Reais

The Brazilian money is call real (singular) or reais (plurial). Before you leave, make sure to find a good exchange rate. I've called five different currency exchange offices, and for 300$CND some places were offering me only 525 reias, and the best place 600 reais. This last place is called Globex 2000, and has several offices in Montreal. They don't charge fees nor commissions, that's why they offer the best rate.

Our full itinerary

Everything is officially booked ! Here is a map with our 4 destinations :

A : Copacabana (Botafogo)
B : Paraty
C : Ilha Grande
D : Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa

For our last two days, we will be staying at the Books Hostel, in Santa Teresa. I absolutely want to go to the Escadaria Selaron, which are beautiful stairs made in blue, yellow and green tiles. Only 10 minutes walk from our hostel :)

Paraty

After Copacabana, we will be visiting the historical village of Paraty. Che Lagarto is where we'll stay for three nights :)

Ilha Grande

Our next stop (after Paraty) will be on the biggest island of Rio : Ilha Grande, part of the municipality of Angra dos Reis. We will be staying at the Biergarten Hostel for two nights, and doing some trekking, kayaking, etc. The Hostel is located in the largest village of the island, Vila do Abraao, with only 1 900 inhabitants.