Women-only group trip • Brazil
rhythms of rio
Jan 20–29, 2027
Rio de Janeiro & Ilha Grande
10 days of Brazilian culture, island life and joy.
10 Days
Brazilian culture
Jan 20–29, 2027
Trip dates
Rio + Ilha Grande
Two destinations
Women Only
Meaningful connections
7 Guests + Host
Intimate group size
—— The Experience
Brazil isn't the kind of place you just visit; you experience it.
A country where joy has become part of its identity. We dance when we're happy and we dance when we're sad. We sing, we gather and we celebrate, not because life is always easy, but because alegria has always been one of the ways Brazilians have found to keep going.People fall in love with Brazil because it reminds you how to be present, expressive, and fully alive.Rhythms of Rio is an invitation to experience that for yourself.Over 10 days, we'll move between Rio de Janeiro and Ilha Grande, experiencing the city at one of the most electric times of the year: the weeks leading up to Carnival. By the way, Carnival is not just a party, but a festival like no other, carrying history, resistance and community, that you'll experience from the inside.From hiking Dois Irmãos, one of Rio's most iconic viewpoints, to learning altinha on the beach and dancing in a bloco surrounded by thousands of strangers who somehow feel like friends. Then we slow down in Ilha Grande, a car-free island where life moves at a different pace: a private boat day through hidden coves, a hike to Feiticeira Waterfall, and a yoga class on Lopes Mendes, one of Brazil's most beautiful beaches.This trip is about making new friends, having fun, time in nature, time to relax — and maybe discovering a new version of yourself in a beautiful place, together.
You will love this trip if:
You've been dreaming about Brazil, but don't want to experience it on your own.You want to go beyond the postcard and experience Rio from the inside.You want to forget about logistics — where to stay, what to do, how to get around — and simply enjoy the journey.You want to experience Brazil with a local who knows the places, people and little details that make a trip special.You love music festivals, the idea of dancing in the streets, joining a bloco, and discovering a different side of yourself through joy.You want to travel in a small group of like-minded women who are curious, open-minded and excited to experience something new together.You love a trip with a little bit of everything: culture, adventure, beach, good food, music and time to simply slow down.
—— Meet Your Host
Olá! I'm Laís (:
I was born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, in southeastern Brazil, and I've spent the past 10 years living abroad.I'm a journalist and travel writer, and the founder of Tales of Brazil, my way of bringing together everything I've learned from traveling, living abroad and constantly finding my way back to Brazil. I've visited more than 30 countries, founded my own tuk-tuk touring business in Lisbon, and spent years showing people from all over the world around the city I came to call home. I also host Wander Woman, a podcast about solo travel, and wrote Namore o Mundo (Fall in Love with the World), a heartfelt guide to traveling alone and discovering new ways to love.After years of traveling on my own, I started wanting something different. I wanted to bring women together and share Brazil in a way that goes beyond the places you see on a map — through food, music, conversations, nature, local life and all the little moments that make a place feel alive.That's what Rhythms of Rio is about.I'll be there with you from the moment you land to the moment we say goodbye — navigating the logistics, sharing my favorite places, translating when needed, and making sure you get to experience Rio not just as a visitor, but from the inside.I can't wait to show you my Brasil.
What's Included:
Accommodation
9 nights in carefully selected boutique properties in Rio de Janeiro and Ilha Grande.Rooms
Shared double roomsBreakfast
Daily breakfast throughout the trip.Your Local Host
A bilingual local host (me!) throughout the journey, making sure everything runs smoothly and you feel taken care of every step of the way.Local Guides
Experienced local guides for selected tours and cultural experiences.Transportation
All transportation included in the itinerary, including airport transfers, transfers between Rio and Ilha Grande, and transportation for included activities.Meals
Welcome dinner, Brazilian BBQ and farewell dinner.Experiences
Carnival Behind the Scenes, Dois Irmãos hike, altinha beach experience, Carnival street party (bloco), private boat day with BBQ, Feiticeira Waterfall hike, and yoga class at Lopes Mendes.
Not Included:
International flightsTravel insuranceVisa fees, if applicableMeals not listed aboveAlcoholic beverages & personal expensesGratuities for guides and drivers
Group Size:
7 women + Laís (your host)
Pricing
€500 Deposit
Shared Accommodation: €2,095
€500 Deposit
A €500 deposit secures your spot and is fully refundable for 30 days. The deposit will be deducted from the total trip price.
Shared Accommodation: €2,095
€500 deposit + €1,595 remaining balance
Private Room
Upon request and availability.
Payment Options
Want to spread it out? You can split the remaining balance into 2 payments, as agreed upon booking
Trip Itinerary:
Day 1 — Welcome to RIo!
Touch down in Rio and settle in — no rush, no pressure, just time to arrive. We'll check into our charming guesthouse in Santa Teresa, one of Rio's most beloved neighborhoods, with a pool and sweeping views over the city. In the evening, we'll come together for our welcome dinner, get to know each other over good food and officially kick off the adventure.
Day 2 — Carnival Behind the Scenes & Beach Culture
We start the morning with a walk through Santa Teresa, stopping at the colorful Escadaria Selarón before heading to Cidade do Samba for a private guided tour in English, where we'll learn about the history, traditions and behind-the-scenes world of Carnival. We'll see where the samba schools build their floats and costumes for the parade — and even get to try some of them on! There's a samba lesson too, and we'll toast the whole experience with a caipirinha. In the afternoon, it's time for the beach — with an altinha lesson from a local pro (a Brazilian beach game where you keep the ball in the air without letting it touch the ground), followed by some time to relax and enjoy Rio's beach culture. And after dinner, we'll head out for a night of live samba, because in Rio, that's how a day properly ends.
Day 3 — Dois Irmãos & Ipanema
In the morning, we climb Dois Irmãos viewpoint with a local guide for one of the most iconic views in Rio — jungle, ocean, and the whole city stretched out below. The rest of the day is Ipanema: beach time, a proper Brazilian lunch, a little shopping if you're into it, and some costume hunting to get ready for the blocos. We'll catch sunset at Arpoador before dinner in the cobblestoned streets of Santa Teresa. Tonight, we rest — tomorrow's a big one.
Day 4 — Carnival Day
We wake up to the sound of drums and take to the streets with a bloco: Rio's legendary pre-Carnival street parties. We dance, sing and get swept up in the crowd, surrounded by hundreds of locals doing exactly the same. Pure, unfiltered joy.
Day 5 — Rio, Your Way
A free day to do Rio at your own pace: Christ the Redeemer, Pão de Açúcar, Feira da Glória, more beach time, a museum, or simply resting at the guesthouse. No plans required.
Day 6 — Off to Ilha Grande
We travel by private transfer to Ilha Grande — about 3 hours by van plus a short boat crossing — a car-free island off the coast of Rio known for its jungle trails, clear waters and quiet beaches. We check into our pousada for the next few days, with a pool, hot tub and spa treatments available on site. The afternoon is yours — swim, soak, book massage, nap in a hammock, you decide. In the evening, we'll gather for a group dinner and settle into the slower rhythm of island life.
Day 7 — Island Life
A full day on the water — a private boat tour with a Brazilian BBQ on board, stopping at some of the island's most beautiful beaches and hidden coves along the way. Snorkel in clear water, or just relax on deck with a drink in hand. This is the day that feels like a dream.
Day 8 — Waterfall Trail
Today we hike to Feiticeira Waterfall, nestled in the rainforest. Feiticeira means “witch” — and there’s something almost enchanted about the place. We'll swim at the falls, sit with the sound of the water and let the pace of the day slow down for a while. From there, it's a short walk to Feiticeira Beach, where we'll have time to swim, relax and enjoy the surroundings. The evening is yours to wander through the village, grab dinner and catch some live music.
Day 9 — A day for you
Today is about slowing all the way down. We'll take a short boat ride to Lopes Mendes, often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, for a special yoga class by the sea. Afterwards, we'll share a picnic and gather for a closing circle — a quiet moment to reflect, share, and take in everything before the trip comes to an end. The rest of the afternoon is yours — a massage, the pool, kayaking, or more time on the beach. In the evening, we'll come together for one last dinner, to laugh, look back, and celebrate everything we've experienced together.
Day 10 — Until Next Time
Breakfast, check-out, and the transfer back to Rio. You’ll leave with new friends, new memories, and a little more Brazil in your soul than when you arrived. Until next time!
Where You'll Stay
FAQ:
Still have doubts?