Southeast Region Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Ibirapuera Auditorium which includes modern architecture, art and interior views
Home to flamboyant cities, such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, in addition to tropical islands and colonial towns, this is one of Brazil’s most loved regions.

Beaches, bustling metropolises, colonial settlements and extravagant carnival celebrations await in Brazil's Southeast Region. Discover a mountainous backdrop that slopes down to an idyllic coastline dotted with pristine islands. The Southeast Region has Brazil’s highest population density, where some 80 million people share the cities, towns and villages spread across its four states. It’s also the most diverse population, with residents hailing from African, Asian, European and Middle Eastern migrant families.

A great place to start your visit is Rio de Janeiro, the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) and capital of its namesake state. Here you’ll find famous attractions such as Copacabana Beach, Ipanema Beach and Sugarloaf Mountain. Take daytrips to the lesser-visited beaches of Niterói and the traffic-free Ilha de Paquetá (Paquetá Island). Drive inland to the well-preserved Portuguese settlement of Petrópolis.

Head in either direction from Rio to reach postcard-perfect beaches. Travel east along the Costa do Sol to Cabo Frio and Búzios or west along the Costa Verde to the colonial port city of Paraty. Go snorkeling in crystal-clear water and hike through lush rainforest on Ilha Grande (Big Island).

São Paulo is the region’s southernmost area and home to Brazil’s biggest city, São Paulo. Its large Italian and Japanese communities have turned it into one of the world’s most sought-after gastronomy centers. Nearby Santos is the gateway to the state’s beaches those at Ubatuba, Ilhabela and Guarujá are among the many worth visiting.

Be sure to travel over the Serra do Espinhaco mountains to the sprawling Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais state. It’s a jumping off point for trips to spa towns such as São Lourenco and Caxambu and the architecturally impressive Baroque city of Ouro Preto.

Beach lovers will enjoy hopping between the coastal resorts of Espírito Santo. Conceição da Barra, Guarapari and Vitória are some examples.

Reach the Southeast Region by flying to the international airports at Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo and then get around via intercity buses and organized tours. December through March is the region’s peak travel season, with February (or March) being the time of Brazil’s world-famous carnival.

Where to stay in Southeast Region

Copacabana

Copacabana

4/5(37 area reviews)

Copacabana Beach and Bairro Peixoto are top sights in Copacabana, and you should be sure to explore the stunning beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Siqueira Campos Station or Cardeal Arcoverde Station to see more sights in the area.

Copacabana
Barra da Tijuca featuring a beach as well as a large group of people

Barra da Tijuca

5/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Barra da Tijuca, you might enjoy attractions like Barra Shopping Mall and Village Mall. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's pristine beaches before hopping on the metro at Jardim Oceânico Station to see more of the city.

Barra da Tijuca
Ipanema featuring markets as well as a large group of people

Ipanema

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Ipanema is highly notable for its stunning beaches, and you might want to visit top sights like Ipanema Beach and Rua Farme de Amoedo. See more of Rio de Janeiro by jumping on the metro at Nossa Senhora da Paz Station or Ipanema-General Osorio Station.

Ipanema
Paulista Avenue showing a city and modern architecture

Jardins

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Museums, shopping and cafes highlight some of the noteworthy features of Jardins. Make a stop by Paulista Avenue or Ibirapuera Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Jardins
City Hall showing a city and street scenes

Itaim Bibi

4/5(1 area review)

Take time in Itaim Bibi to visit attractions like Parque do Povo and JK Iguatemi Shopping Mall. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Campo Belo Station to see more of the city.

Itaim Bibi
Default Image

Penedo

Travellers like the parks in Penedo, and Pequena Finlândia is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Penedo
Hotel Atlântico Prime
Hotel Atlântico Prime
4 out of 5
Rua do Resende 87, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is NZ$52 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$52
per night
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (1,057 reviews)
"Boutique hotel close to the harbour and walking distance to dining areas and a few sightseeing spots"

Reviewed on 22 Dec. 2023

Hotel Atlântico Prime
Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort
Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort
5 out of 5
Avenida Niemeyer 121 - Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is NZ$356 per night from 27 May to 28 May
NZ$356
per night
27 May - 28 May
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Very Good Hotel. Great Location"

Reviewed on 17 Apr. 2024

Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort
Hotel Atlântico Rio
Hotel Atlântico Rio
3.5 out of 5
Rua Xavier da Silveira, 112, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is NZ$71 per night from 12 May to 13 May
NZ$71
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Popular attractions Ipanema Beach and Copacabana ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"The staff"

Reviewed on 4 May 2024

Hotel Atlântico Rio
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Apê Pátio Paulista
Apê Pátio Paulista
3 out of 5
Av. Paulista, 07, São Paulo, SP
Stay at this 3-star apartment in São Paulo. Enjoy free WiFi, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Paulista Avenue and Ibirapuera ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (260 reviews)
"Location"

Reviewed on 30 Apr. 2024

Apê Pátio Paulista
Transamerica Prime International Plaza
Transamerica Prime International Plaza
4 out of 5
Alameda Santos, 981, Jardim Paulista, São Paulo, SP
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in São Paulo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,710 reviews)
"A lot construction"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Transamerica Prime International Plaza
Apê Paulista Bela Cintra
Apê Paulista Bela Cintra
3 out of 5
R. Bela Cintra, 934, São Paulo, SP
Stay at this 3-star apartment in São Paulo. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (518 reviews)
"Adorei os Staffs todos muito simpáticos . Tive uma experiência bem legal . Localização é ótima . Pelo preço o tamanho do apartamento é okay para uma pessoa ou um casal . Obrigada Staff Apê ."

Reviewed on 31 Oct. 2023

Apê Paulista Bela Cintra
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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