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 which includes 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
Barra da Tijuca showing a sandy beach as well as a large group of people

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 featuring a city and modern architecture

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
#Weißwurst #Weisswurst #TroveonTuesday #GoodEats

Weisswurst que comi no Baden Baden em Campos do Jordão. Deliciosa, não deixando nada a dever à que comi na Baviera.

Capivari

Travelers like the shopping in Capivari, and Capivari Shopping Center is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Capivari
Default Image

Penedo

Travelers 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 CA $39 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
CA $39
CA $41 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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! (2,533 reviews)
A Wonderful Stay at Hotel Atlântico Prime!
"I recently had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Atlântico Prime, and I can honestly say it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the modern, stylish décor and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The staff at the hotel truly made the difference. Every team member ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 28, 2025

Hotel Atlântico Prime
Hotel Atlântico Rio
Hotel Atlântico Rio
3.5 out of 5
Rua Xavier da Silveira, 112, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is CA $60 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
CA $60
CA $66 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,146 reviews)
"Property staff was really friendly, was told TV channels worked however from around 30 channels only 10 or 15 max worked with a questionable quality. Breakfast option was limited but absolutely delicious. Room was as expected, only thing is that bathroom door was kinda rotten from one corner due ..."

Reviewed on Jun. 25, 2025

Hotel Atlântico Rio
Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
5 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica, 1020, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is CA $212 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
CA $212
CA $247 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
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 breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"I’m booked a room for three they set up the room for one I asked they could put me on a higher floor. It always was a no I stayed there four nights within three weeks and I always choose the total when I come back but the room and location was lacking, the staff are an asset but still they should ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 8, 2025

Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
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 Av Paulista Haddock Lobo
Apê Av Paulista Haddock Lobo
3 out of 5
Av. Paulista, 2240, Consolação, São Paulo, SP
Stay at this 3-star apartment in São Paulo. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Paulista Avenue and Ibirapuera ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (981 reviews)
"Everything was clean and organized"

Reviewed on Jun. 28, 2025

Apê Av Paulista Haddock Lobo
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! (775 reviews)
"It was very nice"

Reviewed on Nov. 10, 2023

Paulista Suites by Charlie
Apê Pátio Paulista
Apê Pátio Paulista
3 out of 5
Av. Paulista, 07, Bela Vista, São Paulo, SP
Stay at this 3-star apartment in São Paulo. Enjoy free WiFi, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (909 reviews)
"It was nice but the place got noisy. Convenient with public transportation and affordable"

Reviewed on Jun. 5, 2025

Apê Pátio Paulista
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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