Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde holidays
Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde holidays at a glance
This is a coastline of forest-covered hills, rocky bays and beautiful beaches, stretching east and west from Rio de Janeiro. The contrast between tropical scenery, colonial history and sophisticated beach resorts makes it one of Brazil’s most rewarding coastal destinations.
To the east lies Búzios, a stylish resort town set on a peninsula lined with crescent-shaped beaches and sheltered coves. Known for its boutique hotels, elegant restaurants, lively nightlife and fashionable atmosphere, Búzios remains one of Brazil’s most desirable coastal retreats.
South-west of Rio lies the Costa Verde, where rainforest-clad mountains tumble into the sea. Here you’ll find the beautifully preserved colonial port of Paraty and the island paradise of Ilha Grande, a largely undeveloped destination with hiking trails, laid-back pousadas and some of Brazil’s most attractive beaches.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
The southwest combines forested coastlines, beautiful beaches, relaxed resorts and colonial-era ports.
When to visit Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde
Best time to visit Búzios? April to August generally, though the two areas behave quite differently.
In Buzios, this is the prime time to visit the beach for those who love the hot sun – temperatures reach up to 40°C in this summer period. The intense heat can trigger downpours but these tend to be short-lived. At this time there are plenty of Brazilians and international visitors enjoying the sandy beaches and towns, with peak season being January – February.
Due to the proximity of the coastal mountains, there is plentiful rainfall in the Costa Verde during this time and it is often cloudy. The heat is never extreme here, however. For those seeking a quieter holiday, Ilha Grande is an undeveloped, green destination away from the lively crowds. Prior to Carnival in February, Paraty will have a buzzing atmosphere and plenty of visitors.
The beaches and town are not so busy in Buzios, with less humidity and cooler weather. This means you’ll have more space to yourself on beaches and in restaurants. Overall there is also less rainfall than during the summer months.
On the Costa Verde, April can be a little unpredictable but by May there should be pleasant weather with plenty of sunshine and light breezes – although there is always the chance of weather fluctuations.
The sun may shine in Buzios but there are also some drizzly and chilly days in July – August, a good time for a cliff top walk or a trip out to sea on a boat.
On the Costa Verde this is typically the sunniest period, with pleasant temperatures of 25°C on most days.
The weather may be warm in the shoulder season in Buzios, but this is not guaranteed. You could consider walks on the beach or exploring the bays of the Armaçao peninsula. By late November, the weather will grow steadily hotter and more local businesses will open their doors.
Shoulder season on the Costa Verde is wetter than the winter months – expect rain on around half of the days of October and November. However you may find there are long sunny spells, and with fewer visitors you’ll have more peace, quiet and privacy on excursions and boat trips.
Top Things to do in Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde
This region is perfect for combining beach relaxation with culture, island-hopping and outdoor exploration.
Cruise along Brazil’s Emerald Coast, enjoying views of deserted islands from the sun-drenched deck of a traditional three-masted schooner
Accommodation in Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde
We feature a range of stylish accommodation throughout the region, from boutique hotels and beachfront properties to elegant pousadas. Options range from sophisticated resorts in Búzios to charming inns in colonial Paraty and relaxed island hideaways on Ilha Grande.
Chic and stylish boutique hotel with a blissed-out Balearic vibe, set on a bluff with dazzling vistas of the ocean.
An ultra-friendly, top quality and homely boutique property where you’ll really feel at ease.
A small, charming and well-equipped pousada offers peaceful accommodation on the shores of Ilha Grande.
A friendly, boutique-style property with a cheerful seaside aspect, devoted to creating a peaceful and restorative ambiance.
A small, friendly and attentive adult-only boutique style hotel close to Búzios promises a relaxing beachside stay.
Oceanfront house accommodating up to 6 guests with serviced, self-catering accommodation in an idyllic, romantic setting: the perfect base for independent exploration of the Emerald Coast.
Fasano Angra dos Reis is an ultra-luxurious exclusive beach property on one of Brazil’s most picturesque bays, 3hrs from Rio.
Small, relaxed and unpretentious hotel with idyllic views over the bay and plenty of relaxing outdoor areas.
Charming historic guesthouse featuring a classically Brazilian mix of colonial architecture, lush foliage and bright splashes of tropical colour.
Friendly and well-located hotel occupying a graceful colonial building, with tastefully decorated rooms and a large pool fringed by tropical greenery.
Charmingly quirky little guesthouse in a well-preserved colonial building, with a bold, cheerful and eclectic decorative style.
Laid-back guesthouse with a lovely secluded setting and an exuberantly jungly ambience. Rooms have spectacular ocean views from their private balconies.
Relaxed boutique beach hotel with a handful of rooms, set amidst lush grounds overlooking the ocean on the Brazilian island of Ilha Grande.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde
Group Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Tangara: Blue lakes and emerald coasts
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Chilean Lake District (south) · Argentinian lake district · Buenos Aires · Iguazu Falls – Argentinian side · Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side · Rio de Janeiro · Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde
15 days from £3,892
Tailor-Made Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Luxury Brazil: Rio, Iguazu Falls and Buzios
Places visited: Rio de Janeiro · Iguazu Falls – Argentinian side · Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side · Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde
11 days from £7,800
Rio Carnival Holiday
Places visited: Rio de Janeiro · Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde
10 days from £5,120
Value Brazil: The emerald coast
Places visited: Rio de Janeiro · Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde
9 days from £1,450
FAQs about visiting Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde
Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When's the best time to visit Buzios, Paraty and the Costa Verde?
Búzios is at its hottest Jan-Mar (humid with tropical showers, occasionally over 40°C during the day). It can be cool and drizzly Jun-Aug and some facilities will be closed but the sun is never far away. Late Dec-Feb and Jul are local holiday times and the resort will be very busy
The verdant mountains west of Rio can attract rain at any time but sunny days are frequent. The best weather is Mar – May, a quiet season except over Easter. The local holiday season Dec – Feb and Jul, weekends and public holidays can be very busy.
- What's the official language of Buzios, Paraty and the Costa Verde?
Brazilian Portuguese, a more languid and musical version of Portugal’s mother tongue.
- How do I get local currency in Buzios, Paraty and the Costa Verde?
Brazilian Real. Notes can be withdrawn from several ATMs in Buzios, such as that of Bradesco, using a UK credit or debit card. Notes can be withdrawn from the ATMs of Bradesco in Ave. Roberto Silveira just outside Paraty’s historic centre using a UK credit or debit card. Limits may be lower than your home bank allows. ATMs close at 10pm.
- What's the time difference between Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde and UK?
UTC -3 hours. Daylight saving from Oct to the end of Feb (approx) was cancelled from 2019.
- How do I get to Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde?
Buzios is a 3 hour drive east of Rio, and you get to cross the superb 12 km Niteroi Bridge.
To Ilha Grande: 3 hours by road and 1.5 hours by ferry from Rio de Janeiro; to Paraty 4-5 hours by road from Rio (6-7 hours with shared transport), a bit longer from São Paulo. - What are the festivals, cultural and sport events in Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde??
Carnival: 5 days in Feb/Mar variable.
Easter: Religious parades and folk singing in Paraty.
Paraty International Literary festival: International book festival with world-renowned authors, Jul annually.
Rio das Ostras Jazz and Blues Festival: Top class music on a tropical beach north of Búzios, early Jun annually.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.