Southeast Region

Travel Guide

Southeast Region showing mountains, general coastal views and landscape views
Southeast Region
Southeast Region
Municipal Theater showing heritage elements
Nossa Senhora das Dores Church featuring a lake or waterhole, a small town or village and night scenes

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

5/5(1 area review)

Copacabana is highly notable for its stunning beaches, and you might want to visit top sights like Copacabana Beach and Rua Barata Ribeiro. See more of Rio de Janeiro by jumping on the metro at Siqueira Campos Station or Cardeal Arcoverde Station.

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

Barra da Tijuca

Visitors often come to Barra da Tijuca for its beaches, but many stay to explore sights like Barra Shopping Mall and Village Mall. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at Jardim Oceânico Station.

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

Ipanema

5/5(1 area review)

Ipanema Beach and Rua Farme de Amoedo are top sights in Ipanema, and you should be sure to explore the stunning beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Nossa Senhora da Paz Station or Ipanema-General Osorio Station to see more sights in the area.

Ipanema
Paulista Avenue featuring a city and modern architecture

Jardins

Museums, shopping, and cafes are just a few things travelers enjoy about Jardins. Check out Paulista Avenue or Rua Augusta while you're exploring the area.

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
City Hall which includes a city and street scenes

Itaim Bibi

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
Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
5 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica, 1020, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is P10,197 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
P10,197
P11,861 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
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! (1,001 reviews)
"The staff was friendly and informative. The view from our room was beautiful. The breakfast each morning was nicely prepared and plenty of options. We did enjoy the rooftop bar/restaurant. The rooftop itself has spectacular views of the area. The chairs and seating near and around the pool need a ..."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
Hotel Atlântico Prime
Hotel Atlântico Prime
4 out of 5
Rua do Resende 87, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is P1,553 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P1,553
P1,631 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
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! (2,470 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P2,015 per night from Jun 30 to Jul 1
P2,015
P2,222 total
Jun 30 - Jul 1
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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,132 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
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! (963 reviews)
"I like place right on polista av. The room I got this time was not good. Low water pressure. I thought I reserved room on 14th floor. But they gave me room on 2nd floor. My first time I stayed on the 12 the floor and it was great. The early check in was great."

Reviewed on Jun 5, 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! (764 reviews)
"It was very nice"

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2023

Paulista Suites by Charlie
Charlie For You Moema
Charlie For You Moema
3 out of 5
Av. dos Eucaliptos, 815, São Paulo, SP
Stay at this 3-star apartment in São Paulo. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and an in-room espresso maker. Popular attractions Ibirapuera Park and Paulista ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (292 reviews)
Nice stay as usual
"Property is walking distance of basically everything, includind a subway station. Apartment has a great view and it's confortable enough, but nothing extraordinary. Only complains are that the door keycode sometimes goes crazy and it takes a little longer to code in and open the door; also the FaceID ..."

Reviewed on May 29, 2025

Charlie For You Moema
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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