Overview & Highlights
A relaxing journey to Rio and its verdant coastline. Travel past the rain-forested hills of the emerald coast to the bay-side colonial port of Paraty. Take a schooner trip then stay on laid back tropical island Ilha Grande.
- Jeep tour to Rio de Janiero's Corcovado mountain
- Schooner trip around the bay and islands of Paraty
- Time to unwind on car-free, tropical Ilha Grande
The area around Rio de Janeiro, itself one of the most glamorous and colourful cities in the world, hosts some of the most exotic beaches, fringed by jungle vegetation, and some of the prettiest historic towns and villages, situated on tranquil bays peppered with tiny islands. This short holiday, with time spent on sun-drenched beaches but also beyond, begins in Rio on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, before heading down the coast to the historic colonial port of Paraty where you hop on a traditional schooner for a trip round the bay with a cocktail in your hand and a bit of swimming. Take a ferry to Ilha Grande, a vehicle-free, forest-cloaked island, once a backpacker’s secret but now studded with pretty barefoot pousadas (guest houses).
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro. Transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2
Jeep tour up Corcovado Mountain and to the arty Santa Teresa district.
Day 3
Drive along the Emerald Coast to Paraty.
Day 4
Half day schooner cruise to nearby islands and beaches.
Days 5-7
Travel by road and boat to the tropical island Ilha Grande. At leisure on the beach, mountain trails or swimming calm waters.
Day 8
Return by ferry and road to Rio de Janeiro.
Day 9
Transfer to airport for international flight home.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation . Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you’ll relax in utter comfort.
What our clients say
97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.
Chile is such a beautiful country, with an extraordinary range of landscapes. It was a wonderful journey.
DW, Wells-next-the-sea
This was my first experience of Latin America and I fell in love with it. Chile is the most beautiful country, and JLA's Penguin journey provided a superb insight into its diversity of landscapes. The tour leader and the office support were outstanding. Thank you very much.
Tailor made holiday
Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for 40 years. We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.

Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert
Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.
Inspired by this trip
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
Papagaio
Your edit for Latin American inspiration
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
View Extraordinary Inspiration