Brazil Coffee Region & Colonial Highlights

Welcome to the “Marvelous City” of Rio de Janeiro. A local guide will welcome you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Take a city tour in the afternoon and get acquainted with the capital city from above. Head up to Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car, the iconic 396m high peak sitting in Rio's Guanabara Bay. Snap a few photos of the sweeping views of the city sprawl, blue coast and surrounding forests and ask your guide why they named this peak Sugarloaf Mountain. In the early evening, make your way to Copacabana beach to relax and watch the sunset over the bay.

Explore more of Rio de Janeiro from up high. Ascend Corcovado Mountain to see the impressive 30m-high Christ the Redeemer statue guarding the city. Marvel at the spectacular 360-degree views of the city below along with the lush Tijuca Forest National Park. This statue has become a cultural icon for Rio de Janeiro and is now one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Return to your hotel in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Travel from Rio de Janeiro to historic Petropolis. Upon arrival, your local guide will take you on a city tour of Petropolis to visit the key landmarks such as the majestic Crystal Palace whose design was inspired by London’s Crystal Palace and the Cidade do Porto in Portugal. Visit the fascinating Imperial Museum, formerly the summer vacation home for Brazilian emperor Dom Pedro II and later the famous Brazilian inventor Santos Dumont. After gaining more insights into the culture of the city, continue to the charming Pousada Tankanama where you will stay overnight.

Discover the secrets of coffee-making during a tour of the Rio das Flores region, home to several famous coffee plantations in Brazil. Learn about the perfect conditions to grow different types of beans, harvesting methods and processing techniques at São Luiz da Boa Sorte, Paraizo, and União farms. Enjoy the addictive aroma of freshly roasted beans and sample a cup of strong, smooth coffee. Stay overnight at the beautiful Hotel Fazenda União and spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Wake up early to explore Valença, a small agricultural town in the heart of the Brazilian coffee region. Later, explore the city of Vassouras renowned for its colonial-era coffee farms. Visit the Museu Casa da Hera which exhibits some incredible artwork depicting the wealthy upper-class lifestyle during the peak of the coffee industry in the 19th century. In the evening, transfer to Fazenda Aliança to spend the night.

Transfer from São João da Boa Vista to Paraty, a quaint colonial town near Rio de Janeiro. Cruise through the port of Paraty past remote islands and beautiful beaches. Relax amongst the lush subtropical rainforest and marvel at the mountains reflected in the clear water. After the tour, take the time to explore the Serra do Mar Mountains. Appreciate its proximity to several natural reserves and state parks and record a few memories on your camera. In the evening, stay at a charming pousada and take pleasure in the tranquil surroundings.

Gain a deeper respect for Mother Nature’s treasures on a full-day Sustainable Agroforest tour. Get acquainted with the Graúa community near Paraty and ask the expert agronomist about the sustainable alternatives they use on the farm that focuses on unconventional edible plants. Take a brief hike through the forest, visit the organic garden, bamboo plantation and jucara palmetto plant sites. Acquire knowledge of the exotic vegetation and wildlife of the Serra da Bocaina National Park and in the evening return to Paraty to unwind on your final night in this lovely colonial town.

Capture your last moments in the paradise of Paraty before you head to the airport. Catch a flight to your next destination in South America destination or journey home. To continue your adventure in South America, São Paulo, Ilha Grande or Rio de Janeiro are wonderful add-ons from Paraty.