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Cariocas (the locals from Rio) have a saying that God made the world in six days and on the seventh he created Rio. One of South America’s most beautiful cities, Rio is spoilt when it comes to natural beauty; golden sand beaches, mountains cloaked in rainforest, a natural lagoon - it’s easy to see why the residents of Rio are justifiably proud of their city. Then of course there’s the vibrant beach culture, zesty caipirinha cocktails, juicy picanha steaks and pulsating samba beats - it therefore comes as no surprise either that this evocative city is a number one highlight on any holiday to South America. Linger a little longer though and you’ll soon discover one of Brazil’s most beautiful stretches of coast. Easily accessible by road and just a couple of hours from Rio, the aptly named Green Coast or Costa Verde runs approximately 300km southwest towards São Paulo. This entire region is peppered with hidden pockets of paradise; idyllic bays, secluded beaches with warm azure water, islands swathed in lush Atlantic rainforest and includes one of the country’s most historic and well-preserved towns, Paraty.

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When to go:
The optimum time to visit Rio and the Green Coast are during the months of April, May and June when it is mostly dry and temperatures vary between 20 – 30 degrees. June is slightly cooler than April as we head towards winter. The coolest months are in July and August however, the temperature rarely falls below 15 degrees. September marks the start of spring when the temperatures begin to pick up again. December and March are the peak summer months with temperatures reaching 40 degrees in Rio – it’s slightly cooler along the coast. Although it can rain all year round – after all it is a tropical country, the wettest weather tends to be in January through to March.

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Getting there:
Two ways to arrive is with Air France via Paris or KLM via Amsterdam to Rio’s international airport Galião. Both airlines fly via Europe daily - Air France offers a day flight via Paris whilst KLM offers an overnight flight via Amsterdam.

Flying to most major cities in Latin America, Air France and KLM are one of our preferred partners.
See the map for their comprehensive flight network

Destinations in Latin America served by Air France and KLM

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Get the inside track on how to see the best of Rio in two days and don’t miss our guide to free things to do in Rio.

Holidays to Rio and the Green Coast include:
Rio Carnival 2019, 9 days from £2,875pp
Brazil Emerald Coast, 9 days from £1,627pp
Trogon: Natural Brazil, 12 days from £2,615pp

Top Accommodation:
Belmond Copacabana Palace – Rio
Fasano – Angra dos Reis
Sagu Mini Resort – Ilha Grande
Casa Cairuçu – Paraty Bay

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Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

  • Charlotte
    Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

    Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

  • Lina
    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

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