Secluded Brazil
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
- Wander around the intriguing Santa Teresa neighbourhood
- Meander through Tijuca Forest and surrounding beaches
- Relax on the serene beaches of Florianópolis
- 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
Rio de Janeiro
Overview
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 a 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.
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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.
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.
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.
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
Florianopolis
Overview
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.
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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.
Transfer
Private transfer to Florianopolis airport
Flight
Flight to Rio de Janeiro
Transfer
Private transfer to Ibitipoca
Ibitipoca
Accommodation in Ibitipoca
Ibitipoca
Highlights
- Choose between three accommodation concepts across the reserve
- Enjoy delicious and authentic Brazilian cuisine at the on-site restaurants
- Learn about conservation efforts and the many ways you can live a greener life
- Explore rivers, lakes, waterfalls and canyons on outdoor adventures
- Experience a candlelight dinner inside a cave
- Go birdwatching with a local expert
Overview
Far from commonplace in the Brazilian interior, this elegantly restored farmhouse, nestled among the green, set in the foothills of the Mantiqueira mountain range, offers a uniquely enchanting stay. At Ibiti Project (formerly Reserva do Ibitipoca), guests can indulge in the understated luxury of its hotel and spa while enjoying diverse wildlife expeditions, horseback riding, water rafting and bespoke excursions to waterfalls and white sandy river beaches.
The hotel’s rustic chic décor is beautifully reflected in its rooms, which are elegantly simple yet exude modern comfort. This is brilliantly juxtaposed with the use of antiques and restored furniture. Vibrant wall hangings and religious icons hint at the farmhouse’s history and local artisanship.
A fenced veranda wraps around one corner of the farmhouse, furnished with inviting rocking chairs, armchairs, and sofas where guests can relax, enjoy breakfast, and take in the views of the surrounding hills and lake. A short stroll across the lawn leads to the hotel’s spacious spa, housed in a converted outbuilding that maintains the main farmhouse’s style. Another lodge within the garden features a sauna and heated outdoor Jacuzzi.
The service at Ibitipoca is exceptional, and the staff’s extensive knowledge of the parkland’s rich flora and fauna, including red deer, jaguars, pumas and many native tree species — is sure to impress. Ibiti Project features several lodges for travellers, each designed around unique concepts: Engenho Lodge, Mogol Village and Remote, all offering different experiences of rural life in this stunning part of Brazil.
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The impact of your stay:
- As part of their impactful initiatives, the Ibiti Project funds and operates a local school with environmental principles, has refurbished roads, the church and the village, and supports various social projects related to sports, local events and traditions.
- Guests’ stays help support the preservation and ongoing regeneration of the area with efforts including spring protection, animal reintroduction and fostering respect and collaboration among all living beings.
- You help contribute to an award-winning socio-environmental initiative that uses tourism to regenerate the landscape, protect native species and support local communities and culture.
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.
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 |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel in Rio de Janeiro |
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Accommodation in Rio de Janeiro
•
Santa Teresa Hotel RJ MGallery - $$$$$
Set in the charming old colonial neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, this hotel offers a different...
|
|
| Two nights in Rio de Janeiro With a few days in the 'Marvellous City', you can explore and enjoy Rio de Janeiro at your leisure. As Brazil's second largest city, it's often mistaken as its capital for the richness of its culture. Explore the colourful streets, which host the famous annual carnival, enjoy the breathtaking views from atop the Corcovado Mountain just underneath the shade of Christ the Redeemer, or stroll the famed Copacabana Beach. |
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| Santa Teresa neighbourhood tour The faded grandeur of this part of the city, often referred to as 'the Montmartre of Rio', set into the hills close to the centre of town, still retains a rich cultural atmosphere of art, music and history. Your guide will take you to the Ruins Park, a cultural centre in the remains of a 19th-century house, which has a Belvedere that commands some of the best views over Rio. |
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| Tijuca Forest and beaches The Tijuca Forest is just a few minutes away from densely populated areas yet is a lush green mass of trees and tropical plants with an impressive waterfall at its centre. You'll continue to Barra Beach for some acai juice then travel from São Conrado Beach to Leblon by the beautiful and scenic Niemeyer Avenue that runs between the mountain and the sea. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport |
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| Flight to Florianopolis airport | |
| Private transfer to your hotel in Florianopolis | |
Days 3-7 |
Florianopolis |
|
Accommodation in Florianopolis
•
Ponta dos Ganchos - $$$$$
Located on its own private peninsula, Ponta dos Ganchos has it all. Twenty five bungalows make...
|
|
| Four nights in Florianopolis The coastal city of Florianópolis, found in southern Brazil, is the capital of Santa Catarina island, which is joined to the mainland by two bridges. While less populated than Rio de Janeiro, it's still a great place to soak up the outgoing culture of Brazil. Although renowned for its idyllic beaches, Florianópolis also offers forested mountains and amazing hikes. Spend your days in this idyllic Brazilian spot relaxing on the long stretches of sandy beach, surfing the waves and dining on delicious food. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Florianopolis airport |
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| Flight to Rio de Janeiro | |
| Private transfer to Ibitipoca | |
Days 7-10 |
Ibitipoca |
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Accommodation in Ibitipoca
•
Ibiti Project - $$$$$
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 |
