go to content go to search box go to global site navigation

The Southeast

Sights in The Southeast

‹ Prev

of 8

  1. Beaches

    Some great beaches are strung along this stretch of coastline, all accessible by bus. Both Maresias(9km east of Boiçucanga), and Camburi (3km west) are great surf beaches. A creek and a small island divide Camburi - the western end is bigger, rougher and good for surfing, and the eastern end is calmer and good for swimming. Juqueí (15km west) offers calm waters, making it popular with families. There are a series of deserted islands nearby. Ask at the tourist office to organize passage.

    reviewed

  2. Museu da Imigração

    To explore São Paulo’s Confederate heritage, head to Santa Bárbara d’Oeste’s Museu da Imigração, whose collections include photographs, letters and household objects. Ask at the museum about arranging transportation to the Cemitério do Campo, which can be difficult to find, even for local drivers.

    reviewed

  3. Museu Ferroviário

    The history of the Maria-Fumaça (Smoking Mary to locals), one of the first rail lines in Brazil, is available at the Museu Ferroviário inside São João’s train station.

    reviewed

  4. Lago Azul

    From the park headquarters, a simple 400m walk takes you to Lago Azul.

    reviewed

  5. Ilha Comprida

    The beaches of Ilha Comprida are only a 10-minute ferry ride. Passengers on foot ride free.

    reviewed

  6. Matriz NS de Conceição

    Twin roosters crown the spires of the Matriz NS de Conceição church at the top of Campo Belo.

    reviewed

  7. Museum

    Park headquarters and the adjacent Museum are 9km north of Itatiaia town, in the park's lower, tamer section.

    reviewed

  8. Praia do Jabaquara

    Praia do Jabaquara is a spacious beach with great views, shallow waters and a small restaurant overlooking the sand.

    reviewed

  9. Bom Jardim

    Most of the sights around Nova Friburgo are a few kilometers out of town. The mountain town of Bom Jardim is worth a visit.

    reviewed

  10. Campo Belo

    The town's large central square, known as the Campo Belo, is a picturesque grassy slope dotted with palm trees and a fountain.

    reviewed

  11. Advertisement

  12. Igreja de NS do Rosário

    The simple Igreja de NS do Rosário was built in 1719 to honor the patron saint who was protector of the slaves.

    reviewed

  13. Praia Itaúna

    Sights about 3km East Of Town is Praia Itaúna, probably Saquarema's most beautiful beach and one of the best surf spots in Brazil.

    reviewed

  14. Festa de Nossa Senhora Achiropita

    Festa de Nossa Senhora Achiropita (every weekend in August) A series of street fairs in Bixiga celebrating the city's Italian heritage.

    reviewed

  15. Poronga, Véu de Noiva & Itaporani Waterfalls

    A few kilometers up the road from the park headquarters, short trails lead to the Poronga, Véu de Noiva & Itaporani Waterfalls.

    reviewed

  16. Pedra do Cão Sentado

    North of town, you can hike to Pedra do Cão Sentado, a rock formation resembling a sitting dog that serves as Friburgo's town symbol.

    reviewed

  17. Pico da Caledônia

    Pico da Caledônia (2310m) offers fantastic views and launching sites for hang gliders. It's a 6km uphill hike, but the view is worth it.

    reviewed

  18. Morro do Elefante

    Close to Capivari is a teleférico (chairlift) that takes you to the top of the Morro do Elefante, which has a good view of the town.

    reviewed

  19. Gruta de Maquiné

    Gruta de Maquiné is the largest, most famous and crowded of the caves. Maquiné’s seven huge chambers are well lit for guided tours.

    reviewed

  20. A

    Fortes Vilaça

    The traditional Fortes Vilaça displays some of the city’s most illustrious contemporary artists in a sprawling, cement-lined space.

    reviewed

  21. B

    Parque da Luz

    Parque da Luz has undergone a careful restoration, with spreading, tropical trees, discreetly placed modern sculpture and a generous police presence.

    reviewed

  22. Advertisement

  23. Palácio Boa Vista

    The Palácio Boa Vista, 3.5km north of Abernéssia, is the state governor’s sprawling, English-style, antiques-filled summer residence.

    reviewed

  24. C

    Museu Giramundo

    The Museu Giramundo has a fanciful display of 400 marionettes, from performances by the internationally acclaimed, Belo-based Teatro Giramundo.

    reviewed

  25. D

    Casa Do Baile

    The Casa do Baile, a former dance hall, now holds all types of temporary art exhibits. Its lovely on-site café is a great place to take a break.

    reviewed

  26. E

    Igreja NS do Carmo

    The Igreja NS do Carmo was a group effort by the area’s most important artists. Built between 1766 and 1772, it features a facade by Aleijadinho.

    reviewed

  27. F

    Igreja de Santo Antônio

    On the small Praça do Patriarca at the southwestern entrance to Triângulo, Igreja de Santo Antônio retains much of its original 18th-century contours.

    reviewed