Brazil's Costa Verde (Green Coast)

Rio, secretive beaches and an island escape with a dose of history on this luxe coastal escape

Bookended by glitzy Rio de Janeiro and thrumming São Paulo, Brazil's Costa Verde is a gorgeous stretch of coast dotted with islands and islets hemmed by craggy coves. Here, a chain of lush, forested slopes rises from emerald-green shallows—an idyllic setting for an outdoorsy escape that earns its name: "Green Coast."

Spend nine days winding through the Costa Verde, devoting splendid days to hiking, paddling, swimming, and private boat cruises to hidden beaches to imbibe the coast's outstanding natural beauty. You’ll stay in three contrasting destinations. Kick off in spectacular Rio de Janeiro, hitting all the urban highlights. In historic, coastal Paraty, dine streetside, romanced by cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. On car-free Ilha Grande, home to one of Brazil’s famous secluded beaches, you'll retreat to an intimate boat-access-only hotel.

Brazil’s Costa Verde is a perfect itinerary for Brazil first-timers or travelers who want Brazilian nature without getting on a plane (which is often the case in the world's fifth-largest country!)   

Brazil's Costa Verde: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Brazil's Costa Verde Trip Highlights

This 9-day Brazil’s Costa Verde itinerary starts in radiant Rio de Janeiro. Take a transfer across the glittering bay and then check into Belmond Copacabana Palace for two nights. An iconic property with a hundred-year history and a Rolodex of celebrity guests, people-watch on the pool deck or enjoy the hotel’s private loungers on Copacabana Beach. 
On your second day, explore Rio’s highlights (Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Tijuca National Park or the neighborhoods of Santa Teresa and Ipanema) with a private guide and vehicle. Reserve some time to simply hang out on Rio’s most famous beaches, imbibing a spellbinding sunset with a perspiring caipirinha in hand. Save room for a savory dinner of Brazilian churrascaria (barbecue).  
Depart for the Green Coast. Take a four-hour scenic drive along the coast to arrive in historic Paraty. Orient yourself on a walking tour in the charming, UNESCO-designated historic center where you’ll learn about the port town’s gold rush-era origins. Tuck into some fresh seafood for dinner and sip a Jorge Amadao cocktail to sample Brazilian cachaça. Check into handsome Casa Turquesa where you’ll stay for three nights. 
Using Paraty as your base, explore the Green Coast's lush, forest-hugged emerald coast, adorned with some 300 beaches and dotted by 65 islands. Explore secretive coves on a private boat trip, stopping to swim in glimmering shallows. Dedicate a day to hiking in a protected area of Atlantic Forest Biome. Amble through the verdant forest and swim in enchanting, waterfall-fed pools.
Depart Paraty for Angra dos Reis, approximately one-and-a-half hours. Then, take a one-hour ferry to Ilha Grande, a car-free island inhabited by monkeys, colorful birdlife, and unique flora. Kick off your shoes upon arrival, you’ll rarely need them while you’re on-island. Check into barefoot-luxe Asalem, a boat-access boutique hotel on the Bay of Abraão where you swim in aquamarine shallows, right from the dock.
Spend two days sunbathing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, hiking to remote beaches, waterfalls and scenic viewpoints, and eating fresh seafood. We highly recommend taking a small boat to Lopes Mendes beach, ranked one of the most beautiful in the world, and popular with surfers. Pop into Vila do Abraão for some unpretentious, toes-in-the-sand nightlife.
Return to Rio de Janeiro for your international flight home or onward journey. Alternatively, this journey can end in São Paulo.

Price

Starting at $6,700 per person sharing in 2025

Brazil's Costa Verde on a Map

Explore More Brazil Travel Itineraries

Easy Extensions