About Jolly Green Tours

It All Began with Family and Friends

Hi! We are Martin and Amy. We founded Jolly Green Tours in 2025 to share the kind of unforgettable experiences we've cherished most—the ones spent with friends and family during the most beautiful vacations of our lives.

When most people travel, they see the sights and eat at the usual recommended restaurants. But when we travel, we do things differently: we make local friends, discover off-the-beaten-path gems, cook together, and truly immerse ourselves in the local lifestyle. Every time we left a destination, we felt we had experienced something magical. That "simple difference" is the heart of Jolly Green Tours. We're different. Very different.

First things first... Who are we?

I (Martin) am a São Paulo native. I grew up in "Sampa"—you know, the city! My parents grew up there too, and back when VW Beetles ruled the streets and beaches often served as roads, they spent every free moment exploring the wild coastline of the Serra do Mar.

My earliest memories—and my first baby pictures—are from the beaches of Ilha Bela, São Sebastião, and Paraty. The Caiçara culture became a part of my DNA. For my entire life, the coast was my second home and the place I loved most. The dream was always to eventually make it my first.

Then there's Amy... Born and raised in Berlin, Germany, to an American father and a Greek-Polish mother. We were introduced by a mutual friend at her mother's Greek restaurant in the Moabit suburb, just around the corner from where I lived for many years. It was love at first sight. After a few years together, I convinced her to swap the buzzing German capital for the coast to fulfill two shared dreams: starting a family and working in tourism by the sea.

Having spent countless summers in Greece, Amy already knew the magic of coastal life. The deep blue Mediterranean and the rich culture of the Greek islands served as our inspiration as we embarked on this journey to live and work in Costa Verde, Rio de Janeiro.

Our Vision

Our plan was to curate the very best of Brazil: authentic culture and pristine nature, with hands-on activities like cooking classes and handcraft workshops. We focus on connecting travelers with locals, indigenous people, and traditional communities. We provide all of this with professional multilingual support and the high-end amenities that both local and international travelers deserve.

It Worked!

In mid-2025, we officially launched our operations, guiding our first experiences and partnering with the best local tours in Paraty. Seeing our guests' eyes light up as they connected with the "real" Brazil confirmed that we were on the right path.

Now in 2026, we are expanding our horizons! We are adding new, exciting itineraries and deepening our partnerships with local artisans and guides to bring you even closer to the soul of the Costa Verde. Whether it's a hidden waterfall or a private dinner in a local home, we can't wait to show you the magic we've found here.