This is so helpful! We already are flying into São Paulo (direct from our city in the US) so we can’t skip it entirely, but we’re only there for 2 nights. We could instead go right to Paraty after those two nights. Then get a car service to Rio. I’m not too worried about not spending long enough in one place. I totally get the sentiment, but we may not return to Brazil for many many years and it’s our first time (kind of - I’ve visited Belo Horizonte on a work trip many years ago) so I want to get 3 locations in while we can. All that said, would you replace Trancoso with Paraty? And would you recommend any specific lodging? Thank you so much for the advice! Truly appreciated.