Southeast Brazil attractions

The First Church of Our Lady of the Remedies, in the heart of Paraty, is the largest and most popular in town. Travelers flock to this impressive example of colonial architecture that stretches over an entire block and that was built on donated land. The bell towers and temple remain incomplete, but the facade is beautiful nevertheless.

Sunset Square (Praça Por do Sol) is officially named Praça Coronel Custódio Fernandes Pinheiro, but visit in the early evening and you’ll soon see why it earned its nickname: This small, sloped public green space in São Paulo’s Alto de Pinheiros neighborhood is perfectly aligned to watch the sun set between the city’s many skyscrapers.

There's no shortage of beautiful beaches in Brazil, but Fora Beach (Praia de Fora) ranks among the best. One of six gorgeous stretches of sand connected by trails in the small fishing village of Trinidade outside Paraty, Fora is the ideal spot to sunbathe, swim, and while away the day.

Spanning 345 acres (140 hectares), Inhotim (Inhotim Institute) is an open-air contemporary art museum and one of the highlights of Brazil’s Minas Gerais state. Almost 2,000 modern works are scattered throughout the sprawling botanical garden, home to thousands of flora species from every continent in the world.

Nestled in the heart of Sao Paulo, Allianz Parque (Palestra Italia Arena) is a vibrant stadium for entertainment and sports enthusiasts. As one of Brazil’s largest and most modern multipurpose spaces, it’s home to thrilling football matches, concerts by global artists, and many events; this iconic venue guarantees excitement for all.

São Paulo’s preeminent museum of religious artworks and artifacts, the São Paulo Museum of Sacred Art (Museu de Arte Sacra) is home to a collection of primarily 16th–18th-century paintings, sculptures, altars, and more. It’s housed in the 18th-century Luz Monastery, one of the city’s best-preserved historic landmarks.

Located just outside of Sao Paulo in the city of Embu Das Artes, the Jesuit Sacred Art Museum takes you on a journey into Brazil's religious and cultural heritage. The museum’s collection gives you a glimpse into the intersection of Jesuit spirituality, artistic expression, and the centuries-long history of Brazil.

Climbing the forested slopes of Tijuca National Park, the Corcovado Train (Trem do Corcovado) is the most scenic way to reach Rio’s mountaintop Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) statue. Electric-powered and almost a century old, the train is an important part of the city’s heritage and affords spectacular views of the world’s largest urban forest.

One of Rio de Janeiro’s oldest landmarks, the São João Fort (Fortaleza de São João) dates back to 1565. Established by Estácio de Sá—who was also the founder of Rio de Janeiro—the fort is one of several that protected the city for centuries. It is still an active military site today and offers dramatic views of the water.

Each Sunday, General Osório Square in Ipanema transforms into one of Rio de Janeiro’s most popular open-air markets, the Ipanema Hippie Fair (Feira Hippie de Ipanema). The market, which has been running since 1968, comprises hundreds of vendors and is one of the best places in town to find souvenirs and gifts.

Embu das Artes—also known as Embu—is a small, colonial town in São Paulo State, which was founded as a Jesuit settlement in 1554. Renowned for its heritage architecture, the town is also a thriving arts center, home to art galleries, artists’ studios, antique stores, and an ever-popular weekend arts and crafts fair.

Situated just outside the city of Brotas, in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, Cassorova Eco Park offers a serene nature escape. The park is best known for its 196-foot (60-meter) waterfall, which has been rated one of the most beautiful in Brazil.

One of the world’s largest areas of native tropical forest within an urban setting, São Paulo’s Cantareira State Park (Parque Estadual da Cantareira) sprawls across 20,000 acres (8,100 hectares). Protecting remnants of the region’s Atlantic Forest, the park is home to hundreds of rare plants and animal species, plus 14 hiking trails and a cycling route.

With five zones and more than 35 rides and attractions suitable for all ages, Hopi Hari is one of Brazil’s most popular amusement parks. At the recently renovated park, visitors are welcomed into the fictional world of Hopi Hari, where each brightly colored “village” has its own theme, including a Wild West zone and a Looney Tunes area.

Long Island (Ilha Comprida) on Brazil’s eastern shore isn’t as popular a beach destination as other areas in the country, but it remains among the most popular stops for cruises from Paraty thanks to its stellar diving and snorkeling opportunities. The waters just offshore are a paradise for marine life—a natural aquarium teeming with colorful corals and tropical fish.

Explore the tapestry of São Paulo's cultural heritage at the Immigration Museum. Located in the city’s heart, this museum is a testament to the diverse waves of immigration that have shaped the region. Gain insight into the stories of those who left their homelands in search of a new life and how they contributed to São Paulo's identity.

Rio’s imposing Catete Palace (Palácio do Catete) was Brazil’s presidential palace from 1894 until 1960, when the capital was moved from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia. The urban mansion now houses the Museum of the Republic, focusing on art and period furnishings from the Republican period, as well as presidential memorabilia from past leaders.

A visit to KidZania Sao Paulo offers adults and children a fun-filled and educational day out. At this immersive attraction, children aged 3-14 can take part in more than 50 activities that help prepare them for living and working in the real world.

Sao Paulo’s Latin America Memorial (Memorial da America Latina) is a vibrant cultural complex celebrating the rich diversity and heritage of all 33 Latin American nations. Designed by celebrated Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, this architectural masterpiece beckons curious travelers with its striking design and captivating exhibits.

Against a backdrop of the Mantiqueira Mountains, the gardens of the Jardim dos Pinhais Ecco Parque offer a tranquil retreat and are ideal for strolling and picnicking. Explore gardens with themes ranging from the zen-like Japanese garden to the palm-shaded tropical one and Renaissance-inspired Italian garden.

The golden sands of Caixa d’Aco Beach are located in Porto Belo in Brazil’s Santa Catarina state. Though small, this beach is a favorite spot for travelers and locals. Travelers can wander along the pristine, if rustic, beach on foot and enjoy a taste of paradise or catch stunning sunsets while swimming or kayaking on calm waters.

One of Rio de Janeiro’s top viewpoints, the Pedra do Telégrafo offers beautiful vistas overlooking the coast and prime selfie backdrops, thanks to an optical effect that makes visitors look like they’re hanging off the edge of a cliff. Located in western Rio’s Pedra Branca State Park (Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca), it’s an excellent nature escape.

The Blue Lagoon (Lagoa Azul) is one of the most popular beauty spots on Ihla Grande. Even though it's not technically a proper lagoon, the body of water is so-called for its calm and shallow cerulean waters, which are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world—and home to some 350,000 volumes, the largest collection of Portuguese–language works outside of Portugal—Rio de Janeiro’s Royal Portuguese Reading Room (Real Gabinete Português de Leitura) is an architectural and intellectual wonder. Located in the city’s Centro neighborhood and open to all, it’s well worth venturing in to discover.

The colorful, diagonally striped houses of the Santa Marta Favela cascade down the steep hillsides above Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro, housing a community of residents living in a challenging socioeconomic environment. Courtesy of Dutch artists Dre Urhahn and Jeroen Koolhaas’ Favela Painting Foundation, the artwork is meant to draw attention to populations that are traditionally excluded or overlooked, including that in Santa Marta.

Home to more than 2,000 animals including rare and endangered species, São Paulo Zoo (Zoológico de São Paulo is the largest zoo in Brazil. Observe a variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and invertebrates, including white Bengal tigers, rhinos, tamarins, and the Lear’s macaw.

Perched on the edge of Copacabana Beach, the World War I–era Copacabana Fort provides a glimpse into Brazil's military past. Guests can see Krupp cannons, the Army History Museum, and centuries-old artillery displays. With its panoramic views and immersive exhibits, this often-overlooked attraction helps tell the story of the region.

One of Rio de Janeiro’s most popular markets, the Ipanema Farmers Market draws locals and visitors alike every Friday morning. Just a few blocks from the beach, with vendors specializing in fresh fruits and vegetables (as well as fish, meat, flowers, and other items), it’s a great place to browse, sample, and purchase snacks or ingredients.

Nicknamed the Marvelous City, Rio de Janeiro is a glittering, vibrant, and sexy city that's six million inhabitants strong. Its combination of dramatic landmarks, iconic urban beaches, and friendly people have made it one of the world’s most popular cities and a frequent port of call for cruises along the South American coast.

With its long arc of fine golden sand lapped by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, Lopes Mendes Beach (Praia Lopes Mendes) is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. Fringed with thick vegetation including almond and palm trees, a visit to Lopes Mendes Beach can feel like an escape into untouched nature.