Tucked between the lush Atlantic Forest and Brazil’s southeastern coastline, Costa Verde (Green Coast) offers UK travellers an escape to tropical beaches, colonial towns, and rainforest adventures. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a weeklong exploration from Rio to Paraty and Ilha Grande, Costa Verde promises natural beauty and cultural charm. This guide covers how to get there from the UK, what to do, and how to plan a senior-friendly or all inclusive vacation for 2025.
Why Visit Costa Verde in 2025 and How to Get There
Costa Verde is a strip of coastline that runs between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo—featuring emerald bays, forest-covered mountains, and hidden coves. Its main attractions include Paraty (a UNESCO-recognized colonial town), Ilha Grande (a car-free island paradise), and countless secluded beaches. In 2025, sustainable eco-lodges, upgraded ferry services, and expanded English-language tours make it more accessible than ever to UK travellers.
There are no direct flights from the UK to Costa Verde itself, but London and Manchester offer nonstop flights to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) via British Airways and LATAM, taking around 11–12 hours. From Rio, Costa Verde is reachable by road in under four hours. Travellers can hire a private transfer, join a guided tour, or take a comfortable long-distance coach from Rio’s Novo Rio Bus Terminal to towns like Angra dos Reis or Paraty.
What to Do with 3 Days on the Costa Verde
Three days allows for a compact yet rewarding stay, especially if you base yourself in Paraty or on Ilha Grande.
Begin your trip in Paraty. Wander the cobbled streets of the historic centre, known for its whitewashed colonial buildings and colourful window shutters. Stop at a cachaça distillery, visit the local churches, and enjoy a seafood dinner by the marina.
On day two, book a schooner cruise to explore the Saco do Mamanguá fjord and nearby islands. You'll have plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel in clear waters. Return to Paraty and browse the local artisan shops in the evening.
If you're staying on Ilha Grande instead, focus on hiking through the Atlantic Forest, visiting Lopes Mendes Beach, or snorkelling in Blue Lagoon.
This itinerary fits neatly within 3 day Costa Verde vacation packages that include hotel, airport transfer from Rio, and boat tours.
How to Spend 7 Days on the Costa Verde
With a week, you can comfortably split your time between Paraty and Ilha Grande—two of the region’s most iconic destinations.
Start with three nights in Paraty. Explore colonial history on foot, enjoy a local cooking class, and cruise through the bay. Take a half-day jeep tour into the Serra da Bocaina National Park to see waterfalls and preserved jungle.
Midweek, transfer to Angra dos Reis and board a ferry to Ilha Grande. Stay here for three nights in a beachfront pousada. Hike the Dois Rios trail, take a guided boat trip to Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, and enjoy a quiet beach sunset each night.
Return to Rio on day seven, either for your flight home or an extended city stay. Many 7 day Costa Verde vacation packages from the UK include domestic transport, hotel stays, and bilingual guide services.
All Inclusive and Senior Friendly Packages
Costa Verde is gaining popularity among slow-travel enthusiasts and retirees thanks to its mild weather, non-commercial beaches, and manageable pace. All inclusive Costa Verde vacation packages often centre around Paraty or Angra dos Reis, where luxury resorts offer full-board dining, guided excursions, and private transfers.
Senior-friendly holidays prioritise accessibility, small group sizes, and locally guided tours at an easy pace. These packages commonly include:
– Airport meet-and-greet at Rio
– 3- to 4-star pousadas with minimal stairs or shuttle access
– Scheduled walking tours of Paraty and cultural excursions
– Boat trips with seating and onboard support
– Flexible itineraries with free time to rest
UK tour providers like Journey Latin America, Audley Travel, and Responsible Travel specialise in these slow-paced cultural holidays, often customisable for senior travellers.
How to Get Around and Where to Stay
Transport between destinations is straightforward. From Rio de Janeiro, long-distance buses or private drivers can bring you to Paraty in under four hours. Ilha Grande is reached by boat from Angra dos Reis or Conceição de Jacareí, with ferries departing regularly.
Once in Paraty, much of the town is walkable. Local jeeps and vans are available for day trips into the mountains. On Ilha Grande, there are no cars—walking trails and water taxis connect beaches and accommodation.
Paraty offers everything from budget hostels to boutique guesthouses in the historic centre. Ilha Grande features beachfront eco-lodges and rustic pousadas. Book in advance during Brazilian holidays, especially Carnival and Christmas.
Popular booking platforms for Costa Verde vacation packages include Audley Travel (tailored luxury trips), Responsible Travel (eco and community-focused), and Journey Latin America (UK-based specialists in Latin America).
FAQs & Final Thoughts
Do UK travellers need a visa to visit Brazil?
No. UK passport holders can visit Brazil visa-free for up to 90 days.
Is it safe to travel in Costa Verde?
Yes. Paraty and Ilha Grande are safe for tourists. Always book licensed transport and avoid isolated areas at night.
What’s the best time to visit Costa Verde?
May to October is the dry season—ideal for hiking and beach outings. November to March is warmer but can be humid and rainy.
What currency is used?
The Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for ferries and local markets.
Do people speak English?
In Rio and touristy areas like Paraty, some English is spoken. In smaller villages, Portuguese is the main language, though many tour guides speak English.
Is the region good for senior travellers?
Yes. Look for accommodation with shuttle service or minimal walking distance. Guided tours and pre-arranged boat trips are recommended for comfort.
Can I drink tap water?
It’s not recommended. Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth.
Are there mosquitoes or health precautions?
Mosquito repellent is advised. No vaccines are mandatory, but hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever are sometimes recommended.
How long is the ferry to Ilha Grande?
From Angra dos Reis, ferries take 30–90 minutes depending on the service. There are slow ferries and fast boats available.
Can I self-drive along Costa Verde?
Yes, though road signage is in Portuguese. Car rental is possible in Rio, and roads are generally in good condition along the coast.
Final Thoughts
Costa Verde is one of Brazil’s most naturally stunning and culturally rich regions. Whether you're drawn to its lush rainforests, clear beaches, or heritage towns, it delivers a relaxing yet adventure-filled escape. With growing availability of Costa Verde vacation packages from the UK—ranging from eco-luxury to senior-friendly—now is an excellent time to explore this underrated coastal paradise. From a three-day island retreat to a weeklong immersion in Brazil’s green coast, your 2025 itinerary starts right here.