» BRAZIL • Discover Brazil • Southeast Brazil
Discover Magical Southeast Brazil
Heart of the largest continued remnant of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, the Ribeira Valley in Southeast Brazil is a Natural Heritage of Humanity, granted heritage as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. One of the biggest attractions is the biologic and ecosystems diversity, where approximately 400 species of birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals live.
Popular Destinations: Paraty • RIO DE JANEIRO • Sao Paulo • |
• Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is famous for its natural settings, its Carnival celebrations, samba and other music, and hotel-lined tourist beaches, such as Copacabana and Ipanema, paved with decorated black and cream swirl pattern mosaics known locally as 'pedra portuguesa' …
• Paraty
History lovers can spend the day immersed in culture while divers explore the depths of the Atlantic, but it's still the pristine beaches that continue to draw travelers to Paraty. Sandy stretches of beautiful beach and quaint cobblestone streets …
• Sao Paulo
Historic downtown Sao Paulo is at turns gritty and pleasantly surprising, while AvenidaPaulista retains its status as the essence of urban modernity. Rua Augusta pulses as the epicenter of underground nightlife and Vila Madalena offers classic Brazilian samba and socializing. Don't be afraid to dive in …
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» Angra Dos Reis
With miles of white sand beaches, aquamarine waters and a backdrop of forested mountains, Angra dos Reis, or the Bay of Kings, is as impressive as its name suggests and known as one of the top attractions of Brazil's famous Costa Verde (Green Coast). The main draw of Angra dos Reis is its serene coastline, and with 365 islands dotting the bay, there are many beaches to explore. Cruising around the islands is a popular pastime for visitors, and the warm, clear waters offer ample opportunities for swimming …
» Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica)
The Atlantic Forest, or Mata Atlantica Biosphere Reserve, covers 14 states and spreads over more than 20,000 acres in Brazil. It's formed of the remnants of a larger terrestrial ecosystem that once ran down the country's eastern coast, extending 3,000 km from Rio Grande do Norte to the Argentine border and as far inland as Paraguay. Located within the biosphere reserve are the urban parks of Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro and Cantareira State Park in Sao Paulo …
» Cachoeira Toboga
This incredible waterfall in the heart of the rainforest is just 30 minutes outside Paraty. Its one-of-a-kind natural waterslide sends travelers shooting down slippery rocks into a warm water pool. Expert guides can help visitors navigate the best (and safest) rocky crags, but it is possible to venture to Cachoeira without taking a tour. Spend some time splashing around this unique destination, then head to nearby Bar Tarzan, where an old creaky bridge leads to cold beers, delicious snacks and the perfect place to unwind …
» Caixa d'Aco
This beautiful beach located in Porto Belo in Brazil's Santa Catarina state, is a favorite destination among both travelers and locals. Private boats and impressive yachts cruise through the open port on their way to sea, and visitors can even hire a charter to explore the bay. Travelers can wander to the pristine - if rustic - beach on foot and enjoy a quiet taste of paradise, or catch stunning sunsets while kayaking through the placid waters …
» Cantareira State Park
Covering nearly 20,000 acres and rising out of northern São Paulo, Cantareira State Park (Parque Estadual da Cantareira) is one of the world's largest patches of tropical rainforest that's within a city. A popular spot for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city on the weekend, visit Cantareira early on a Saturday morning to leave the crowds behind, then take your pick between the park trails which vary in length from 300 meters to 10 kilometers. Split into four quarters - Pedra Grande, Águas Claras, Engordador, and Cabuçu …
» Fora Beach (Ranchos)
Brazil is known for its incredible beaches, clear waters and long stretches of pure, white sand. And while the coast is lined with sweet escapes that are perfect for sun worshipers and snorkelers alike, Fora Beach - also known as Ranchos - ranks among the nation's best. Located in a part of Rio de Janeiro known as Trindade, Ranchos is one of six distinctly unique beaches that draw travelers beyond city limits and into the wilds of nature. With impressive waves, protected swimming areas …
» Gold Path (Caminho do Ouro)
This rugged trail in the hills of Minas Gerais, once served as a train route for mining supplies, African slaves and exporting gold. But after numerous pirate attacks on ships loaded with the precious medal headed for port in Rio de Janeiro, the trail fell out of use. Today, despite the fact most gold has already been mined, the Gold Path has become a popular destination for travelers looking to explore scenic mountains, thick forests and a bit of Paraty history. Enjoy a ride on the natural rockslide …
» Guarujá
Nicknamed "The Pearl of the Atlantic," the Brazilian city of Guarujá hosts the closest stretch of beach to São Paulo, making it a wildly popular weekend destination among Paulistanos. A total of 23 beaches stretch across the city front. And being right in the heart of downtown, Pitangueiras is the most popular beach - it's near Avenue Puglisi where there's a shopping mall, and local artisans sell their handicrafts at the nearby plaza on weekends and holidays. Guarujá Enseada is another lively beach with tons of kiosks …
» Marapendi Natural Park
Nature-lovers will find an incredible escape amid the nearly 250 hectares of land that make up Marapendi Natural Park. This vast landscape of mangroves and sandbanks is home to some of the nation's rarest species, including the Liolaemus lizard, caimans, a variety of butterflies and even the hard-to-spot jacupemba bird. Travelers can explore the network of unpaved roads that wind through Marapendi. The Environmental Education Reference Center, which is located in the park, is worth a visit for those looking to learn more …
» Niteroi
Nicknamed 'The Smile City,' Niteroi is home to nearly 500,000 people and just a ferry ride away from the hustle and bustle of Rio. And while the soon-to-be-home of the summer Olympics definitely has a draw, travelers agree the charm of Niteroi sends plenty of visitors across the waters to its much more scenic shores. In addition to exploring some of the country's most secluded (and beautiful) beaches, travelers can wander the halls of Nitero's Museum of Contemporary Art or take in a show at Teatro Popular …
» Petropolis
Petropolis was the mountain getaway for the imperial court, popular in summer when the coast became hot and muggy. Nestled 3,000ft (800m) high in the Serra dos Órgãos it is a few degrees cooler than at sea level. It's a kooky place as the rainforest is filled with European alpine architecture and the gorgeous Museu Imperial would not be out of place in Austria. Other buildings of note include the cathedral, which offers excellent views from the steps and the glasshouse (Palacio Cristal) …
» Serra da Bocaina National Park
Stationed between the electric metropolis of Sau Paulo and the lively city of Rio de Janeiro lies the 260,000 acres of rural forest and mountain peaks that makes up Serra da Bocaina National Park. This precious preserve is home to natural Atlantic Forest vegetation and some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the region. Ecotourism and outdoor adventure prove the main attractions at Serra da Bocaina, which attracts avid hikers from across the globe. Travelers can embark on a 16-kilometer hike …
» Sono Beach
Sono Beach, nestled on the Atlantic Ocean just south of Paraty, is not your typical coastal destination. Visitors to the somewhat secluded shores of this remote beach need to be up for more than just lazily lounging on sun-kissed sand while sipping frosty tropical drinks. That's because Sono is accessible only by boat or bus, and travelers who opt for the latter also commit to an hour-long hike through the overgrown rainforest that stands between the main road and the shores of Sono Beach …
» Tijuca National Park
A lush Atlantic rainforest, Tijuca National Park is an absolute wonder it is the world's largest urban forest which covers 12.4mi² (32km²) and was a result of incredible forward thinking by Emperor Dom Pedro II. In 1861 he saw the deforestation of the land around Rio and ordered that Tijuca be replanted to secure the water supply for future citizens. It was replanted over ten years ago and still plays a key role in making sure Rio has fresh water. The national park includes the Corcodova …
» Trindade Beach
Like the shores of Sono, Trindade Beach requires travelers take a bit of a hike before basking in the rays of South American sun. But visitors to this quiet haven 30 kilometers south of Paraty say the distinctly island vibe, reggae sounds, fresh fish and strong cocktails make this beach feel like a piece of paradise. A short 20-minute hike through thick forests, past Cachadaco Beach, ends at soft sand and warm clear waters. Be sure to venture to the nearby circle of boulders that hides a natural swimming pool …
» BRAZIL • Discover Brazil • Southeast Brazil
