Self-driving is the best way to truly get under the skin of a country’s culture and to unravel all its secrets. Stop and admire the natural beauty wherever and whenever you wish. Meet the locals and experience the freedom of exploring at your own pace. This itinerary is a suggestion for a self-drive adventure in beautiful and little explored south Brazil while staying in cosy boutique hotels throughout. After a couple of nights in Rio you will fly to Florianopolis where you will pick up a rental car and start your self-drive exploration for the next 11 days. First stop at the Serra Geral mountain range where you will stay in a charming mountain lodge surrounded by unspoilt beauty and where you will find many possibilities for outdoor activities. Then you will drive to Aparados da Serra National Park situated near the Atlantic coast and famous for its dramatic canyons and waterfalls. And as you are in Brazil, we had to include a beach stay! Next stop, you will be off to Praia do Rosa, one of Brazil’s story book destinations. You will then drive back to Florianopolis to drop off your rental car and catch a flight to Buenos Aires for a few days in the sophisticated Argentinian capital. This itinerary is a wonderful journey if you like to discover less travelled places and you have a sense of adventure. It could be perfect for an offbeat romantic getaway or for a truly unforgettable and unique honeymoon! Or why not choosing it as a once in your life family escapade?
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Rio
Land in Rio de Janeiro where you will be met by your private driver and English speaking guide who will take you by private car to your hotel. If you land in the day time, enjoy a walk around charming Santa Teresa where your hotel is located. Enjoy the beautiful views from the hilly location and why not try a feijoada in one of the local restaurants?
Day 2 - Day at leisure in Rio
As this is your adventure holiday, we have left today free for you to decide how to spend it. We can add a plethora of excursions if you wish, including visits to Corcovado and Sugarloaf or more off the beaten track tours like sailing in Guanabara Bay or hiking in some of the lesser known areas of the Marvellous City!
Day 3 - Fly to Florianopolis and pick up rental car
This morning you will be picked up at your hotel and driven by private car to the airport for your flight to Florianopolis, in the South of the country. Once landed you will pick up your rental car and drive to your boutique hotel. You can then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You could take a stroll around the lagoons or choose to drive into the city. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you start exploring this beautiful region!
Day 4 - Day at leisure to explore at your own pace
Today is free for you to spend as you wish. You can either explore the city of Florianopolis or if want a more active tour, we suggest driving to Santa Catarina island and take the 4 kms trail to Praia de Naufragados, only accessible on foot. It truly is a hidden gem and worth the walk!
Day 5 - Drive to Serra Geral National Park and to your mountain lodge (200 km approx.)
Leave your hotel in the morning after breakfast for your first drive through the beautiful mountainous landscapes of South Brazil. Arrive at Serra Geral National Park and after the check-in in your charming pousada, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Days 6 and 7 - Free days to explore Serra Geral
Serra Geral provides amazing landscapes of outstanding beauty made up of vertiginous canyons, waterfalls and natural pools of crystalline water. It is a paradise for outdoor lovers and you can do plenty of walks and hikes of different difficulties, or you can simply relax and enjoy the stunning views from your lodge. We suggest mixing a bit of both to truly make the most of this stunning destination!
Day 8 - Drive to Aparados da Serra National Park (250 km approx.)
Another beautiful drive will take you further south to Aparados da Serra National Park. A truly magnificent park where the earth opens up and drops to depths of 720 metres to form stunning canyons. Here you will find one of the country’s last araucária forests and the park’s main attraction, Cânion do Itambeizinho, a 5800 metre-long narrow canyon with sheer parallel escarpments and beautiful waterfalls.
Day 9 - Day at leisure
Today is at leisure. If you want more adventures, there are three trails running in the park and they are of different lengths and difficulties. For the more challenging one, a guide is required. We can add any of these hikes or you can book them yourself once in Brazil.
Day 10 - Drive to Praia do Rosa (230 km approx.)
Your last Brazilian destination is the beautiful Praia do Rosa further north from Aparados da Serra. Why not take a few detours from the road to some of the coastal town along the way?
Days 11 and 12 - Days at leisure
Spend these two days as you wish. Praia do Rosa is a 3 kms long stretch of sandy beach and it is one of the swankiest beach destinations in the state of Santa Catarina. From a fishing hamlet it is now one of Brazil’s most sophisticated surfing spots with a cultured population of wave and sun worshippers and eco-conscious tourism. And besides all this, it truly is a dreamy beach!
Day 13 - Drive to Florianópolis airport (110 km approx.) and fly to Buenos Aires
After having discovered a little known slice of Brazilian paradise, it is time to go onto your new destination, in Argentina! Drive to Florianopolis airport to drop off the rental car and catch a flight to Buenos Aires. Once landed, you will be met by your driver and guide and taken by private car to your hotel.
Days 14 and 15 - Free days
Explore Buenos Aires at your own pace. Buenos Aires is a sophisticated capital with lots of European influences that has earned it the nickname of the Paris of South America. We suggest a visit to the historic neighbourhoods of San Telmo and La Boca and a tour of Recoleta cemetery is a must. A tango show is also an unforgettable experience. We can add any kind of activity that you might fancy to this itinerary, even a visit to a true tango milonga if you want something less touristic and real Porteño!
Day 16 - Departure
A private car will collect you from your hotel at a suitable time to make your flight to your onward destination. Why not extend your stay in Argentina to the wine region and Patagonia?
What's included?
INCLUDED:
- Prices start from £2,260 per person
- 15 nights in 3* and 4* hotels B&B basis
- 11 days car rental Group SS with inclusion of all fees and insurances
- All private transfers
- All domestic flights within Brazil in Economy
- International flight Florianopolis to Buenos Aires in Economy
- Local taxes
- All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
Please note: This itinerary requires a sense of adventure as you will be travelling independently in areas where very little English might be spoken.
All prices correct at the time of writing. Give us a call on 0207 112 0019 or email us to discuss your requirements and get a confirmed price.
Please remember this is a sample itinerary and we are happy to modify it to suit your plans. We can add or remove days and look at different places to stay.
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