Snorkelling Your Way Through Brazil: A 15-day Budget Itinerary

  • Day 1: Rio de Janeiro
    From Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport: 25 minutes (12km)

    Start your trip in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. Take in iconic landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, while enjoying the local food scene.

  • Day 2-3: Ilha Grande
    From Rio de Janeiro: 3 hours (200km+boat ride)

    Take a ferry and a bus to the beautiful island of Ilha Grande. Go snorkelling in the clear water of Lopes Mendes Beach, take hikes to natural pools and waterfalls, and enjoy the stunning scenery of this tropical paradise.

  • Day 4: Paraty
    From Ilha Grande: 2 hours (35km+boat ride)

    Travel to the charming colonial town of Paraty. Visit the historic churches and homes, and wander the cobblestone streets. Take a boat tour to nearby islands, and soak in the relaxed atmosphere of the coast.

  • Day 5-7: Sao Paulo
    From Paraty: 5 hours (300km)

    Take a bus to the bustling city of Sao Paulo. Tour the attractions such as the Museu do Ipiranga and the Sao Paulo Museum of Art. Discover the vibrant nightlife and food scene of this cosmopolitan city.

  • Day 8-9: Iguazu Falls
    From Sao Paulo: 14 hours (1000km+2-hour flight)

    Take a domestic flight to Foz do Iguacu to see the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls. Explore the Iguazu National Park, and hike through the lush scenery. Take a boat tour for a breathtaking view of the falls.

  • Day 10-12: Salvador
    From Foz do Iguacu: 5 hours (1775km+2-hour flight)

    Take a flight to Salvador, the colourful cultural capital of Brazil. Visit the Pelourinho Historic Centre and admire the colourful buildings. Explore the lively music and food scene, and learn about the Afro-Brazilian culture and history of the city.

  • Day 13-15: Recife
    From Salvador: 2 hours (1200km+2-hour flight)

    End your trip in Recife, known for its colonial architecture and beaches. Visit the Marco Zero Square and the Ricardo Brennand Institute, and relax on Boa Viagem Beach.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Christ the Redeemer (2-3 hours, R$80)
  • Sugarloaf Mountain (2-3 hours, R$110)
  • Ilha Grande Ferry and Bus Transfer (3 hours, R$100)
  • Boat tour in Paraty (4 hours, R$70)
  • Museu do Ipiranga (2-3 hours, R$10)
  • Sao Paulo Museum of Art (2-3 hours, R$20)
  • Iguazu National Park Entrance (1 day, R$74)
  • Boat tour of Iguazu Falls (1 hour, R$215)
  • Pelourinho Historic Centre (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Ricardo Brennand Institute (2-3 hours, R$25)

Total Estimated Costs: R$704

Transportation

You can travel between most destinations by bus, while some will require domestic flights. Keep in mind that travel times vary greatly depending on distance and mode of transportation. Domestic flights can range from R$250 to R$800, while bus tickets will cost between R$50 to R$100. Plan accordingly and take into account the travel time and cost for each destination to stay within your budget.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Amazon Rainforest or taking a dip in Bonito's crystal-clear rivers. For a shorter trip, skip Salvador and Recife and focus on one region of Brazil to save on transportation costs.

Airports

The main international airport in Brazil is Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro, which is about 20km from the city centre. Other major airports include Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) and Brasilia International Airport (BSB). Recife has its own international airport, Recife/Guararapes–Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC), which is approximately 14km from the city centre.

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