in Ibitipoca
•
Comuna do Ibitipoca - $$$$$
Far from being commonplace in the Brazilian interior, this elegantly restored colonial...
|
|
Three nights in Ibitipoca Ibitipoca State Park sits 1,500 metres above sea level and is a hiker's paradise that is known for its wonderful biodiversity, waterfalls, rivers, pools, caverns, caves and captivating look-out points. Found in the south east of Minas Gerais, three and a half hours away from the bustle of Rio, it really feels like another world. Here in the midst of beautiful Brazilian nature, you'll find the perfect place to recharge. Yet Ibitipoca is not entirely natural for there's a quaint village known for its quiet cobbled streets where locals exchange friendly chitchat in the main square (Praca da Matriz) while live Jazz music adds to the chilled atmosphere. Ibitipoca is also popular for its delicious food scene, so be sure to fully indulge yourself while here. |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport |