Hiking & Beaches in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguaçu & Ilha Grande - 10 Days

Day 4: Hike to Pedra do Telégrafo

Today, you'll hike to the Pedra do Telégrafo hilltop, which is 1,161 feet (354 m) in altitude and located in the Pedra Branca State Park in Morro de Guaratiba. The hike begins with a 2.2-mile (3.5 km) moderate trek that passes by several scenic lookouts. One of the area's most famous photo ops is a large pointed stone you can sit on, giving the impression of hanging off a cliffside (but don't worry, it's an optical illusion—you'll be only a few feet off the ground). 

During the tour, you'll be treated to exuberant views of the surrounding region, including Praia do Perigoso, Praia do Meio, and Grumari, also known as the Wild Beaches Circuit. You can also observe the mountains of the Pedra Branca State Park and, farther in the distance, the Tijuca National Park. The natural beauty of this area creates a sense of freedom and peace. 

Day 5: Fly to Foz do Iguaçu, Half-Day Hiking & Cycling Excursion

Meet your driver at your hotel in Rio de Janeiro, and head to the airport for the two-hour flight to Foz do Iguaçu. Once you've arrived and settled into your accommodation, get ready to enjoy a half-day tour on foot and by bike.

Transfer to the visitor center in the Iguaçu National Park, where your bicycle will be waiting. Then, hit the trail with your local expert guide. All told, you'll pedal about 6 miles (10 km) along forest trails on the Brazilian side of the Iguaçu Falls. Along the way, you'll be treated to epic views of the area's 275 cascades. The most majestic waterfalls you'll see from these trails include Floriano, Deodoro da Fonseca, Benjamin Constant, and Garganta do Diabo.

Eventually, you'll leave your bike at a viewpoint and hike along a footpath with your guide, enjoying the stunning scenery of jungle landscapes and waterfalls. At the end of the trail, return to the visitor center by bike, or, if you're too tired, hop on a park bus for the return. There's also the option to experience the falls from above on a helicopter tour—the views you'll see of the falls and surrounding region from the air are truly breathtaking.

Day 6: Iguaçu Falls Hike & Gran Aventura Boat Tour

On today's easy hike, follow a scenic route along various trails and boardwalks that lead to lookout points offering stunning views of Iguaçu Falls. The lower circuit keeps you close to nature, while the upper boardwalks take you along the sheer face of the falls, its river islands, and the famous Garganta do Diabo (Devil's Throat) cascade. This one section comprises a third of Iguaçu and is made up of a confluence of three massive waterfalls plunging 262 feet (80 m) into a gorge. You'll have a full five hours to explore these trails, with time left over to enjoy a nice lunch in the park. 

After lunch, continue to explore the area on the two-hour Gran Aventura safari and boat excursion. This group tour begins with an offroad trip in a 4WD vehicle to the Puerto Macuco forest base. There, board a boat and head 4 miles (6 km) down the lower Iguaçu River Canyon toward the falls. Continue to the Salto Tres Mosqueteros, where you'll enjoy stunning views from both the Argentinian and Brazilian borders. You'll also visit Salto San Martín, the second-largest waterfall in Iguaçu that's reachable by boat. The tour ends at San Martín Island. From there, return via the lower circuit walkway on the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls. 

Day 7: Travel to Ilha Grande

Transfer to the airport of Foz do Iguaçu for your return flight to Rio de Janeiro. After arrival, travel by road to the coastal town of Conceição de Jacareí, where a taxi-boat will be waiting to transport you to Vila do Abraão, the only town on the island of Ilha Grande.

Ilha Grande is largely undeveloped and is known for its quiet, unspoiled beaches. It was closed to the public by the Brazilian government for nearly a century, leaving its natural beauty in pristine condition. The island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its biodiversity and lush Atlantic rainforest. It is home to many endangered species, including broad-snouted caimans and brown howler monkeys. Check in at your hotel, and head out for a stroll along the beach to experience Ilha Grande's peaceful atmosphere. 

Day 8: Diving in Ilha Grande

Get ready to explore the underwater world in one of the best places for diving in Brazil and beyond! During the dive, you'll experience the sensation of zero gravity and observe the underwater beauty of Ilha Grande up close. Double dive tours can be done by certified divers of all levels. If you're not a certified diver, you can try discovery scuba diving, guided by an instructor.

The seas around Ilha Grande are home to a rich variety of coral and fish. You'll have the chance to see some of the different types of marine life living among the island's rocky coves and may come across sea turtles, starfish, sea urchins, or even dolphins during the course of your dive. Subtropical, tropical, and temperate-zone sea creatures can all be found in the island's surrounding waters, making this a truly remarkable spot for nature lovers. 

Day 9: Full-Day Hike to Pico do Papagaio 

Today, visit the Pico do Papagaio (Parrot's Peak) and hike Ilha Grande's most challenging trail. The path you will climb through the Atlantic rainforest has a steep incline and uneven ground, with many stones and roots. The Pico do Papagaio is an unusual rock formation that, seen from Vila do Abraão, looks like a parrot's beak. However, when seen up close, it has other features that resemble a dog, a mouse, or an elephant, depending on the angle.

The ascent takes about three hours and requires a high degree of fitness and lots of hydration. Tours typically leave as early as possible in the morning to avoid the midday heat and humidity and to account for the duration of the hike, including resting time and pictures. The length of the hike is 5.7 miles (9.2 km) roundtrip, with a total elevation gain of 3,030 feet (925 m). If you're not feeling up to an intense trek, you can head to the beach for a day of relaxation instead. 

Day 10: Hike to Lopes Mendes Beach & Depart from Rio de Janeiro

In the morning, depart from Vila do Abraão and head off on a hike to Lopes Mendes Beach. Walking with your private guide, you'll pass by Palmas Beach, Mangues Beach, and Pouso Beach along the Enseada das Palmas (Palm Cove). Once you reach Pouso Beach, follow a trail for 15-20 minutes toward Lopes Mendes Beach.

With its fine white sand and crystal-clear water, this peaceful beach is one of the region's gems. Its gentle mid-sized waves will appeal to swimmers as well as experienced surfers. At the end of the 1.5-mile (2.4 km) stretch of sand, you'll find a clean and pleasant stream, as well as a small chapel and a mosaic by Silvio Cavalheiro on an old ship's barrel. Once you've had a look around and enjoyed some relaxation, return to Pouso Beach to catch a taxi boat back to Vila do Abraão.

Then, at the appropriate time, transfer by regular boat and private vehicle back to Rio de Janeiro, where you will be taken to the airport for your departure. Boa viagem!

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