Recommended Minimum Nights: 3
Transport Mode to Next Sector: Van & Boat Transfer
Recommended Add-on: City Tour & Favela Tour
Welcome to the 'Marvelous City'! So called because of it's beauty and excitement. Take a trip to the Christ Redeemer statue towering above the city, and the Sugar Loaf mountain to see just how beautiful Rio is from above looking down. Head to the world famous Copacabana and Ipanema to witness Brazilian beach culture and also see how the other half of Carioca's (people from Rio) live on a favela tour. So much to do, so much to see; leave plenty of time for your stay in Rio de Janeiro!
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Rio de Janeiro for your transfer to Ilha Grande. The transfer starts with 3 hrs by van to the docks where you hop on your boat to Ilha Grande, arriving at the Aquario Hostel docks.
En route you will stop for lunch for 30 min. The stop is at a typical Brazilian Por Kilo restaurant where you weigh your food to determine the price (unique to Brazil).
Please be aware that Rio de Janeiro is a big city which at times has traffic & parking problems. This is a pooled transfer where the driver picks up from accommodation all over Rio and delays are not uncommon.
Note 1: the boat arrives to Ilha Grande at the Aquario Hostel docks which is a 10 minute walk from the centre of Vila de Abraao (main population on the island). Walking to the centre is via sandy trails and not suited to baggage on wheels.
Note 2: pick-ups from the airport, Barra da Tijuca, and accommodation located out of the tourist areas of Rio are not included in these transfers, and you will be asked to meet the van in a more central area.
Recommended Minimum Nights: 3
Transport Mode to Next Sector: Boat & Van Transfer
Who doesn't long for crystal water lapping onto golden beaches with a jungle backdrop? The Big Island is a must for backpackers who venture to Southern Brazil, and while on the Island you must visit the Lopez Mendez beach to experience the ideal exotic island experience. Offering a tranquil getaway (plus party if you want it) Ilha Grande hasn't even got an ATM machine, its hard to believe it is only 3.5 hours south of Rio de Janeiro.
The return transfer to Rio departs from the same docks you arrived at! Head on over to Aquario Hostel for your boat back to the main land and then van back to Rio.
Recommended Add-on: City Tour & Favela Tour
You have come full circle and are now back in amazing Rio de Janeiro! Now it is time to do the things you missed the first time, or just relax & party before your next destination.