Set off on a romantic beach honeymoon in beautiful Brazil. Your first stop will be the small village of Búzios, where you will spend the days sunbathing, sailing, and enjoying fresh seafood. Then, you'll pick up the pace in thrilling and thriving Rio de Janeiro. You'll visit the Christ the Redeemer statue, samba through the night, and people-watch in Copacabana. The trip ends in Itacaré, a fishing town with wild beaches where you can once again enjoy a slower pace of life.

Highlights

  • Explore the Búzios peninsula on a romantic Schooner cruise
  • Visit Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
  • Get the best views of Rio from the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain
  • Take samba lessons and put your knowledge to the test in Rio de Janeiro
  • Hike to hidden wild beaches at the UNESCO-recognized Itacaré village

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Welcome to Búzios! Búzios
Day 2 Búzios Beach Day or Optional Excursion Búzios
Days 3-4 Búzios Free Days Búzios
Day 5 Transfer to Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro
Day 6 Full-Day Tour of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro
Day 7 Private Tour to the Cagarras Islands Rio de Janeiro
Day 8 Rio Free Day & Optional Night Show Rio de Janeiro
Day 9 Transfer to Itacaré Itacaré
Days 10-13 Free Days at Itacaré Itacaré
Day 14 Depart  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Búzios!

Búzios shore
Búzios shore

Get excited for an incredible honeymoon in Brazil! You'll arrive at the Rio de Janeiro Airport, where a representative will meet and greet you. You'll transfer by private land service to Buzios. Less than 50 miles (80 km) from Rio de Janeiro, Armação dos Búzios boasts more than 20 magnificent beaches, crystal clear waters, and tropical vegetation.

Originally settled by European pirates and slave traders, Búzios eventually evolved into a picturesque fishing village. This lovely town became internationally known when its beauty enchanted famous French actress Brigitte Bardot in 1964. Today, Búzios retains its colonial charm, with cobbled streets and fishing boats floating in the sea—a small paradise for all who visit.

Enjoy a romantic welcome dinner at your hotel.

Day 2: Búzios Beach Day or Optional Excursion

Beautiful Ferradura Beach in Búzios
Beautiful Ferradura Beach in Búzios

Spend the day pampering yourself with long hours under the sun. The beaches in Búzios are famous for the softness of their sand, so you can comfortably lounge about and enjoy the romance of the views. If you want to do something more active, you also have the option of an exciting Schooner Cruise. You'll take the sailing ship around Búzios’ most beautiful beaches and two islands on the north side of the peninsula. Of course, you'll be stopping at some beaches like João Fernandes Beach and Feia Island to swim and relax.

Days 3-4: Búzios Free Days

Búzios
The colorful streets of Búzios

Relax with two more glorious days of leisure in Búzios. Besides having as much time in the sand as your heart can desire, you can opt for activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and other water sports. Beaches are also the perfect place to taste fresh seafood dishes. In the evening, the charming Orla Bardot Boardwalk is perfect for a walk in the moonlight. You'll pass by fine restaurants and parties in front of the lovely Armação Beach.

Not far, stands Rua das Pedras (Stone Street), the notorious street where diverse faces, languages, and cultures meet. This street is where locals and visitors come for good food, hectic nightclubs, crowded bars, art galleries, boutique shops, and more.

Plan your trip to Brazil
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Day 5: Transfer to Rio de Janeiro

Iconic view of Rio de Janeiro
Iconic view of Rio de Janeiro

Leave behind the relaxed streets of Búzios and head right into the beautiful chaos of Rio de Janeiro. One of the biggest economic and cultural centers of South America, Rio de Janeiro City is a cosmopolitan metropolis known worldwide for its beauty and its natural resources. Visitors often find, however, that the best thing about Rio is the warmth and hospitality with which its people welcome visitors.

Once you have checked into your accommodation, you'll have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure. The beach is an obvious choice and a preferred spot to catch an astonishing sunset. The most famous beaches in Rio are Ipanema and Copacabana, both of which we would recommend. In the evening, you can head to Lapa neighborhood for a night of samba, caipirinhas, and mingling with the locals.

Day 6: Full Day Tour of Rio de Janeiro

The iconic Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
The iconic Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World

Today, you will get to visit some of Rio's most iconic landmarks on a comprehensive full-day tour. The day starts early with a panoramic tour of downtown Rio. You'll see the Sambodromo, stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral, and discover the wealth of historical buildings in Cinelandia Square. You will also pass by the Municipal Theater, the National Library, and the National Museum of Fine Arts on your way to the Urca neighborhood.

Here, you'll hop on the iconic cable cars up to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain. At the peak, you'll take in one of the city's most beautiful views. Enjoy lunch at a Brazilian steak house before heading over to the base of Corcovado Mountain via the Cosme Velho Train. Ride through the lush and dense Tijuca rainforest to the towering Christ the Redeemer. Standing guard over Rio, the statue is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and has become a symbol of the city. 

Enjoy a free evening at leisure.

Day 7: Private Tour to the Cagarras Islands

Sunset over the Cagarras Islands
Sunset over the Cagarras Islands

Enjoy the luxury of a private boat tour of the Cagarras Islands Archipelago, one of the most important ecological reserves in Rio de Janeiro. Outdoor enthusiasts, water sport jockeys, and nature-lovers flock to the five islands that make up the archipelago. You'll find plenty of birds and marine life around the protected group of islands. Swim, relax, and keep an eye out for wild dolphins and whales!

The private tour will take around five hours and includes a delectable barbecue lunch. 

Day 8: Rio Free Day & Optional Night Show

Night view of Rio de Janeiro
Night view of Rio de Janeiro

Spend the day relaxing at the beach or exploring the city. You can visit Rio's beautiful Botanical Gardens, admire the 19th-century manor of Parque Lage, or stand in awe at the beauty of the Royal Portuguese Reading Room. You can also do a day excursion to Tijuca National Park, the largest urban rainforest in the world. Though you passed through here on your way to Sugar Loaf Mountain, this natural paradise is worth more of your time. Hike to waterfalls, have a scenic picnic, and keep an eye out for native wildlife. Thrill-seekers can even do hang gliding!

On your last night in Rio, you'll have the option of going to a show at Ginga Tropical. This enchanting samba show has singers and dancers dressed in creative costumes that represent Brazil's folklore. It captures carnival rhythms and ends with an over-the-top parade. For an even better experience, participate in a samba class before the show!

Day 9: Transfer to Itacaré

Tiririca Beach in Itacaré
Tiririca Beach in Itacaré

This morning, you'll rise early to take a flight to Salvador de Bahía. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to the pretty fishing village of Itacaré. Located on the south coast of Bahía state, Itacaré is the definition of a tropical paradise. The town has earned UNESCO World Heritage status because of its large protected Atlantic rainforest area and is a part of Brazil's famous Discovery Coast. Itacaré is the perfect destination for those in need of nature, good weather, and astonishing scenery.

Days 10-13: Free Days at Itacaré

Itacaré is known for its laidback, no-frills beauty
Itacaré is known for its laidback, no-frills beauty

For the last few days of your honeymoon, soak up the sun and the beauty of Itacaré. There will be plenty of blue water beaches near your hotel, such as Praia da Concha, where the visitors can enjoy fresh fruit cocktails and delicious seafood.

If you don't mind going out of your way, aim to see wild beaches that can only be accessed by trails. Jeribucaçu,  for example, requires a 40-minute walk. The path is not straight and the weather is usually hot, but the effort rewards you with a calm-water beach followed by a little river running parallel to the sea. You can also do some kayaking along mangroves, take surfing lessons, and go on a snorkeling or diving tour. Quiet and incredibly beautiful, Itacaré is a great place to change into beach mode and learn from the laid-back baiano lifestyle.

Day 14: Depart

Salvador de Bahía Port
Salvador de Bahía Port

It is time to continue on your onward journey. You will be taken via private transfer to the Salvador de Bahía Airport. 

We hope you enjoyed this sun-filled honeymoon in Brazil! 

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Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Brazil? Check out these other Brazil itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

Map

Map of Beach Honeymoon in Brazil: Búzios, Rio de Janeiro & Itacaré - 14 Days
Map of Beach Honeymoon in Brazil: Búzios, Rio de Janeiro & Itacaré - 14 Days