Traveling through the Southeast of Brazil

The major part of the Brazilian population lives in the Southeast of Brazil. Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are the two largest cities of Brazil and are situated in the Southeast of the country. If the suburbs are included, the population of São Paulo equals 24 million people whereas the population of Rio de Janeiro is estimated at 13 million people.

Especially Rio de Janeiro is a popular destination for tourists. Although there are numerous slums, the city is built on one of the most beautiful geographical locations. Between the beaches and the mountains are old neighbourhoods with historical buildings as well as trendy districts with modern skyscrapers. Conically shaped mountains like the Sugarloafmountain ('Pão de Açucar ') and the Corcovado contrast to the flatness of the sea and determine the skyline of the city. Although Brazil owns more than 7000 km of beaches, the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are famous all over the world.

The historic cities of Minas Gerais were built during the 18th century when gold and diamonds were mined in this state. The abundance of money and the fast growing population resulted in a unique baroque style, the Barroco Mineiro.


Important destinations in the Southeast of Brazil are:

• Araxá
• Belo Horizonte
• Búzios
• Congonhas
• Mariana
• Ouro Preto
• Rio de Janeiro
• Sabará
• São João del Rey 
• São Paulo
• Sete Lagoas, well known for its Gruta Rei do Mato Cave
• Tiradentes

More on traveling through Brazil...