The Southeast

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.

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