12-Day Road Trip from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro and Paraty with Wedding in São Paulo

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

São Paulo, Brazil on May 29, 2025

4:00pm

Arrive São Paulo International Airport (GRU)

Land in São Paulo and check in to your hotel to rest and prepare for the upcoming road trip.
USD0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Figueira Rubaiyat

Enjoy a traditional Brazilian steakhouse dinner beneath a sprawling fig tree, a perfect introduction to Brazilian cuisine.
BRL200, 2h0m

Day 2: São Paulo City Tour

São Paulo, Brazil on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Padaria Bella Paulista

Start your day with fresh pastries and excellent coffee at this popular São Paulo bakery.
BRL30, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Ibirapuera Park and Museum of Modern Art

Explore the beautiful green space of Ibirapuera Park and visit the nearby Museum of Modern Art for contemporary Brazilian art.
BRL20, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado Municipal de São Paulo

Try the famous mortadella sandwich and fresh tropical fruits at this bustling food market.
BRL50, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Avenida Paulista and São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP)

Walk down the iconic Paulista Avenue and visit MASP, known for its impressive European art collection.
BRL40, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Terraço Itália

Dine with panoramic city views and sample Italian-Brazilian fusion dishes in this elegant restaurant.
BRL150, 2h0m

Day 3: Drive to Rio de Janeiro

São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before the road trip.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro

Begin the approximately 6-hour drive heading east from São Paulo to spectacular Rio de Janeiro, stopping for breaks and lunch en route.
BRL200 (gas tolls), 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante La Mole (Taubaté, midway stop)

Enjoy authentic Italian and Brazilian dishes during your stop on the way to Rio.
BRL60, 1h0m

4:00pm

Check in Rio hotel and rest

Relax after the drive and prepare for evening activities.
USD0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Aprazível

Savor Brazilian cuisine with stunning views over Rio’s southern bay in Santa Teresa neighborhood.
BRL150, 2h0m

Day 4: Explore Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Confeitaria Colombo

Enjoy a traditional Brazilian breakfast in this historic café.
BRL40, 1h0m

9:00am

Christ the Redeemer and Corcovado Mountain

Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue with panoramas of Rio, arriving early to avoid crowds. Open 8am-7pm.
BRL65, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Garota de Ipanema

Enjoy classic Brazilian dishes with a laid-back vibe near Ipanema Beach.
BRL70, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at Ipanema Beach

Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun at Rio’s famous beach.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Sunset at Sugarloaf Mountain

Take the cable car to Sugarloaf for breathtaking sunset views. Last cable car at 7pm. Open 8am-9pm.
BRL135, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Marius Degustare

A popular spot for seafood and steak in Leme with eclectic décor.
BRL160, 2h0m

Day 5: Drive Rio to Paraty

Rio de Janeiro to Paraty, Brazil on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for the scenic drive along the coast to Paraty.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive Rio to Paraty

Enjoy the approximately 4-hour coastal drive, one of Brazil’s most beautiful routes with beach stops possible.
BRL100 (gas tolls), 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Banana da Terra

Try local Bahian-influenced seafood dishes in Paraty’s historic center.
BRL80, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Paraty Historic Center

Wander the cobblestone streets with preserved colonial architecture, galleries, and shops.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Boat tour of Paraty Bay

Take a 2-hour boat tour to explore nearby islands and pristine beaches. Tours usually run until 7pm.
BRL120, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Quintal das Letras

Relax with a cozy dinner offering regional cuisine and excellent cocktails.
BRL90, 2h0m

Day 6: Paraty Beaches & Waterfalls

Paraty, Brazil on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Pingado

Light breakfast with coffee and fresh pastries in downtown Paraty.
BRL25, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Praia do Sono Beach

Take a 30-minute hike or boat ride to this secluded beach with crystal-clear waters.
BRL40, 3h0m

12:30pm

Picnic lunch at Praia do Sono

Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch on the beach with fresh provisions from local markets.
BRL50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Cachoeira do Tobogã and Poço da Tarzan Waterfalls

Explore these natural freshwater pools perfect for a refreshing swim near Paraty.
BRL20, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Casa Coupê

Contemporary Brazilian cuisine in a rustic-chic setting in Paraty’s old town.
BRL110, 2h0m

Day 7: Leisure day in Paraty

Paraty, Brazil on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast to start your day.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Kayaking in Paraty Bay

Rent kayaks to explore the calm bay waters and nearby islands at your own pace.
BRL80, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Margarida Café

Casual spot serving fresh light meals and salads ideal after active morning.
BRL50, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Casa da Cultura de Paraty

Explore local art exhibitions and learn about Paraty's cultural heritage. Open 9am-6pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Coffee and pastry at Restaurante Punto Divino

Pause with excellent coffee and a dessert tasting.
BRL35, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante BrewDog Paraty

Enjoy craft beers paired with a diverse international menu in a lively atmosphere.
BRL90, 2h0m

Day 8: Drive to São Paulo

Paraty to São Paulo, Brazil on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for the drive back north to São Paulo.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive Paraty to São Paulo

About 4.5 to 5 hours driving via BR-116, head back to São Paulo to attend the wedding.
BRL150 (gas tolls), 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch en route at Restaurante Vista Linda

Dine with scenic views during your road trip break.
BRL60, 1h0m

3:30pm

Check in São Paulo hotel and rest

Relax before wedding events.
USD0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

A quiet meal at the hotel in preparation for a busy wedding day.
BRL100, 1h30m

Day 9: Wedding Day

São Paulo, Brazil on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast to start the special day.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Free time or spa treatment

Relax at a spa to prepare for the wedding. Book in advance if desired.
BRL200, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at D.O.M.

Indulge in fine dining at one of Brazil's top restaurants before the wedding.
BRL250, 1h30m

3:00pm

Attend Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Celebrate the wedding event which may last into late evening.
Included, 7h0m

Day 10: Rest & São Paulo Leisure

São Paulo, Brazil on June 7, 2025

9:00am

Late breakfast at Coffee Lab

Refresh with superb coffee and light breakfast options.
BRL35, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Pinacoteca do Estado

Explore Brazil’s oldest art museum featuring 19th-21st century art. Open 10am-5:30pm.
BRL15, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Lanchonete da Cidade

Sample gourmet burgers in a chic burger joint.
BRL60, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk through Liberdade Neighborhood

Experience Japanese culture in São Paulo’s vibrant Liberdade district with shops and street art.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Maní

Relish contemporary Brazilian cuisine at this Michelin-starred restaurant.
BRL220, 2h0m

Day 11: Relax & Prepare Departure

São Paulo, Brazil on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and pack for your flight home.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Shopping at Rua Oscar Freire

Visit one of São Paulo’s most fashionable shopping streets for last-minute gifts and souvenirs.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Spot

Enjoy a casual and trendy lunch at this popular São Paulo restaurant.
BRL80, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Museu do Futebol

Explore Brazil’s passion for soccer with interactive exhibits. Open 9am-5pm.
BRL20, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Prepare for your flight the next day.
USD0, Rest of day

Day 12: Departure Day

São Paulo, Brazil to New York, USA on June 9, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before heading to the airport.
Included, 1h0m

7:30am

Drive to São Paulo International Airport (GRU)

Allow time for travel and check-in for your international flight back to New York.
USD0, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight from São Paulo to New York

Begin your journey home after an exciting 12-day trip through Brazil.
USD0 (flight cost not included), 10h0m