If you are travelling across South America and you are in either Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo, check out this fabulous itinerary that will help you uncover the best of south-east Brazil.

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Lying west outside of Rio de Janeiro, sprawling suburbs suddenly give way to a mesmerising expanse of coastline that plays host to an array of spectacular cultural wonders. Brazil’s Costa Verde – or Green Coast – shines with the colours of the Brazilian flag: a place where verdant rainforest coated mountains overflowing with tropical flora and fauna are shadowed by the shimmering turquoise blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Lush, wild, and sensuous all at once, it offers a wealth of authentic travel experiences: the sultry outlying island of Ilha Grande is the perfect spot to relax and unwind; centuries-old colonial masterpiece, Paraty is a town of romantic walks and boutique art houses; and resting 50km inland, the bustling megacity of São Paulo is a multicultural wonderland. All within a metaphorical stone’s throw of Rio de Janeiro.

Exuberance and Culture from Rio de Janeiro to São PauloBrazil's Costa Verde is home to countless stunning tropical islands / Photo by Daytours4u

Most visitors to this region take in the self-styled ‘Marvellous City.’ Journey high to the peak of Corcovado Mountain and the reason why Rio de Janeiro holds a fascination the world over becomes blindingly obvious. From the summit, you can marvel at the art-deco statue of Christ the Redeemer – one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World – and soak in some spellbinding, uninterrupted vistas of the landscapes below: a magical combination of sea, mountains, valleys, and beaches. Indeed, this city is awash with attractions that will take your breath away, but dare to venture a little further afield and your trip to Brazil will be even more enriching.

Exuberance and Culture from Rio de Janeiro to São PauloVisiting Christ the Redeemer is an iconic tourist activity / Photo by Daytours4u

ILHA GRANDE - PARADISE ON EARTH

If you need to take a quick break from city travel, the peripheral luxuriant islands along the Costa Verde are as close to paradise as it gets. The wonderful Ilha Grande is a popular destination. Ever since tourist operations began here in the 1990’s, holidaymakers both local and international have been making the short boat trip from Angra dos Reis to enjoy its golden white beaches, breathtaking forest hikes, and fabulous scuba-diving excursions.

However you want to spend your day – cruising around the picturesque islet by kayak or sinking into a hammock with a caipirinha in hand – you are guaranteed a truly serene adventure. The most alluring beach on Ilha Grande is Lopes Mendes, an astonishing two mile stretch of silky sands set against a labyrinth of palm and amond trees. It requires some time, dedication, and effort to get there – a short trek through the unspoiled jungle – but the rewards of blissful azure seas and hidden sun-kissed coves are well worth it. A real hidden treasure.

Exuberance and Culture from Rio de Janeiro to São PauloIlha Grande is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world / Photo by Daytours4u

PARATY - COLONIAL GETAWAY

Secluded. Tranquil. Pristine. That’s the vibe of Paraty. Situated 140 miles south of Rio, nestled between the Bocaina Mountain Range and the Atlantic, this little 17th-century gem is one of Brazil’s most charming destinations. The town overlooks a beautiful waterfront punctuated with delicate wooden fishing boats in all manner of colours and sizes, and it is home to a tremendously well-preserved historical quarter full of quaint pastel-coloured colonial buildings – Paraty is quite possibly one of the most romantic places in Brazil.

You can fill your time here by dipping in and out of cosy cafes, local handicraft shops, independent art galleries – which often double up as ateliers – and strolling down the delightful cobblestoned streets. It’s a bohemian hotspot but without the typical touristy markets. Elsewhere, beyond the centre and into the surrounding jungle, dozens of exceptional beaches, cascading waterfalls, and remote bays are waiting to be discovered – you won’t see another soul for hours. Paraty is an essential detour on your Brazilian vacation.

Exuberance and Culture from Rio de Janeiro to São PauloParaty is a seductive travel destination - perfect for romantic getaways / Photo by Daytours4u

SĀO PAULO - REDEFINING URBAN TOURISM

São Paulo – one of the largest cities in the world. Like its size and population, everything in this megalopolis is immense and impressive. Cutting-edge international art galleries set up here, the streets are graced with some of the best gastronomic temples on the continent, architectural innovation is around every corner, and the shops lining the famous Avenida Paulista are trendsetters in the world of fashion. São Paulo is quite simply brimming with creativity.

It pulsates with an incessant energy and even for the most dedicated scenester, it can be hard work to keep up. For culture buffs and art aficionados, it’s heaven. The boho crowd usually hang out in Vila Madelena, an up and coming neighbourhood awash with cool new hangouts and streets bedecked in some of the most extraordinary graffiti in the world. For a more traditional white cube experience, head to Ibirapuera Park – itself a stunning green urban playground – and visit the marvellous Museu de Arte Contemporânea and Museu de Arte Moderna. Colossal and captivating.

Exuberance and Culture from Rio de Janeiro to São PauloSão Paulo is a rewarding travel destination, full of cultural wonders / Photo by Daytours4u
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Exuberance and culture. From Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo. Visit iconic landmark attractions, swim in crystal clear coastal waters, relax on empty beaches, explore quaint colonial towns, and conquer one of the world’s great megacities - Brazil’s Green Coast will satisfy the desires of every traveller. Discover it all in the hands of saopaulo4u and rdj4u.

By: Simon Hall – Holder of a Masters in Fine Arts and a Diploma in International Studies. English Content Manager at Daytours4u.