Southeast Region

Travel Guide

Southeast Region which includes skyline, a sunset and mountains
Southeast Region
Southeast Region
Municipal Theater
Nossa Senhora das Dores Church which includes a lake or waterhole, night scenes and a small town or village

Home to flamboyant cities, such as Rio de JaneiroOpens in a new window and São PauloOpens in a new window, 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 BeachOpens in a new window, Ipanema BeachOpens in a new window and Sugarloaf MountainOpens in a new window. 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 HorizonteOpens in a new window, the capital of Minas GeraisOpens in a new window 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

4.5/5(137 area reviews)

Famed for its 4 km balneario beach, this lively Rio de Janeiro neighborhood offers surfing at Arpoador Beach, historic Fort Copacabana, and the iconic promenade designed by Roberto Burle Marx. Enjoy numerous hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, with easy access via three subway Metro stations.

Copacabana
Ipanema featuring markets as well as a large group of people

Ipanema

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Surrounded by elegant development, Ipanema's beach boasts vibrant beach culture, with daily gatherings of surfers, sunbathers, and sports enthusiasts. Stroll along the grid-like streets to explore world-class restaurants, shops, and the bustling Ipanema Hippie Market.

Ipanema
Default Image

Barra da Tijuca

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

Boasting stunning beaches, lakes, and rivers, this upper-class neighborhood offers surf competitions, parachuting experiences, and tennis courts. Explore large modern malls, bars, and restaurants, while enjoying easy access to public transportation.

Barra da Tijuca
Paulista Avenue showing modern architecture and a city

Jardins

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

An upper-class region in São Paulo, Jardins boasts numerous museums, including the São Paulo Museum of Image and Sound and the Brazilian Museum of Sculpture. Surrounded by Rebouças Avenue, River Pinheiros Marginal Avenue, Brigadeiro Luís Antônio Avenue, and Paulista Avenue.

Jardins
City Hall featuring a city and street scenes

Itaim Bibi

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Visitors often come to Itaim Bibi for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Parque do Povo and JK Iguatemi Shopping Mall. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at Campo Belo Station.

Itaim Bibi
Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Centro

3.5/5(21 area reviews)

You might enjoy the museums while in Rio de Janeiro Centro. Saara Rio is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Tiradentes Tram Stop or Colombo Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Rio de Janeiro Centro
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 CA $291 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
CA $291
CA $358 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"The staff was amazingly friendly and very accommodating."

Reviewed on Aug. 22, 2025

Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort
Hotel Atlântico Prime

Hotel Atlântico Prime

4 out of 5
Rua do Resende 87, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $38 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
CA $38
CA $40 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,684 reviews)
"The stat here was okay but the beds didn’t have sheets and the curtains had holes in them. The breakfast was not good. Yoghurts were served warm as well as milk for cereal. Only one protein source which were hot dogs in a tomato based sauce. The decor was nice outside the other things mentioned"

Reviewed on Mar. 30, 2025

Hotel Atlântico Prime
Américas Granada Hotel

Américas Granada Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Avenida Gomes Freire, 530 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $52 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
CA $52
CA $54 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,410 reviews)
"Good dinner."

Reviewed on Aug. 8, 2025

Américas Granada Hotel
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.
Housi Paulista

Housi Paulista

3 out of 5
R. Bela Cintra, 1032 - Consolação, 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 Allianz ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (260 reviews)
"Nice place to stay. Good location. Affordable. Easy access.."

Reviewed on Jul. 19, 2025

Housi Paulista
Paulista Suites by Charlie

Paulista Suites by Charlie

3.5 out of 5
Rua Vergueiro 1661, São Paulo, SP
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in São Paulo. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (830 reviews)
"Sempre quando em São Paulo fico aqui. Muito bom serviço e localização."

Reviewed on Aug. 15, 2025

Paulista Suites by Charlie
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 helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,087 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay at the Transamerica Prime. The room was nicely furnished, but a bit dark with only dim lights near the bed. The room was clean with a comfortable bed and the breakfast had many options and good coffee, and was served in a nice well-lot dining area. Our only complaint was that ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

Transamerica Prime International Plaza
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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