Brazil Beach Life: Palms, Parties & Paradise




Group info
Coordinator
Khalid
Show group
Itinerary
Ready to live your best life between palms, parties and paradise? This 11-day Brazil adventure is your ticket to crystal-clear waters, lush tropical forests, and the vibrant rhythms of South America's most iconic cities. We start in the cultural capital of São Paulo, wander through the cobbled streets of Paraty, unwind on the untouched shores of Ilha Grande, and finally, fall in love with the buzzing energy of Rio de Janeiro.
This itinerary blends nature and adventure with laid-back beach vibes and urban discovery. We'll snorkel in turquoise bays, hike through jungles, chill on golden sands, and take in views from Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. Whether you're into sunset swims, caipirinhas on the beach, or dancing the night away in Lapa, this trip has a little something for every kind of traveller. Perfect for those who want a dynamic mix of relaxation and exploration, this is Brazil at its best—authentic, wild and unforgettable.

We finally land in Brazil—bem-vindos!
São Paulo Welcome
Our adventure begins in the vibrant metropolis of São Paulo. After checking into our hotel and freshening up, we’ll officially kick off the tour at 5PM with a welcome meeting to get to know our group and Travel Coordinator. Then it’s time to dive into the city’s buzzing nightlife or grab our first caipirinha together! This is just the beginning, and the energy is already electric.
Urban Vibes & Night Voyage
Exploring São Paulo & Night Bus to Paraty
We spend the day getting to know the real São Paulo. From the colorful murals of Beco do Batman to the bustling Avenida Paulista, we’ll explore the city's coolest corners. Expect a deep dive into local culture, art, and the tastiest street food. As the sun sets, we hop on our night bus and head toward the coast—next stop: Paraty, where colonial charm and crystal-clear waters await.
Colonial Charms of Paraty
Beach Vibes & Boat Adventures
Good morning, paradise!
We arrive in Paraty, one of Brazil’s most picturesque towns. Cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and a laid-back vibe make it feel like time stands still here. But we’re not staying still for long—today we set sail on a schooner boat tour around the bay, stopping at hidden beaches and snorkeling spots. Think tropical vibes, turquoise water, and sunshine for days. In the evening, we stroll the town’s lantern-lit streets and soak it all in.
Into the Green – Ilha Grande
This is Beach Life
After a relaxed breakfast, we travel to Angra dos Reis and catch the ferry to our next destination: Ilha Grande. This car-free island is a natural wonderland full of lush jungle, sandy beaches, and ocean adventures. Once we arrive, we settle into our pousada and head straight to the beach. The rest of the day is all about slowing down and soaking up the island vibes. Sunset views and island breezes are guaranteed.
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For the departure on 27th December we'll follow a slightly different schedule, to allow for New Year's Eve celebrations in Rio de Janeiro. Please get in touch with the WeRoad Customer Care team if you'd like more details on this
Transfer from Paraty to Rio de Janeiro included (NEW)
Accomodation in Rio de Janeiro
lha Grande
Sun, Sea & Chill
Today, we set off on a full-day private boat tour to some of Ilha Grande’s most stunning spots. We'll visit Cataguases, the clear waters of Ilhas Botinas, and the pristine beaches of Piedade and Dentista. Expect turquoise seas, white sands, and plenty of time for relaxing. Don’t forget your sunscreen and waterproof camera!
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For the departure on 27th December we'll follow a slightly different schedule, to allow for New Year's Eve celebrations in Rio de Janeiro. Please get in touch with the WeRoad Customer Care team if you'd like more details on this
Rocinha Favela walking tour with a local guide (included)
Accommodation and breakfast in Rio de Janeiro (included)
Farewell to Ilha Grande & Onward to Rio
Sunrise Trek & Travel to Rio de Janeiro
Wake up early for an optional hike through lush forest trails to Praia Lopes Mendes, a picture-perfect beach often ranked among the best in the world. In the afternoon, we make our way to Rio de Janeiro by boat and van. Once we arrive, we settle into our hotel in this vibrant city where samba, surf, and sunsets rule.
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For the departure on 27th December we'll follow a slightly different schedule, to allow for New Year's Eve celebrations in Rio de Janeiro. Please get in touch with the WeRoad Customer Care team if you'd like more details on this
Overnight stay with breakfast and Rio day tour excursion, including tickets to Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain
Rio’s Iconic Heights
Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Magic
We kick off our time in Rio with a visit to two of its most legendary landmarks: Christ the Redeemer Statue and Sugarloaf Mountain. These must-see sights offer unforgettable views over the city’s mountains, beaches, and favelas. Cameras ready—this is one of the most awe-inspiring days of the trip.
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For the departure on 27th December we'll follow a slightly different schedule, to allow for New Year's Eve celebrations in Rio de Janeiro. Please get in touch with the WeRoad Customer Care team if you'd like more details on this
Full-day boat tour to Ilha Grande from Rio de Janeiro (included)
Botanical Bliss & Beach Bliss
Nature & Chill – Botanical Gardens and Ipanema Beach
Today begins with a peaceful stroll through the lush Jardim Botânico, home to over 6,000 plant species and towering royal palms. After soaking up the tropical vibes, we’ll head to the world-famous Ipanema Beach for a chilled afternoon. Grab a coconut, hit the waves, or just vibe with locals in the sun.
Choose Your Own Rio – Forest or Favela
Trek through Tijuca or Rocinha Favela
It’s your day to choose! Go green with a trek through the Tijuca National Park, one of the largest urban forests in the world, or dive into Rio’s cultural fabric with a guided tour of Rocinha, its largest favela. Whichever path you take, this is your chance to see another side of Rio de Janeiro.
Art, Culture & Samba
Santa Teresa and Lapa Samba Night
Today, we explore the bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, known for its colonial architecture, art studios, and relaxed hilltop vibes. After a stroll through the Selarón Steps and artisan shops, we get ready for our final night out: a samba night in the buzzing Lapa district, where music spills into the streets and the rhythm never stops.
Goodbye Brazil!
Farewell, Friends – Until Next Time
Say goodbye (or see you later!) to new friends and your amazing Travel Coordinator. You’re welcome to extend your stay in Rio, but the official trip ends here.
Obrigado e até logo!
Note: you're free to book your flight at the time you wish. Your Coordinator can help organise your journey to the airport.
What's included
9 nights accommodation in shared rooms with a private bathroom
Overnight bus from Sao Paolo to Paraty
Transfer from Paraty to Ilha Grande
Transfer from Ilha Grande to Rio de Janeiro
Private Boat Tour in Ilha Grande
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
- Food and beverages when not specified
- All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
Money pot
- Coordinator's money pot share
- All extra activities that each member of the group agree on doing and the coordinator's fee as well
Additional info
- Hotel information
Typical hostels, hotels, apartments
The single room option is not available for all departures
- Transfer
Local vehicles where possible and private transfers for less traveled routes
- Passport
Please note: you need to upload a copy of your passport into your MyWeRoad account at least 45 days before departure. If you book to depart within the next 45 days or less, you need to upload a copy of your passport immediately after you have made your booking.
This information is essential to securing the booking of your trip and all the services included.
- New Year's Eve Info
For the departure on 27th December we'll follow a slightly different schedule, to allow for New Year's Eve celebrations in Rio de Janeiro. Please get in touch with the WeRoad Customer Care team if you'd like more details on this
- Private Room Option Show all details
Why WeRoad
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Small groups, on average 11 people
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Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
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Book with a £/€100 deposit
The travel coordinators
Find your flight
For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.
This is a WeRoadX
A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
About this trip
This journey begins at Sao Paolo. On the first day, we meet at 17:00.
Your Coordinator will add you to the WhatsApp group for your trip about 15 days before departure.
It’s a great way to start getting to know your travel mates, receive more details about the first day’s meeting point, and ask any pre-departure questions you might have.
This journey ends at Rio de Janeiro. On the last day, you are free to leave at any time, so whether you need to book a flight, a train, or wish to continue the journey on your own, you can organize your return as you prefer.
For this itinerary, you can choose the type of luggage you prefer – we always recommend a backpack, but you can also travel with a duffel bag, a holdall, or (it breaks our heart to say it) a cabin trolley case or a checked suitcase, as long as it’s moderate in size. Our Travel Coordinator will suggest the ideal luggage before departure in the WhatsApp group!
About Brazil
If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for Brazil, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.
Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Brazil – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!
- UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.
Brazil covers multiple time zones, so it varies depending on where you are:
- Brasília Time (BRT): This is the most common, and it's 3 hours behind GMT. If it's 12pm in the UK, it will be 9am in Brasília. For the USA, if it's 12pm EST, it will be 2pm in Brasília.
- Amazon Time (AMT): 4 hours behind GMT. If it's 12pm in the UK, it's 8am in Manaus. For the USA, if it's 12pm EST, it will be 1pm in Manaus.
- Fernando de Noronha Time (FNT): This is 2 hours behind GMT. If it's 12pm in the UK, it will be 10am in Fernando de Noronha. For the USA, if it's 12pm EST, it will be 3pm there.
Note that Brazil does not currently observe daylight saving time.
Brazil uses the Brazilian Real (BRL) as its currency. The exchange rate can fluctuate, but as a rough guide, 1 GBP is about 7 BRL, 1 USD is around 5 BRL, and 1 EUR is approximately 6 BRL. You can exchange currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and some hotels in major cities. It's always a good idea to compare rates and fees to get the best deal.
In Brazil, you can use credit cards, debit cards, and cash for most transactions. Credit and debit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets where cards might not be accepted. ATMs are available for cash withdrawals, but check with your bank about international transaction fees. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also becoming more common. Remember to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.
In Brazil, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated. Service charges are often included in the bill at restaurants, typically around 10 percent. If it's not included, you might want to leave a tip of the same amount if you’re happy with the service. For other services like taxis or hotel staff, rounding up the fare or giving a small tip is a kind gesture. Keep in mind that tipping is less formalized than in the USA, so feel free to tip based on your satisfaction with the service.
In Brazil, you can find Wi-Fi in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in urban areas. However, coverage might be spotty in rural regions. For more reliable internet access, buying a local SIM card is a great idea. Major providers include Vivo, Claro, and TIM. These offer various prepaid plans that will keep you connected throughout your trip. If your phone supports e-SIMs, you can also explore e-SIM data plans for convenience. This way, you won't have to rely solely on Wi-Fi and can have internet access while on the go.
In Brazil, the official language is Portuguese. It's a bit different from the Portuguese spoken in Portugal, with some unique expressions you might hear or use during your trip. Here are a few handy ones:
- Hello: Olá
- Thank you: Obrigado (if you're male), Obrigada (if you're female)
- Please: Por favor
- How much?: Quanto custa?
- Good morning: Bom dia
Knowing a few phrases can make your trip more enjoyable and help you connect with locals!
In Brazil, the plugs are type N with two round pins and a grounding pin, similar to type C but with an added third pin. The voltage is generally 127/220V, and the frequency is 60Hz. Since these plugs and voltage might be different from what you're used to in Europe or the USA, it's a good idea to bring a universal adapter to ensure your devices can be charged safely.
The main religion in Brazil is Christianity, with Roman Catholicism being the most widely practiced. Approximately 65% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic. Besides Catholicism, Protestantism is also significant, with about 22% of Brazilians following various Protestant denominations, including Evangelicals, Pentecostals, and Baptists. Important religious holidays in Brazil include Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas, which are celebrated nationwide with various traditions and festivities.
Brazil is a diverse country with various climates, so it's good to be prepared for different conditions. Here's a helpful list of what to pack in your backpack:
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Clothing:
- Lightweight shirts and shorts
- A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
- Swimwear
- Long pants for mosquito protection
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Shoes:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Waterproof shoes if visiting during the rainy season
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Accessories and Technology:
- Sunglasses and a hat
- A power bank
- Camera or smartphone
- Universal adapter
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Toiletries and Medication:
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Personal hygiene items
- Travel-sized first aid kit
- Common travel medication like pain relievers and motion sickness pills
Brazil's climate can vary greatly, so pack according to the season and region you'll be visiting.
Brazil's weather varies greatly depending on the region, so here’s a quick guide:
- Amazon Rainforest Area (Manaus): Hot and humid all year, with a rainy season from December to May. Best time to visit is June to November.
- Northeast Coast (Salvador, Recife): Warm and tropical climate with a wet season from April to July. Best time to visit is September to March.
- Central Brazil (Brasília): Tropical savanna climate, with a rainy season from October to April. Best time to visit is May to September.
- Southeast (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo): Warm summers and mild winters, with rain mostly in the summer months from December to March. Best time to visit is April to October.
- South (Porto Alegre): Subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. Rain is more evenly distributed throughout the year. Best time to visit is March to May or September to November.
About WeRoad
Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.
As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
An "Available" departure means that the trip isn’t confirmed yet and we’re waiting for a few more travellers to sign up… which could be you!
If you book the trip please wait for it to be confirmed before booking your international flights.
The question of all questions! Here’s some more information:
- The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all travellers on the trip and managed by your Travel Coordinator.
- It is used to streamline payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do. This guarantees flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
- It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
- You’ll find the Money Pot amount on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the Money Pot’. To find this look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money Pot? Click here’ and you’ll find the details.
- The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
- It is usually used for group expenses that all travellers decide to take part in, but sometimes if you opt out of an activity it might make more sense for it to come out of the Money Pot. In these cases the Coordinator will return the amount for this activity back to you at the end of the trip.
- It is estimated based on the experience of other groups but can vary depending on what activities your group is keen for. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
- If not all of the Money Pot is spent, the difference will be returned to all travellers at the end of the trip.
- The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the Money Pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
- If you pay in advance for part of the Money Pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded if the trip is cancelled.
We offer several payment methods to fit every need:
1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.
Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation up to 31 days before departure, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.
If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option.
How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at [email protected] or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.
For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking.
1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously.
2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!
3. If the Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website. Click 'Ask the Coordinator' and follow the link here.
Our groups usually consist of 8–12 travellers, with a minimum of 3–4 and a maximum of 15.
Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, with an average age of 34 across all trips.
Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported.
If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700.
Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking.
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked.
Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!
For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation.
The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!
The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too!
The Coordinator will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout.
Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email [email protected] if you have a preference on this.
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here.













