Itinerary Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande & Salvador

August is the height of Brazil’s dry, cooler winter and one of the best times to visit: rain is minimal, the beaches are vibrant, and cities like Rio see lively festivals and warm, sunny days ideal for adventure and nightlife.

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	$2,200
🏨 Accommodations	$1,650
🧳 Gear	$200
🗺️ On-site	$1,380
Total	$5,430

---

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro - 6 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🛕 Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Iconic statue atop Corcovado. Early morning for fewer crowds.

• [ ] 🌳 Tijuca National Park ⭐⭐⭐ (~3-5h)

  • Lush rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails. Guided tours for safety.

• [ ] 🏙️ Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Cable car for panoramic views; go at sunset for magical city vistas.

• [ ] 🏖️ Copacabana Beach ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Legendary urban beach, volleyball, caipirinhas at kiosks.

• [ ] 🏖️ Ipanema Beach ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Trendy stretch; try stand-up paddleboarding, surf lessons.

• [ ] 🏛️ Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow) ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Futuristic science museum by the bay; great interactive exhibits.

• [ ] 🎨 Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón) ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • 215 brightly tiled steps, ideal for photos.

• [ ] 🏙️ Santa Teresa Neighborhood ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Artsy bohemian district, street art, charming cafés.

• [ ] 🏛️ Maracanã Stadium Tour ⭐ (~1.5h)

  • World-famous football stadium, guided insider tours.

• [ ] 🌳 Jardim Botânico ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Palm avenues, exotic plants, and quiet retreat.

• [ ] 🏙️ Lapa Arches (Arcos da Lapa) ⭐⭐ (~0.5h)

  • Historic aqueduct, photo stop; lively at night.

• [ ] 🏛️ Theatro Municipal ⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Ornate opera house; guided visits.

• [ ] 🏙️ Rocinha Favela Tour ⭐ (~3h)

  • Responsible, guided tours available—support local projects.

• [ ] 🏝️ Ilha Fiscal ⭐ (~2h)

  • Neo-Gothic palace on an island; great for a boat trip.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Lapa Street Party ⭐⭐⭐ (~4h)

  • Sambas, street food, and Rio nightlife; Fridays are wildest.

• [ ] 🍸 Bar Urca ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Casual seaside bar overlooking Guanabara Bay for sunset drinks.

• [ ] 💃 Rio Scenarium ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Ornate multi-level club, live samba, retro decor.

• [ ] 🍸 Jobi Bar (Leblon) ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Classic carioca bar; try a "chopp" (draft beer).

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Feira de São Cristóvão ⭐⭐⭐

  • Northeastern Brazilian market, regional food, music. ~$15/meal

• [ ] 🍜 Confeitaria Colombo ⭐⭐

  • Historic tearoom, pastries, high tea. ~$10

• [ ] 🍜 Bar do Mineiro ⭐⭐

  • Casual spot in Santa Teresa, feijoada, and cachaça. ~$12

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏞️ Pedra da Gávea Hike (~5h)

  • Challenging climb, unmatched views; guided only.

• [ ] 🏄 Barra da Tijuca Beach (~2h)

  • Less touristed, popular for surfing.

---

🇧🇷 Ilha Grande - 3 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏖️ Lopes Mendes Beach ⭐⭐⭐ (~4h)

  • Voted one of Brazil’s best beaches; 2h hike or shared boat taxi.

• [ ] 🏄 Abraão Village ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Island’s main hub; chill bars, shops, and live music.

• [ ] 🌳 Pico do Papagaio ⭐⭐ (~5h)

  • Rewarding hike to scenic lookout; morning ascent advised.

• [ ] 🏖️ Praia do Aventureiro ⭐⭐ (~4h)

  • Palm-fringed, wild west coast beach accessible by boat.

• [ ] 🏖️ Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Snorkeling, clear waters teeming with fish; boat tour.

• [ ] 🌳 Praia de Dois Rios ⭐ (~3h)

  • Secluded; explore abandoned prison.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Bar e Restaurante Lua e Mar ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Informal, sand-on-feet dining and fun cocktails.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Rei do Frango (Abraão) ⭐⭐

  • Rotisserie chicken, fresh fish. ~$10-15

• [ ] 🍜 Café do Mar ⭐⭐

  • Beachfront, local seafood and cocktails. ~$15

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🚣 Kayak around Abraão Bay (~2h)
  • Peaceful, great for spotting turtles.

---

🇧🇷 Salvador - 5 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏙️ Pelourinho (Historic Centre) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • UNESCO-listed, candy-coloured colonial streets. Walking tour essential.

• [ ] 👑 Elevador Lacerda ⭐⭐ (~0.5h)

  • Iconic lift, panoramic bay views connecting upper and lower Salvador.

• [ ] 🏛️ São Francisco Church ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Gold-adorned Baroque masterpiece, interior guided visit.

• [ ] 🏖️ Porto da Barra Beach ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Urban beach with calm water; swim at sunset.

• [ ] 🏖️ Farol da Barra ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Lighthouse, museum, best coastal views.

• [ ] 🏛️ Mercado Modelo ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Souvenirs, crafts, and local snacks market.

• [ ] 🌳 Parque da Cidade ⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Urban green space, jogging paths, events.

• [ ] 🏖️ Flamengo Beach ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Less crowded; great for lounging and drinks.

• [ ] 🏙️ Rio Vermelho District ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Vibrant night zone, murals, and markets.

• [ ] 🏛️ Igreja do Bonfim ⭐ (~1h)

  • Pilgrimage church famous for colourful ribbons.

• [ ] 🎨 Museu Afro-Brasileiro ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Deep dive into Bahian and African culture.

• [ ] 🏖️ Stella Maris Beach ⭐ (~2h)

  • Relaxed vibe, warm waters.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 💃 Balé Folclórico da Bahia (Pelourinho Theatre) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Mesmerizing dance show of Afro-Brazilian tradition.

• [ ] 🍸 Mercado do Peixe (Rio Vermelho) ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Oceanfront food court/bar scene, lively at night.

• [ ] 🍸 Padaria Bar ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Chill bar with local brews and music, Rio Vermelho.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Restaurante Senac ⭐⭐⭐

  • Bahian buffet, regional authenticity. ~$18

• [ ] 🍜 Acarajé da Dinha ⭐⭐

  • Legendary street stand, spicy black-eyed pea fritters. ~$5

• [ ] 🍜 Cuco Bistrô ⭐⭐

  • Creative takes on traditional Bahian cuisine. ~$20

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏝️ Itaparica Island day trip (~7h)
  • Laid-back island beaches, 1h ferry each way.

---

🎬 Films & series to watch

🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro

• [ ] 🎬 City of God (2002) — ⭐ 8.6 — Crime epic set in Rio’s favelas — Netflix
• [ ] 🎬 Elite Squad (2007) — ⭐ 8.0 — Gritty police action in Rio — Prime
• [ ] 📺 Coisa Mais Linda (Most Beautiful Thing, 2019) — ⭐ 7.8 — Period drama about bossa nova and female empowerment — Netflix

🇧🇷 Ilha Grande

• [ ] 🎬 The Endless Summer (1966) — ⭐ 7.7 — Legendary surf film, tropical island vibes — YouTube/Rent
• [ ] 📺 Expedition Unknown S10E6 — ⭐ 8.2 — Ilha Grande prison ruins and adventure — Travel Channel

🇧🇷 Salvador

• [ ] 🎬 O Pagador de Promessas (1962) — ⭐ 8.0 — Classic Brazilian cinema, filmed in Pelourinho — YouTube/Rent
• [ ] 📺 Baía dos Milagres (2019) — ⭐ 7.5 — Brazilian miniseries featuring Bahia beaches — GloboPlay

🍜 Local specialties

🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro

• [ ] Feijoada
• [ ] Pão de queijo
• [ ] Pastel de feira

🇧🇷 Ilha Grande

• [ ] Moqueca de peixe
• [ ] Frango com quiabo
• [ ] Churrasco à beira-mar

🇧🇷 Salvador

• [ ] Acarajé
• [ ] Moqueca baiana
• [ ] Vatapá

---

📍 Maps - places to pin

🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro

1. 🌤️ Christ the Redeemer
2. 🌙 Rio Scenarium
3. 🛍️ Feira de São Cristóvão
4. 🏨 Arena Ipanema Hotel
5. 🍽️ Confeitaria Colombo

🇧🇷 Ilha Grande

1. 🌤️ Lopes Mendes Beach
2. 🌙 Bar e Restaurante Lua e Mar
3. 🛍️ Village Abraão Mini Market
4. 🏨 Pousada Naturalia
5. 🍽️ Rei do Frango

🇧🇷 Salvador

1. 🌤️ Pelourinho
2. 🌙 Balé Folclórico da Bahia
3. 🛍️ Mercado Modelo
4. 🏨 Wish Hotel da Bahia
5. 🍽️ Restaurante Senac

---

✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → Rio de Janeiro
• [ ] 🚌 Rio de Janeiro → Angra dos Reis (bus + ferry to Ilha Grande)
• [ ] ⛴️ Angra dos Reis → Ilha Grande
• [ ] ⛴️ Ilha Grande → Angra dos Reis
• [ ] 🚌 Angra dos Reis → Rio de Janeiro
• [ ] ✈️ Rio de Janeiro → Salvador
• [ ] ✈️ Salvador → London

---

🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Rio de Janeiro	6	Arena Ipanema Hotel	$720
Ilha Grande	3	Pousada Naturalia	$270
Salvador	5	Wish Hotel da Bahia	$660
Total	14		$1,650

---