Southeast Brazil attractions

The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Benedict (Igreja do Rosário) is an important landmark in Paraty. Built by enslaved people in the mid-1700s, the church sits in the heart of Paraty Historic Center and remains central in local religious and social life.

One of several zoos in or near the Brazilian megalopolis of São Paulo, the Guarulhos Zoo (Zoológico de Guarulhos) offers a welcome dose of nature and wildlife amid the urban sprawl. Free for all to visit, this zoo and nature park focuses on Brazilian flora and fauna, and its conservation efforts help to protect native species.

Three hours driving from São Paulo, Thermas Water Park is one of Brazil’s most modern water parks and offers tons to do for kids and adults of any age. The main attraction is, of course, the pools and waterslides. The grounds are home to 11 pools, 10 waterslides and the adrenaline-pumping Free Fall slide, which drops over 30 feet (10 meters). A highlight is the warm pools, where heated swimming holes are set among an artificial white sand beach and several waterfalls and grottos. The children’s area features a massive shallow swimming pool, dotted with colorful animal decorations, toys and small waterslides. Beyond the aquatic attractions and wild slides of the park, Thermas also offers the pre-historic world, an exhibit of 30 massive dinosaur replicas, and smaller exhibits with replicas of marine life and insects. Visitors can also experience living animals at the Vô Bráulio Ranch, which is home to farm animals like horses, ostrich, rabbits and pheasants as well as some of Brazil’s tropical creatures like toucans, macaws and monkeys — many of which visitors are allowed to hold and touch.

Developed in the late 1970s as an off-price alternative to the sky-high rents along Avenida Paulista, Avenida Berrini (pronounced be-HEE-nee) houses a growing number of shopping and entertainment areas, including American-style malls Shopping Morumbi and Shopping Market Place, as well as the D&D Decoration and Design Center.

As the largest private butterfly park in Brazil, Borboletário Águias da Serra is home to thousands of butterflies that span 17 different species. The venue was designed to allow you to come into close contact with the butterflies, while also ensuring the protection of the winged insects.

One of the best places for outdoor recreation in all of São Paulo, Villa Lobos Park (Parque Villa Lobos)—located next to the Pinheiros River, west of the city center—combines areas of natural beauty, sporting facilities, and cultural programming. Named for Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, the green space has peaceful trails, a library, an amphitheater, and even an orchidarium.

With more than 55 attractions—which include gravity-defying water slides, a water rollercoaster, and a 180° surf pool—it’s easy to see why Thermas dos Laranjais is Brazil’s most-visited water park. The family-friendly park has something to entertain all ages and draws huge crowds year-round.

Set in a colonial farmhouse, Botucatu’s Coffee Museum showcases São Paulo state’s coffee trade from its 19th-century origins to its emergence as one of Brazil’s biggest exports. Exhibits include traditional machinery and original records, as well as various beans and brews, making this a must-see for any engineer or historian.

The brainchild of founder Walter Miguel—who was inspired by his visit to Disney World Florida—Walter World is one of the largest theme parks in northern Brazil. With more than 20 rides and attractions, it’s a great choice for a family day out.

Bring your kids to Park do Gorilao to let off some steam at the complex that's part old-fashioned amusement park and part modern games complex. Located within the Novo Shopping Mall in Ribeirão Preto, the park has everything from roller coasters and arcade games to bowling lanes and a 7-D cinema.