Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Bring your class to discover the vibrant culture of Brazil on this journey from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro. Your students will discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paraty, hike through a stunning portion of the rainforest near Trindade, and relax on one of the world’s most famous beaches at Lopes Mendes. Your group will also ascend Sugarloaf Mountain, take a samba class, and join a local soccer squad for a friendly game on a sunny Rio beach.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Brazil (São Paulo)
Day 2
Arrive in São Paulo
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
São Paulo guided sightseeing tour
São Paulo, Brazil’s vibrant financial center, is one of the most populous cities in the world and a hub of culture and architecture. Its iconic landmarks include the neo-Gothic Cathedral of São Paulo, the colonial-style Pátio do Colégio where Jesuit priests founded the city in 1554, the 1929 Martinelli skyscraper, and Oscar Niemeyer’s curvy Edifício Copan. You’ll also visit Luz Station, a striking example of 19th-century railway architecture, and the ornate Municipal Theater, a center for classical music and opera. São Paulo ranks eighth globally for the number of high-rise buildings, reflecting its dynamic and modern skyline.
Day 3
Travel to Paraty via Cunha
Lavender fields of Cunha visit
Paraty city walk
The city of Paraty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located halfway between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Most of its charming historic downtown dates back to the 18th century, though its origins trace to its founding in 1531. The pedestrian-friendly streets invite exploration of its coastal and mountain scenery, or a journey inland to the lush Atlantic rainforest.
Day 4
Trindade excursion
Travel to paradise by way of Trindade, a coastal village just outside Paraty. Hike through part of the Atlantic Rainforest and discover stunning beaches and scenic beauty. Stop at Cepilho Beach, a surfer’s paradise, visit heart-shaped Meio Beach, and from Caixa D’Aço Beach, explore nearby natural pools that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Day 5
Travel to Ilha Grande by boat
Free time at the beach
Day 6
Lopes Mendes excursion
Enjoy a rewarding and scenic hike along part of the island as you follow the T10 trail toward Lopes Mendes Beach, passing by Palmas, Mangues, and Pouso Beach. Lopes Mendes is considered one of the most stunning beaches in the world, with fine white sand and crystal-clear waters that captivate all who visit. The beach is ideal for both swimming and surfing. Discover hidden treasures like a small creek that flows into the ocean and a chapel featuring a mosaic by Silvio Cavalheiro.
Day 7
Travel to Rio de Janeiro by boat
Rio de Janeiro guided sightseeing tour
Theatro Municipal, Paço Imperial, Praca XV de Novembro, Cathedral Metropolitana, Corcovado Mountain ascent via cogwheel train
Play soccer with a local team
Soccer or football is an integral part of Brazil's national identity. Connect with a team of local enthusiasts to play a game on the beach.
Day 8
Corcovado Mountain ascent via cogwheel train
Experience Rio’s most spectacular landmark up close. Ride a Swiss-made cogwheel train up Corcovado ("hunchback") Mountain, passing through the lush Tijuca National Forest. At the summit, marvel at the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which gazes out over the city. The views are breathtaking, and the statue itself is impressive, standing nearly 100 feet tall and weighing over 1,000 tons.
Sugarloaf Mountain ascent
Jump in what may be your most spectacular glass-elevator ride ever. Sugarloaf Mountain (named because it resembles the ceramic mold used to refine sugar cane) rises up from the intersection of Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. You'll take a glass-sided cable car up the peak, where you'll find amazing views of the entire city and beyond.
Samba dance class
Brazilian folklore evening
Indulge in the flavors, sounds, and sights of traditional Brazilian culture, from samba dancing to capoeira martial arts.
Day 9
Fly home
Day 10
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Brazil
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.