Drive from Rio to Sao Paulo

Q: During a visit to Brazil, we want to drive from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo as a way of seeing some of the countryside. How long would it take and should one stop over somewhere for a night? - Basil Reddy

A: The journey is quite possible in a day, but there are two places on the route worth considering for an overnight stay. Your journey is along the Costa Verde, a spectacular stretch of coastline boasting mountains, rain forests, lagoons and stunning islands. When you get to Angra Dos Reis, you can catch the ferry to the Ilha Grande, an island of stunning beaches and pristine rainforests. You could spend a few hours on the island or overnight. The other alternative stopover is the charming colonial town Paraty, sandwiched between secluded beaches and steep mountains. If you're lucky, the townsfolk will be celebrating one of their many festivals, but it's even worth staying over to appreciate the architecture in the town. You should have no problems on the highway between Rio and Sao Paulo, which is in a good condition and clearly signposted, but getting in and out of these cities can take a long time due to the heavy traffic.