Trying to plan a trip-3 nights in Rio then 5 nights someplace more secluded and quiet on the beach. Trying to figure out logistics-fly or bus-to get around b/t two places. Have heard Santa Caterina island is beautiful and have also heard maybe Buzios(close to Rio) or up north at Praia do Forte? Help, not having much success with finding sites to book or to guide me!!!

Brian, Praia do Forte i´s in Bahia, very far from Rio. I would suggest you to go to Angra dos Reis or Paraty, both beautiful. Buzios is also very nice but more crowded. Check both places in google, I'm sure you will like what you see.

Praia do Forte is a great choice. It is an easy 2 hour flight to Salvador from Rio, many leaving daily, and then the resort sends a van to pick you up as soon as you arrive. It is about a 45 minute drive to the resort which is lovely, like Brazilian Polenesia. It is an eco-resort with a protected program for turtles, etc. Sting and has family spent Xmas there two years ago, it is widely known and really cheap for Americans. All the rooms have ocean views, request one on the first floor (ground level) that opens directly on their beautiful gardens. Playful spider monkeys sneak into your room and steal fruit! Very cute. They have a beautiful pool area, gorgeous beach and bathtub warm water. Lots of nice eco-type outings. Breakfast and dinner, buffet style, are included, the food and service are wonderful. However this resort is more geared to families than to couples. If you are a couple, try Txai, which is also in Bahia state. Another 1.5 hour flight from Rio to Ilheus and then they pick you up....just 20 secluded bungalows, a 3 mile deserted beach and 5 star service, totally pristine and isolated. The south (Santa Caterina) is also nice, there is a beautiful place there called Ponta dos Ganchos, all cottages, ocean view, just about 25 of them, couples only, you fly an hour south to Florianopolis and the hotel arranges for someone to pick you up and take you there. Dolphins playing in the waters, fresh oysters, hot hot in the summer. Sort of like the Northern California of Brazil but with warmer water in summer. Any questions, write back.

Praia do Forte is a great choice, an easy 2 hour flight to Salvador from Rio, then they pick you up for a 45 minute drive to the resort which is like Brazilian Polenesia. It is an eco-resort with a protected program for turtles, etc. Sting and has family spent Xmas there two years ago. All rooms have ocean views, playful spider monkeys sneak into your room and steal fruit! Very cute. They have a beautiful pool area, gorgeous beach and bathtub warm water. Lots of nice eco-type outings. Breakfast and dinner, buffet style, are included, the food and service are wonderful. If you are a couple, try Txai, which is also in Bahia state. Another 1.5 hour flight from Rio to Ilheus and then they pick you up....just 20 secluded bungalows, a 3 mile deserted beach and 5 star service, totally pristine and isolated. The south (Santa Caterina) is also nice, there is a beautiful place there called Ponta dos Ganchos, all cottages, ocean view, just about 25 of them, couples only, you fly an hour to Florianopolis, the hotel picks you up, etc. Dolphins playing in the waters, fresh oysters, hot hot in the summer. Sort of like the Northern California of Brazil but with warmer water in summer. Any questions, write back.

Praia do Forte is a great choice, an easy 2 hour flight to Salvador from Rio, they pick you up for a 45 minute drive to the resort which is like Brazilian Polenesia. It is an eco-resort with a protected program for turtles, etc. Sting and has family spent Xmas there two years ago. All rooms have ocean views, playful spider monkeys sneak into your room and steal fruit! A beautiful pool area, gorgeous beach and bathtub warm water. Lots of nice eco-type outings. Food and service are wonderful. If you want couples only, try Txai, which is also in Bahia state. Another 1.5 hour flight from Rio to Ilheus and then they pick you up....just 20 secluded bungalows, a 3 mile deserted beach and 5 star service, totally pristine and isolated. The south (Santa Caterina) is also nice, there is a beautiful place there called Ponta dos Ganchos, all cottages, ocean view, just about 25 of them, couples only, you fly an hour to Florianopolis, the hotel picks you up, etc. Dolphins playing in the waters, fresh oysters, hot hot in the summer. Sort of like the Northern California of Brazil but with warmer water in summer. Any questions, write back.