Brazil 🇧🇷
Quick holiday facts
Duration: 13 nights / 15 days
Flights: TAP Portugal return from London Heathrow to Rio, via Lisbon including baggage - deal found via Jacks Flight Club (£2,480) + GOL return from Rio to Foz do Iguacu (hand luggage only) found via Google Flights (£1,000).
Accommodation:
1) Villa Laurinda located in Santa Teresa, bed and breakfast for 4 nights booked via booking.com (£339.59)
2) Pousada Nanai located in Foz do Iguacu, bed and breakfast for 3 nights booked via Expedia (£320)
3) Pousada Belas Aguas located in Praia do Araçatiba on Ilha Grande, bed and breakfast booked via booking.com (£1,196)
Spending money: Brazil food, drinks and transport are CHEAP AF! We were genuinely so surprised about that and spent a total of £1,700 over the 2 weeks all-in. That’s all Ubers (some journey’s literally cost £2!), meals, snacks, drinks (one too many caipirinhas!), all entrance tickets for attractions, beach club entry, boat & private car transfers, luggage storage at Rio airport etc.
APPROX TOTAL SPEND = £7,035
A Journey Through Brazil: From Rio’s Vibrance to Ilha Grande’s Serenity
When we first thought of visiting Brazil, we had actually seen a really good deal on flights - but yet Brazil wasn’t high up on our ‘must-go’ travel list. We took a gamble and booked the flights anyway! And from there onwards we imagined a whirlwind of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments…… Were we right?! Hell yes! What we experienced on our trip exceeded every expectation, and then some. With thanks to advice from a friend (for whom we are very grateful!) who actually lived and worked in and Rio a few years ago; we planned an epic trip that did not disappoint!
Here’s a day-by-day recap of our Costa Verde & Brazilian adventure, a journey that perfectly balanced urban energy, natural wonders, and tropical tranquility.
Days 1 to 4: Rio de Janeiro – The Marvellous City
We began our journey in the iconic city of Rio de Janeiro, a place where breathtaking landscapes meet electric energy. Genuinely, trust us when we say it feels like home. After a late afternoon arrival, we checked in to our pousada; Villa Laurinda in Santa Teresa.
Day 1: Our first glimpse of Rio was a mooch around downtown, including a wondrous visit to the city’s ‘Saara’ (famous shopping district; a cross between a bazaar and soukh), the cathedral and then followed by a visit to Museu do Amanhã (whilst a rain shower moved through!). Oh and our first taste of a Caipirinha (Yes! Totally yum!). In the evening we took a stroll around Santa Teresa - quite literally feels like a village within a city - for some food at Bonde Boca overlooking some great views at dinner.
Day 2: Epic sights day! The next day we took a tour on the Santa Teresa Tram - travelling over the Lapa arches up the hill and into and around the wonderful village of Santa Teresa. Getting a different vantage point from the old-fashioned tram, we learned about the area’s history; Rio’s bohemian neighbourhood. It was like stepping back in time. Cobblestone streets, colourful murals, and charming cafes create a unique, artsy vibe. And then headed to the wonderful Selaron Steps… Incredible work of public art, with mosaic tiles from around the world, a masterpiece that seemed to capture the essence of Brazilian creativity. Simply awesome! Beware though: it’s super busy there and the heat ramps up with soooo many people around. Don’t expect to take your pics without tonnes of folks in the background! Then followed a visit to the absolutely iconic Confeitaria Colombo for a coffee and Brasilian snacks which were much needed by that point.
We then decided we’d head to another iconic sight: the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, accessible by the famous cable car. Watching the sun set over Guanabara Bay, cocktails overlooking Copacabana Beach and the city below was the perfect introduction to Rio’s magic.
Video: The view from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. Iconic.
Day 3: It was all about the beach. We headed straight to the stunning Ipanema, soaking up the sun and enjoying freshly blended caipirinhas. After a wonder around the neighbourhood, we pitched up tent at trendy beach bar Sel d’Ipanema and watched the world go by. After soaking up some sunshine, a mooch around the upmarket shops, we headed to Arpoador for the best sunset vibes. Go there for all the feels and great vibes!
Day 4: No visit to Rio is complete without a pilgrimage to Christ the Redeemer. Standing at the foot of this awe-inspiring statue on Corcovado Mountain, we marvelled at the panoramic views of the sprawling city, as the Christ floated in and out of the clouds! Epic! The nearby Tijuca Forest was a lush escape into nature - be sure to take the cog train as it was a fun and relaxing way to travel up the mountain. Oh and on this day we went on a short tour of the Maracana Stadium for a hit of footballing history! Later that day we made our way to the airport , ready for the next leg of the trip….
Underneath Christ the Redeemer, up in the clouds!
TOP TIP: We took the Corcovado cog train up the mountain and through Tijuca rainforest to reach the summit. Other transport is available (van or hike!) but the cog train was effortless, great views and only took 20 mins! Also, it was very accessible - a theme to our trip as a whole.
Days 5-8: Iguacu Falls – Nature’s Spectacle
After the pulse of Rio, we headed south to witness the raw power of Iguacu Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, a ‘new natural wonder of the world’ and UNESCO World Heritage Site. After our evening flight we checked in to our wonderful accommodation in Foz do Iguacu - Pousada Nanai.
Be sure to visit both sides of the falls; the Brazilian and the Argentinean…. it divides opinion as to which side is better, either way, they both take your breath away!
TOP TIP: Book a private taxi / driver to take you across the border. It costs approx £75 but is well worth it. The driver takes you door to door and then even have a special fast lane at the border. We were sooooo glad we did that!
Day 5: A day visiting the Brazilian side of the falls, beginning with a visit to Parque des Aves - a wonderful tropical bird and Atlantic rainforest conservation centre followed by the park itself… The wildlife sightings — toucans, monkeys, and coatis — were an unexpected delight. After a short bus ride to the falls from the visitor centre (main entrance) we walked along trails that gave us sweeping views of the cascades, each more magnificent than the last. Give that a couple of hours to be able to take it all in. And then. Adventure time! We took a speedboat ride (Macuco Safari) right up to the base of the falls (and got completely drenched!). Only one word for that exhilaration: incredible.
Day 7: The Argentine side awaited us. A series of boardwalks took us so close to the falls that we felt their mist on our faces. The highlight was the Devil’s Throat, a thundering torrent of water that left us speechless as we literally walked over and up to it. Insane.
Video: The Devil’s Throat on the Argentina side of the falls.
Day 8: Time to travel back to Rio and our only full travel day, flying back to Rio before taking a car south to Angra dos Reis before catching a boat to our next destination: Ilha Grande. Leave at least 8 hours!
Days 9-12: Ilha Grande – Paradise Found
From the thundering falls of Iguacu, we made our way to Ilha Grande, the big island, which undoubtedly is a tropical haven that truly felt like a slice of paradise.
Day 8: Arriving by boat, after a wet and windy crossing (!!) we were by our hosts at Pousada Belas Aguas greeted by lush greenery, turquoise waters, a beautiful village directly on Praia do Aracatiba and a car-free island that immediately felt like a world apart. That first evening, we settled in, relaxed, had a beautiful shrimp dinner and went to bed.
Day 9: Beach Day + a hike through the Atlantic rainforest brought us to Lagoa Verde… past hidden waterfalls and secluded beaches, bamboo forest and nature at its finest. The island’s biodiversity was astonishing, and the tranquility was a welcome change after our busy days in Rio and Iguacu.
Day 10: Beach Day. Again.
Day 11: We chartered a boat for the day, expertly skippered by Captain William to our first stop: Lopes Mendes Beach, hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. And then on to Abraao, the island’s capital for a spot of culture - food & shopping.
Day 12: Our last morning on Ilha Grande was spent savouring every moment. We lounged on the beach before heading back to the mainland by boat. It’s hard to sum up the allure of Ilha Grande! We didn’t want to leave island life behind!
Video: The famous ‘bodinho’ Santa Teresa tram - a must do activity in Rio!
Day 13: One Last Day in Rio… Luxury at Santa Teresa Hotel
For our final night in Brazil, we treated ourselves to the opulence of the Santa Teresa Hotel, a 5-star haven nestled in the heart of Rio. It felt like coming home! The luxurious accommodations, impeccable service, and stunning views of the city made it the perfect ending to our trip. We indulged in a gourmet dinner at the hotel’s Michelin restaurant, Teresa, reminiscing about the incredible journey we had just completed. On check out day, to prep for our 15 hour journey we both had a wonderful massage in their spa - much recommended before a long flight!
Reflections on Brazil
Looking back, Brazil was a mosaic of experiences: the urban vibrance of Rio, the awe-inspiring power of Iguacu Falls, the unspoiled beauty of Ilha Grande, and the luxurious comfort of the Santa Teresa Hotel. Each destination offered something unique, yet together they created a seamless, unforgettable adventure. The Costa Verde (green coast) and state of RJ as a whole have something to offer everyone - all ages and all backgrounds.
Brazil left us with memories we’ll cherish forever—of samba beats, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil beaches. If you’re dreaming of a trip that blends culture, nature, and relaxation, Brazil should be at the top of your list.
“OUR TOP TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP - 1. Pack and regularly apply insect repellent... 2. The sun is VERY STRONG, wear high factor SPF... 3. Food & drink is cheap, you can easily budget less than £50 per day... 4. Take your personal safety seriously, but no more than in any other big city - don’t go to a favela... 5. Wear what you want to the beach - wearing a thong bikini is NOT mandatory... 6. Use Uber to get around, it’s CHEAP and EFFICIENT... 7. Flying internally means you do not need to worry about the 100ml fluids rule (in your hand luggage)... 8. Learn some PORTUGUESE! Hardly anyone speaks English, or Spanish for that matter.....”
What are you waiting for? Your Brazilian adventure awaits!