Southeast Region Travel

Among Brazil’s most beloved vacation areas, the Southeast Region contains the iconic mountains of Rio de Janeiro and the den of sophistication that is São Paulo. Quaint villages and unspoiled beach islands share the region’s four states with these densely populated and highly developed cities. Travel through the state and chat with locals to understand the multicultural influences of this region.

Spend some time in the “Marvelous City” of Rio de Janeiro, which has some of the world’s most iconic attractions. Take a cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain and people-watch on Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach. Work on your tan during hot weather from December through April. Expect crowds during the spectacular carnival in February.

Use the city’s bicycle system to get down to lesser-known bays, such as Niterói and Ilha de Paquetá. A little inland is the quaint Portuguese colonial town of Petrópolis, a popular vacation destination for Rio’s locals.

Rent a car to visit some of the beach towns, such as Cabo Frio and Búzios, along the Costa do Sol. The coastline to the southeast is the Costa Verde, leading to the charming port village of Paraty. Take a boat to Ilha Grande to hike through the tropical forest and reach secluded beaches.

Continue south down the coast to reach São Paulo, which is emerging as the country’s gastronomical hub, with Japanese and Italian fusions. Just outside the city are fine stretches of sand, such as Ubatuba, Guarujá and Ilhabela.

In the northern part of the region is the state of Minas Gerais, whose capital is Belo Horizonte. Admire the impressive architecture in Ouro Preto and relax in the spas in Caxambu and São Lourenco.

The vast area of the Southeast Region runs from the Atlantic Coast to the inland borders with the states of Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul and Paraná. Fly to one of the international airports in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro or Belo Horizonte and get around the region via buses and tour operators. 

The Southeast Region combines culture, an eclectic food scene and stunning beaches.