Rio & Southeast
Brazil's cultural powerhouse stretching from Rio de Janeiro's iconic beaches to Sao Paulo's urban sprawl and the colonial gems of Minas Gerais
Quick Stats
location_city Cities in this Region
Rio de Janeiro
Carnival, Christ the Redeemer, and caipirinhas between mountain and sea
Sao Paulo
South America's megacity of gastronomy, street art, and relentless creative energy
Paraty
A perfectly preserved colonial port where cobblestones meet Atlantic rainforest
emoji_events Bounties in Rio & Southeast
Ascend to Christ the Redeemer at Sunrise
Ride the cog railway through the Tijuca Forest to stand at the feet of the world's most iconic statue.
Ride the Cable Car to Sugarloaf Mountain
Soar over Guanabara Bay in a glass gondola to the granite peak that defines Rio's skyline.
Sip Caipirinhas on the Sands of Copacabana
Drink Brazil's national cocktail at a beach kiosk on the world's most famous urban beach.
Eat Your Way Through the Mercado Municipal
Sample mortadella sandwiches, tropical fruits, and pasteis at Sao Paulo's grand 1933 food market.
Climb the Selaron Steps in Lapa
Walk the mosaic staircase that a Chilean artist spent 23 years tiling with ceramics from around the world.
Admire Latin America's Best Art at MASP
Visit the brutalist icon that houses the most important art collection in the Southern Hemisphere.
Feast on Feijoada at a Saturday Tradition
Savor Brazil's national dish of black bean and pork stew the way cariocas do every Saturday.
Explore the Street Art of Vila Madalena
Wander through Beco do Batman and the surrounding alleys where every surface explodes with color.
Walk the Car-Free Colonial Streets at Night
Stroll through a perfectly preserved 18th-century port town lit by lanterns and alive with live music.
Hike to the Summit of Pedra da Gavea
Scramble up a massive granite monolith rising 842 meters directly from the Atlantic coastline.
Dance Samba at a Roda in Pedra do Sal
Join the Monday night samba circle at the birthplace of Rio's samba tradition.
Experience Sao Paulo's Japanese Quarter in Liberdade
Dive into the largest Japanese diaspora on Earth with ramen, izakayas, and weekend street fairs.
Taste Artisan Cachaca at a Colonial Distillery
Sample Brazil's signature spirit at one of the historic alembic distilleries hidden in the rainforest hills.
Photograph the Church of Santa Rita on the Waterfront
Capture the whitewashed 18th-century chapel that anchors Paraty's most iconic harbor view.
Kayak to Secret Beaches in the Bay of Islands
Paddle through emerald waters to hidden coves and deserted beaches framed by Atlantic rainforest.
Bar-Hop the Craft Cocktail Scene of Vila Madalena
Discover why Sao Paulo's bar scene rivals Tokyo and London for inventive cocktails.