This journey introduces visitors to the heart of Rio life. Along with the must-see attractions of the city’s iconic sites, personal guides will introduce travelers to behind-the- scenes side of Rio’s charm with visits to the most intriguing neighborhoods, local artists workshops and museums, thriving samba nightlife, and other areas of interest.  There will be plenty of time to experience one of Brazil’s national pastimes: enjoying the beach and strolling the Ipananema Promenade.

After your visit to Rio we take you to Paraty. Located just two hours south of Rio, Paraty makes you feel as though you’ve been taken back in time. This colonial town was settled in the 17^th century and still keeps its small town feel with cobble-stone streets and year-round cultural events.  The town is surrounded by lush tropical forests, with hidden waterfalls easily visited by private 4×4 explorations. The pristine beaches dotted along the Bay of Ilha Grande coastline makes it a perfect destination for outdoor water sports.

Begin the trip in Rio, famed for its spectacular landscapes of city, sea and mountains. Continue to Salvador, where you’ll explore the local rhythms of Brazil’s cultural and musical capital. End the trip on Fernando de Noronha island, a peaceful paradise perfect for relaxing on pristine beaches, or for outdoor adventure on land or in the ocean. Fernando has some of Brazil’s finest beaches, and is home to an important marine nature preserve.

The itinerary is an ideal mixture of city, culture and beach time, and perfect for travelers of all ages. As with all our itineraries, we custom fit the experiences to match your travel preferences, taking you beyond the obvious tourist attractions to experience the intensity of local culture.

Please ask us about customizing this trip for you – perhaps a little bit more of this and a little bit less of that! Every tour we create is personalized for our clients specifically.

Situated on the historic ‘Quadrado’ – a grassy hilltop square closed to traffic except for the occasional horse – UXUA’s unique 1 – 3 bedroom houses are self-catering or fully serviced according to preference. The units are complemented by a one-of-a-kind aventurine quartz swimming pool (aventurine an alluring green stone considered by many to possess powerful healing qualities), a restaurant, lounge, library, gym, spa, and a dedicated beachfront annex constructed of grounded fishing boats set beside ocean mangroves 5-minutes walk from the Quadrado.

Three of the UXUA houses are restored from traditional fishermen’s homes and face directly onto the Quadrado, and the remaining six (including a multi-level treehouse made entirely of recycled wood) are nestled around pools in a lush tropical garden of flowers, fruits, and towering cocoa and jackfruit trees.

Wilbert conceived the entire UXUA project as a tribute to the region of Bahia and its dynamic people. Built with the collaboration of a group of talented local artisans and builders skilled in recycled materials and traditional construction methods, the project has taken two years to realize.

The resulting architectural mix showcases southern Bahian and Indian influences alongside a rustic modernism that nods to Wilbert’s work in contemporary fashion and furniture design. The houses are each unique in every feature. Décor is composed of antiques and Bahian art as well as hand-made furniture and fixtures crafted on-site

UXUA offers a spectacular immersion in a natural and traditional Bahian environment, delivered to guests enjoying an entirely new level of casual luxury from the comfort of ‘their own home’ in one of Brazil’s most enchanting destinations.

UXUA endorses environmentally sustainable tourism, and contributes to projects for the maintenance and preservation of Trancoso’s Quadrado and all its local beaches. UXUA is also a supporter of Trancoso’s native businesses and community through a series of initiatives, including local partnerships and a commitment to progressive labor practices.

Written by hotel Uxua