Southeast Region

Brazil begins to show its more urban side in the Southeast. The states of
Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, comprise this
region. In Rio de Janeiro, known as the "cidade maravilhosa" (marvelous
city), the lush greenery is starkly contrasted against the thousands of
modern buildings within this bustling metropolis. The city offers a night
life and cultural activities famous for their year round intensity. Don't
miss the most renowned Carnival parade in the world with its luxurious
samba schools and a high quality hotel system. The state of Rio de Janeiro
also has stunning beaches in Angra dos Reis, Búzios, and Cabo Frio,
historic buildings in Parati, and the mountainous region of Petrópolis
(the famous Imperial City), Teresópolis and Friburgo.

In the state of Minas Gerais, you can discover the architecture of the
past, visiting the famous masterpieces of the baroque sculptor
Aleijadinho, and the historic towns of Ouro Preto, Mariana, São João Del
Rey, Tiradentes, Sabará, Diamantina, and Congonhas do Campo.
In the state of Espírito Santo, the chef's recommendation is the famous
"moqueca capixaba", a very tasty regional specialty. You may also visit
the historic cities of Vila Velha and Anchieta and the monazite sand
beaches of Guarapari.

In the city of São Paulo, the largest metropolis in South America, all
the continents intermingle within the most modern, cosmopolitan, and urban
of settings. The inhabitants of São Paulo are mainly of European,
Japanese, and Arab ancestry. Together, they built veritable industrial and
commercial empires, bringing with them their native culture and cuisine.
Thus, they turned this city into a land of wonders with its myriad of
restaurants and shopping centers, and with some of the country's best
music, theatre, and business enterprises. The northern coast of the state
of São Paulo boasts splendid beaches at Ilha bela, Ubatuba, and São
Sebastião.