Brazil Collection: from Rio to the dunes of Jericoacoara
This is a WeRoad Collection
A trip designed for ultimate comfort, with specially selected hotels and unique experiences.
Itinerary
Rio de Janeiro and Jericoacoara: the world’s most scenic city and a fishing village nestled in the dunes, with no asphalt or streetlights. This is Brazil in slow-motion: just two bases over twelve days with the domestic flight included, so you have the time to truly experience these places instead of just racing through them.
In Rio, we’ll take all the time we need: Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado, the Sugarloaf cable car, the staircases and trams of Santa Teresa, cycling along the Copacabana and Ipanema promenade, and exploring the Jardim Botânico and Parque Lage at the foot of the forest. One evening, we’ll head out on a private boat in the bay for a sunset aperitivo as the city lights up behind us, and we’ll dedicate a day to Ilha Grande, between deserted beaches and green water. Then, we’ll fly to Fortaleza and continue by 4x4 through the dunes to Jericoacoara, where every day ends the same way: on the sunset dune, caipirinha in hand. In between, there will be hammocks in the water at Lagoa do Paraíso, a buggy excursion to Tatajuba, and a capoeira lesson on the sand.

Welcome to Rio! Copacabana is waiting for us
Marvelous City
We arrive in Rio and settle in just a stone's throw from Copacabana. We're staying in the same room for six nights — which, on a trip to Brazil, is a rarity. First stroll along the promenade—the one with that iconic black and white wavy mosaic designed by Burle Marx—amidst joggers, footvolley players, and kiosks selling açaí. They call it the Cidade Maravilhosa, and you’ll see why the moment you look around: the ocean on one side, and mountains diving straight into the city on the other. We’ll kick off our first evening with a welcome caipirinha and some grilled picanha.
Christ the Redeemer and the alleys of Santa Teresa
Rio from above and below
We head up to Corcovado early, because the morning light is unbeatable and, let's be honest, you don't want the Christ disappearing into the clouds later on. Thirty-eight meters of statue with all of Rio at your feet: the bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the endless line of beaches. Next up, we head down to Santa Teresa, the hilltop neighborhood filled with colonial houses, ateliers, and that iconic yellow tram. From there, it's a short walk to the Escadaria Selarón—215 steps that a Chilean artist spent twenty years covering with tiles from every corner of the globe. We wrap it all up at Arpoador: at sunset, the whole beach applauds the sun. Seriously, they actually applaud.
Sugarloaf Mountain, Ipanema, and the samba in Lapa
Evenings are for dancing
Ilha Grande: a day on a boat exploring the bays
Crystal-clear water
Head south from Rio to the Costa Verde, then hop on a boat for the day. Ilha Grande is a car-free island where the Atlantic forest spills right into the sea. We’re talking over a hundred beaches, many of which you can only reach by boat. We’ll sail between bays with plenty of swim stops—check out Lagoa Azul, where the water is so clear you can see the bottom at six meters, and if you’ve got some bread, the fish will come right up to say hi. Lunch on board, then we’ll head back in the late afternoon. Same base, same room: the beauty of staying put.
Free day: surfing, favela tour, or just beach time
The Carioca life
No alarm clocks and three paths to choose from. Some might want to take a surf lesson at Arpoador, where the waves are perfect for learning and the view is just as legendary as you’d imagine. Others might opt for a guided tour of a pacified favela, led by a local—an honest way to see how the city really works, beyond the postcard. Or, do the most carioca thing of all: towel, kiosk, água de coco, and nothing on the agenda until evening. Your Travel Coordinator is there to help you decide.
Botanical Garden, Parque Lage, and an aperitivo on a boat
The most beautiful sunset ever
A green morning: the Jardim Botânico with its avenue of 40-meter-high imperial palms, and just a stone's throw away, Parque Lage—the villa with the pool in the courtyard and the Corcovado forest as a backdrop. Grab a coffee on the patio, and you’ll instantly see why every Brazilian music video is filmed here. Late afternoon brings our WOW experience: a private boat just for us, heading out into the bay at sunset. Aperitif on board, and Sugarloaf Mountain turning black as the city behind it lights up, one light at a time.
Off to the Northeast: arriving in Jericoacoara.
Sandy roads
Domestic flight to Fortaleza, then the fun part: a four-hour 4x4 ride, including an off-road stretch across the dunes. Jericoacoara was a fishing village until thirty years ago, and in a way, it still is: no paved roads, no streetlights, and sand right up to your doorstep. We’ll settle in for five nights, arriving just in time for the Duna do Pôr do Sol, where the whole town gathers to watch the sunset and cheers when the sun finally hits the water.
Lagoa do Paraíso: hammocks right in the water
Total chill
A one-hour 4x4 ride through the dunes brings you to a turquoise freshwater lagoon—shallow, warm, and with hammocks set up right in the water. Just lie back, order a caipirinha at the floating table, and don't plan on moving for hours. Feeling active? Try some kitesurfing—this stretch of coast is one of the best in the world for consistent wind, and the local schools really know their stuff. We’ll head back in the afternoon, just in time for the dunes.
Dune bashing in a buggy all the way to Tatajuba
Adrenaline on the sand
Pedra Furada and an afternoon of capoeira
Jeri's iconic symbol
Last day in Jeri, between the sea and some forró.
We say goodbye on the dance floor.
Your last full day is free until the evening: one last swim, one last stroll through the craft shops on the main street, and one last açaí. At sunset, we’ll head up the dune one last time. Then, in the evening, it’s time for forró. In Jeri, this isn’t some tourist show—it’s how the locals actually spend their Saturday nights: accordion, triangle, zabumba, and couples dancing cheek-to-cheek. Everyone gives it a go, some actually nail it, and either way, we all end up dancing. Final group dinner first.
Saudade! Heading back from Fortaleza
See you later, Brazil
Early wake-up call, 4x4 ride to Fortaleza, and the flight home. On the way, bouncing between dunes, you start to take stock: six days in a city that feels impossible and five in a village where asphalt doesn't exist. You've seen the Christ, Pedra Furada, the samba in Lapa, and the forró in Jeri. Brazilians have a word for what you're feeling right now—one that doesn't translate into any other language: saudade. Até logo!
What's included
11 nights in 4-star hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Jericoacoara
All breakfasts
Welcome dinner on day 1 and group dinner on day 11
Internal flight from Rio to Fortaleza and 4x4 transfers to and from Jericoacoara
Entrance to Christ the Redeemer with private transport and a guide on day 2
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
- Airport transfers
- Food and beverages when not specified
- All that is not mentioned in "what's included"
Optional activities
Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.
Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.
Favela tour with local guide - approx. USD40
Kite surf lesson - approx. USD50
Additional info
- Transport
Private transport in Rio, a domestic flight from Rio to Fortaleza, and a four-hour 4x4 ride through the dunes to reach Jericoacoara.
- Documents
Passport with at least 6 months of residual validity. No visa required for Italian citizens for tourist stays of up to 90 days: make sure to check the latest rules before you head off.
- Physical rating
Low-to-moderate. Expect some walking on sand and a few climbs in Rio; the 4x4 ride to Jeri is a long, bumpy adventure.
- Meeting point and goodbyes
We'll meet up on day 1 at Galeão airport in Rio de Janeiro. The adventure wraps up on day 12 in Fortaleza.
- Info on private roomsShow all details
Why WeRoad
Small groups, on average 11 people
Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure
Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed
The Group Leaders
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