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Introducing The Southeast
Although most visitors have a hard time tearing themselves away from Rio’s many charms, some spectacular destinations are less than a day’s travel from the cidade maravilhosa. Gorgeous beaches lie all along the coast, with the Costa Verde (Green Coast; south of Rio) boasting the rainforest-covered island of Ilha Grande and the elegant colonial town of Paraty. In the opposite direction, along the Costa do Sol (Sun Coast) you’ll find the laid-back surfing town of Saquarema, the more upscale beaches and nightlife of Búzios and the white sands of Arraial do Cabo.
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Those who’ve had enough of pretty tropical beaches (as if!), should head to the hills. The picture-perfect town of Petrópolis and the nearby peaks of Serra dos Órgãos are just a short bus ride from Rio, while Minas Gerais, further north, offers grand visions of Brazil’s colonial era in towns like Ouro Prêto, Tiradentes and Diamantina.
Rio-lovers aside, South America’s cultural capital is in fact São Paulo, where you’ll find the best assortment of museums, nightclubs and restaurants – the latter owing much to the city’s incredibly diverse population.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
