What to see...
RIO DE JANEIRO
Corcovado- Statue of Christ the redeemer
Santa Teresa trams, mseums, bohemian life
Copacabana, Ipanema & Leblon beaches
Municipal theatre & historical center
Sugar Loaf mountain
Tijuca rain forest
ILHA GRANDE
Beaches
Islands
Views
PARATY
Historical centre
Local handicrafts
Jabaquara beach
RIO DE JANEIRO
Take a helicopter ride over the city
Buy presents in the hippy fair (Sunday)
Check out live brazilian jazz and chorinho
Walk along beaches/ around Lagoa lake
Dance samba in Lapa clubs
Bar-hop in Leblon
ILHA GRANDE
Hike to Lopes Mendes beach
Walking tour of Abrãao
Boat trips round the island
Diving
PARATY
Walking tour of historical center
Schooner trip around the islands
Side trips to Trindade and Paraty Mirim
For Ilha Grande, take the boat from Angra dos Reis, 2.5 hours southwest of Rio. Paraty is another 2 hours or so further on down the really scenic BR101 highway. Get the bus or organise a taxi transfer with the pousada.
On Ilha Grande acess to most places is by dirt track, rocky trail or along the beach; in Paraty streets are cobbled , very uneven and slippy in rain. People with mobility problems may find things difficult.
At Christmas, New Year and carnival, plus other holiday weekends during the year, most pousadas only operate with 4 or 5 day packages and the prices can more than double. Despite this rooms are very sought after, so book early!
Nicest months with least rain and coolest temperatures are April through October
The rest of the year (including, unfortunately, Christmas New Year and carnival) tends to be hotter and more humid, but in reality you can never tell from one day to the next . It never gets cold . Just take a book in case it rains.
In Paraty there are lots of festivals, the most famous of which is the Literary festival in July. Excellent time to go if that’s your thing but you’ll need to book any pousadas a very long time in advance.
Brazilian National Holidays
07/06/2012
Corpus Christi
07/09/2012
Independence Day / Independência do Brasil
12/10/2012
N. S. Aparecida Day
02/11/2012
Remembrance Day / Finados
15/11/2012
Proclamation of Republic / Proclamação da República
25/12/2012
Christmas/ Natal
01/01/2013
New Years Day/ Ano Novo
8/02/2013
Carnival / Carnaval (5 days/dias)
Price Guide
Prices below are low season rates for two people in brazilian reais (R$). Standard double room, with en-suite shower room, breakfast included.
$
R$ 80 - 140
$ 40 - 70 € 33 - 58 £ 24 - 43
$$
R$ 141 - 220
$ 70 - 110 € 58 - 91 £ 43 - 68
$$$
R$ 221 - 360
$ 110 - 180 € 92 - 150 £ 68 - 111
$$$$
R$ 361 - 500
$ 180 - 250 € 150 - 208 £ 112 - 155
$$$$$
R$ 501 - 1000
$ 250 - 500 € 208 - 416 £ 155 - 310
