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Beyond the Obvious

Rio Off Script

12 days Private trip Sustainable stays Financially protected

Rio de Janeiro is one of the world's most recognizable cities, yet its true character extends far beyond its famous landmarks. This journey combines Rio's iconic sights with hidden viewpoints, vibrant neighborhoods, tropical rainforest, and stories that many visitors never hear. The second half of the trip unfolds along the coastline of Búzios and Arraial do Cabo, where crystal-clear waters, quiet coves, and a slower pace reveal another side of Brazil entirely.

12
days
Balanced
pace
Rio de Janeiro · Búzios
stays
May–Oct
best season
Day by day

The shape of your days.

Tap any day to open the details — every detail is fully customizable.

ArrivalPrivate airport transfer

Arrival in Rio de Janeiro. After a private transfer and check-in in Ipanema or Leblon, take time to settle into the rhythm of the city.

NeighborhoodIpanema or Leblon beachfront walk

Stroll along the beachfront and watch locals gather by the ocean as you get your first feel for Rio's beachside life.

EveningArpoador sunset & welcome dinner

Experience your first sunset at Arpoador, one of Rio's most beloved traditions, followed by a relaxed welcome dinner.

IconChrist the Redeemer

A day dedicated to the landmarks that made Rio famous around the world, beginning from the heights of Corcovado.

NeighborhoodSanta Teresa & Selarón Steps

Explore the colorful streets of Santa Teresa and descend through the famous Selarón Steps.

HistoryHistoric Center

Walk through the historic heart of Rio, tracing the city's colonial architecture, cultural landmarks, and layered stories.

IconSugarloaf Mountain

End the day at the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, taking in one of Rio's most celebrated views.

Meals included: Breakfast
GardenBotanical Garden

Today reveals a quieter and more unexpected side of Rio, beginning among elegant gardens and tropical species.

Art & natureParque Lage

Explore one of the city's most atmospheric artistic spaces, where architecture, forest, and mountain views meet.

ViewpointMirante Dona Marta

Take in a hidden viewpoint that frames Rio's mountains, neighborhoods, and ocean from a different angle.

Scenic driveSão Conrado & Atlantic coastline views

Follow the coastline through São Conrado and discover neighborhoods where daily life unfolds against a backdrop of mountains and ocean.

Meals included: Breakfast
ForestTijuca National Park

Few visitors realize that Rio is home to one of the world's largest urban forests.

ViewpointVista Chinesa

Explore a forest viewpoint that reveals how dramatically the Atlantic Rainforest shapes and protects the city.

WaterfallCascatinha Taunay

Visit one of Tijuca's most iconic waterfalls while learning how this landscape was once cleared for coffee plantations.

ConservationAtlantic Rainforest conservation story

Today's journey follows one of the earliest large-scale reforestation efforts in modern history, with native wildlife, forest viewpoints, and a deeper look at Rio's living rainforest.

Meals included: Breakfast
CoffeeSpecialty coffee experience

Rio is often defined by its landmarks, but its true character is found in the rituals of everyday life. Today is dedicated to experiencing the city the way locals do — through coffee, food, music, conversation, and the simple pleasure of spending time outdoors.

NeighborhoodLocal neighborhood exploration

The morning begins in one of Rio's most vibrant neighborhoods, where specialty coffee shops, local bakeries, and street life offer a glimpse into the city's daily rhythm.

Local lifeMarkets and cultural spaces

Continue through lively markets and cultural spaces where residents gather, shop, and socialize, before tasting traditional Brazilian gastronomy.

BeachBeach culture and seaside lifestyle

In the afternoon, embrace one of Rio's most cherished traditions: time by the beach. Whether walking along the shoreline, relaxing at a beachfront kiosk, or simply observing the city's unique relationship with the ocean, this is an opportunity to experience Rio at a slower pace.

EveningLive samba performance

As the sun sets, the city comes alive through music. End the day with an authentic samba experience, where live musicians, dancing, and local culture create an atmosphere that captures the spirit of Rio more than any monument ever could.

Meals included: Breakfast
FlexibleA day shaped around you

A flexible day designed around your interests. Whether you prefer architecture, culture, sailing, or simply another day by the ocean, Rio offers countless possibilities for a personalized experience.

OptionsSailing, Niterói, beaches or art

Choose from sailing Guanabara Bay, Niterói and architecture, an additional beach day, or art and culture experiences.

Meals included: Breakfast
TransferScenic coastal drive

Leave the energy of Rio behind and journey toward the laid-back atmosphere of Búzios.

ArrivalBoutique hotel check-in & Praia da Ferradura

Upon arrival, settle into your boutique hotel before enjoying a relaxed afternoon by the sea at Praia da Ferradura.

EveningOrla Bardot & Rua das Pedras

As evening approaches, stroll along the waterfront and discover the village that became one of Brazil's most beloved coastal destinations, with seaside dining along Rua das Pedras.

Meals included: Breakfast
BeachJoão Fernandes & João Fernandinho

A day dedicated to exploring the many faces of Búzios, beginning with calm turquoise bays.

BeachAzeda & Azedinha

Visit intimate coves framed by native vegetation and clear water.

BeachBrava Beach

Continue to a more dramatic stretch of coastline shaped by rocky cliffs and Atlantic views.

Meals included: Breakfast
Day tripPontal do Atalaia

Travel to nearby Arraial do Cabo, a region famous for some of the clearest waters in South America.

BoatIlha do Farol & Gruta Azul

Spend the day exploring remote beaches, hidden coves, and marine landscapes accessible only by boat.

WaterBoat experience & snorkeling opportunities

Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear water before returning to Búzios in the late afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast
At leisureChoose your pace

A day with no fixed agenda, designed for slow travel and complete relaxation.

OptionsBoat, beach clubs or paddle

Choose between a private boat charter, beach clubs, kayaking, stand-up paddle, or simply embracing a long seaside lunch.

Meals included: Breakfast
At leisureOne final day in Búzios

One final day to enjoy Búzios exactly as you wish.

SuggestionsSpa, shopping, beaches or sunset cocktails

Wander through boutique shops, discover another hidden beach, enjoy a spa treatment, or simply spend the day with your feet in the sand.

Meals included: Breakfast
DepartureRelaxed breakfast & beach walk

Enjoy one last morning by the ocean with a relaxed breakfast and a final beach walk.

TransferPrivate transfer & departure

Your private transfer brings you back to Rio de Janeiro airport for departure.

Meals included: Breakfast

Included

  • All private transfers and domestic flights within Brazil
  • Hand-picked boutique or eco-luxury accommodation
  • Private local guides for every excursion
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trip
  • Daily breakfast
  • Curated experiences booked in advance

Not included

  • ×International flights to / from Brazil
  • ×Travel insurance (we'll recommend trusted providers)
  • ×Personal expenses & gratuities
  • ×Meals not specifically listed
  • ×Optional add-on experiences