Choose from 117 Fun Things to Do in Southeast Brazil
ShowingFilter 101-117 of 117 listings.
Trindade Beach
Like the shores of Sono, Trindade Beach requires travelers take a bit of a hike before basking in the rays of South American sun. But visitors to this quiet haven 30 kilometers south of Paraty say the distinctly island vibe, reggae sounds, fresh fish and strong cocktails make this beach feel like a piece of paradise. A short 20-minute hike through thick forests, past Cachadaco Beach, ends at soft sand and warm clear waters. Be sure to venture to the nearby circle of boulders that hides a natural swimming pool perfect for a peaceful post-hike dip.
Practical Info
Buses leave every hour from Paraty. The ride takes 45 minutes and costs about 4 reals.
Address: Trindade Beach, Trindade, Brazil
From $ 52
Serra da Bocaina National Park
Stationed between the electric metropolis of Sau Paulo and the lively city of Rio de Janeiro lies the 260,000 acres of rural forest and mountain peaks that makes up Serra da Bocaina National Park. This precious preserve is home to natural Atlantic Forest vegetation and some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the region.
Ecotourism and outdoor adventure prove the main attractions at Serra da Bocaina, which attracts avid hikers from across the globe. Travelers can embark on a 16-kilometer hike to Bacia Peak and enjoy incredible views of the Paraiba Valley from atop the second tallest mountain in the range. The slightly shorter, but equally popular, Cliff Trail winds through Enchanted Wood, passing hundreds of different indigenous plants, and ends at the Paredao’s Waterfall, where weary legs can cool off in chilly waters. The Stone House ruins, which were originally built in 1914 to house a visiting French doctor, lend a bit of interest to an otherwise easy trail marked by small river crossings and equally epic views (but without all the work).
Ecotourism and outdoor adventure prove the main attractions at Serra da Bocaina, which attracts avid hikers from across the globe. Travelers can embark on a 16-kilometer hike to Bacia Peak and enjoy incredible views of the Paraiba Valley from atop the second tallest mountain in the range. The slightly shorter, but equally popular, Cliff Trail winds through Enchanted Wood, passing hundreds of different indigenous plants, and ends at the Paredao’s Waterfall, where weary legs can cool off in chilly waters. The Stone House ruins, which were originally built in 1914 to house a visiting French doctor, lend a bit of interest to an otherwise easy trail marked by small river crossings and equally epic views (but without all the work).
Practical Info
The park is located on the border between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo in the southeastern part of the country.
Address: Serra da Bocaina National Park, Brazil
From $ 52
Rio de Janeiro Cruise Port
Already known as one of the world's most vibrant cities, Rio de Janeiro will likely see its popularity continue to soar as it hosts the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics. A city of six million people, Rio is glittering, vibrant and sexy and is sure to dazzle most first-time visitors.
How to Get to Rio de Janeiro
Your ship will dock at Pier Maua, which is within walking distance of Rio's central business district. Taxis are readily available, or your cruise ship might arrange transportation for you to Copacabana, Ipanema or the city center. Some jewelry stores may also offer complimentary rides to and from their stores, usually located in Ipanema.
One Day in Rio de Janeiro
Start your day with a visit to one of Rio de Janeiro's most famous sites "“ Corcovado, the large art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer that stands over 2,000 feet above the city. Get there by taking the funicular from the Cosme Velho station first thing in the morning to enjoy the views and beat the crowds.
Then, head back to central Rio to explore some of the city's museums and churches. The 16th-century Mosteiro de Sao Bento, the 17th-century Convento do Santo Antonio and the 18th-century Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelaria are all worth a visit. Art lovers will then want to make their way to the Flamengo neighborhood, where you will find the Museu de Arte Moderna with its large contemporary art collection and the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, which showcases Brazil's top artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Spend the rest of the afternoon walking the length of Copacabana Beach, taking in Rio's legendary beach scene. Continue south to Ipanema, recently named the best beach city in the world. For a quick lunch, you can stop at a lunch counter around Copacabana or Ipanema for a sandwich and fresh fruit juice, or pull up a seat at an outdoor cafe and enjoy the people-watching.
If you have time for dinner before returning to your ship, don't miss dining at an all-you-can-eat churrascaria and sampling a caipirinha, a typical Brazilian drink made of sugar cane rum, lime and sugar.
Port Information
The official language in Brazil is Portuguese, but Spanish may also be spoken. English should be understood in hotels and shops. The local currency is the Brazilian real, but US dollars are widely accepted (change will be given in reales). You should be able to find ATM's and currency exchange offices throughout the city.
How to Get to Rio de Janeiro
Your ship will dock at Pier Maua, which is within walking distance of Rio's central business district. Taxis are readily available, or your cruise ship might arrange transportation for you to Copacabana, Ipanema or the city center. Some jewelry stores may also offer complimentary rides to and from their stores, usually located in Ipanema.
One Day in Rio de Janeiro
Start your day with a visit to one of Rio de Janeiro's most famous sites "“ Corcovado, the large art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer that stands over 2,000 feet above the city. Get there by taking the funicular from the Cosme Velho station first thing in the morning to enjoy the views and beat the crowds.
Then, head back to central Rio to explore some of the city's museums and churches. The 16th-century Mosteiro de Sao Bento, the 17th-century Convento do Santo Antonio and the 18th-century Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelaria are all worth a visit. Art lovers will then want to make their way to the Flamengo neighborhood, where you will find the Museu de Arte Moderna with its large contemporary art collection and the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, which showcases Brazil's top artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Spend the rest of the afternoon walking the length of Copacabana Beach, taking in Rio's legendary beach scene. Continue south to Ipanema, recently named the best beach city in the world. For a quick lunch, you can stop at a lunch counter around Copacabana or Ipanema for a sandwich and fresh fruit juice, or pull up a seat at an outdoor cafe and enjoy the people-watching.
If you have time for dinner before returning to your ship, don't miss dining at an all-you-can-eat churrascaria and sampling a caipirinha, a typical Brazilian drink made of sugar cane rum, lime and sugar.
Port Information
The official language in Brazil is Portuguese, but Spanish may also be spoken. English should be understood in hotels and shops. The local currency is the Brazilian real, but US dollars are widely accepted (change will be given in reales). You should be able to find ATM's and currency exchange offices throughout the city.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 66
Sao Paulo Museum of Art (MASP)
Said to host one of the finest art collections in the Southern Hemisphere, Sao Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) is where to go in Brazil if you want to get your fill of Boschs and Bellinis, Van Goghs and Gauguins. There are over 8,000 works in total, and, unusually, the rooms housing the permanent collection are arranged by theme rather than in chronological order.
As you make your way round the large museum, you'll see dozens of Degas sculptures and works by some of Spain's most famous painters including Picasso and Velazquez. Representing the Latin American front, familiar names donning the walls include Diego Rivera, Candido Portinari, Torres Garcia, and Anita Malfatti.
Built in 1968 and designed by the modernist architect Lina Bo, MASP is a flash of red and grey in the heart of Paulista Avenue "” Sao Paulo's main boulevard of gleaming skyscrapers and banking headquarters, and the museum is almost as famous for the iconic concrete and glass building it sits in as it is its art.
MASP is mainly dedicated to international art rather than Brazilian offerings, but there is a permanent collection showing the best of the country's modern artworks, prints, and drawings. Housing a collection of over 40,000 publications in all, the museum is also home to one of Brazil's largest art libraries. There's also a museum restaurant, Prêt no MAM, just to the left of the museum entrance.
Practical Info
Closed Mondays, MASP is open Tuesday-Sunday from 11am-5pm (and until 8pm on Thursdays). Entrance to MASP costs R$15. Lunch is served until 5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, and until 4pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Address: Paulista Avenue, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm (until 8pm on Thursdays)
Admission: R$15
From $ 75
Santa Marta Favela
The colorful, diagonally striped houses of the Santa Marta Favela cascade down the steep hillsides above Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro and house 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.
The Basics
The innovative painting of the Santa Marta Favela has drawn global attention, especially after it was featured in the music video for Michael Jackson's 1996 hit They Don't Care About Us, a moment marked by a bronze Michael Jackson statue erected in the central square. Since then, guests have included singers Madonna and Alicia Keys, as well as Nobel Prize-winner Muhammad Yunus. Travelers to Rio can visit the favela on an educational guided group tour with the help of a guide who leads lead travelers through the maze-like streets while providing insight and context to the district and its contrast to other parts of Rio. Private tours offer personalized experiences and opportunities for cultural exchange.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A guided tour is the safest way to visit Santa Marta.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on steep, uneven surfaces.
- Ipanema and Leblon beaches are visible from the top of the hill.
- Some tours donate proceeds to Santa Marta nonprofits or employ local guides to give back to the community.
How to Get There
The best way to visit Santa Marta is on a guided tour, many of which include hotel pickup and drop-off. Or, get a moto-taxi to take you to the top of the hill, and walk back down through the neighborhood from there. The site is also accessible by bus.
When to Get There
Rio's climate is warm and comfortable year-round, although January temperatures can rise to 80°F (27°C).
A Note on the Ethics of Favela Tourism
We are sensitive to the issues and concerns surrounding favelas, and we understand that tours of them may not be suitable for everyone. We strongly believe that these tours are educational and allow for a better understanding of life inside Santa Marta.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 149
Immigration Museum of the State of Sao Paulo (Museu da Imigraçao)
Immigrants make up a very important part of Brazil's past and present. Many don't realize that Brazil was a hub for immigrants from all over the world in the 19th and 20th centuries. Immigrants from Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Japan and elsewhere immigrated to Sao Paulo by the millions, and today immigrant populations are an important part of the city's dynamic and cultural identity.
The Immigration Museum is set in the same place where many of Brazil's immigrants were received starting in the late 19th-century. For many of them, this building became a temporary residence. Today the museum preserves many things from everyday life in that period, including the bunk bends where immigrants slept, their clothes, shoes, and other knick-knacks. The museum's permanent exhibit, "˜Migration: experiences, memories and identities,' has well-preserved documents and records, as well as photographs and portraits, which give visitors a sense of the lives and struggles of the immigrant population.
The exterior has lovely gardens, a small cafe and nice views of the museum's beautiful architecture. Paths wind around the gardens and are dotted with antiques from this time, including several early-20th century cars and an old steam train.
Practical Info
The Immigration Museum is located at Rua Visconde de Parnaíba, 1316 in the Mooca neighborhood of Sao Paulo. It is open Tuesday"“Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is R$6 for adults and R$3 for students and is free on Saturdays.
Address: Rua Visconde de Parnaíba, 1316, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Admission: Varies
From $ 100
Maracana Stadium
The gigantic Maracana Stadium (Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho) is one of the most iconic soccer temples in South America, built to open the 1950 World Cup. The site holds the record for the largest attendance at a World Cup Final thanks to the 199,854 paying spectators who crammed into the stadium in 1950 and also hosted the FIFA World Cup Final again in 2014 and the Rio Olympic Games in 2016. Officially known as Mário Filho Stadium but called Maracana after the small river that runs alongside it, the arena is now a historical site dedicated to its former use as a world-class arena and event venue.
The Basics
When to Get There
Aside from rare events, access to the stadium is via official scheduled tours.
Music at Maracana
The Basics
Many half- and full-day Rio de Janeiro city tours include Maracana as a drive-by feature or photo op. And while the stadium no longer offers the intense football experience native to Brazil, the sports museum inside the stadium offers exhibits featuring photographs, championship cups, and Pele's famous No. 10 jersey. The legendary player scored his 1,000th goal on this hallowed field.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The metro will take you to Estacio Maracana, from where it is only a short walk to the stadium.
- Soccer buffs should book a VIP behind-the-scenes Maracana stadium tour to visit the field, locker rooms, and bench areas.
- The venue is wheelchair accessible.
- The stadium museum is open daily and charges a small admission fee.
The metro will take you to Estacio Maracana, from where it is only a short walk to the stadium.
When to Get There
Aside from rare events, access to the stadium is via official scheduled tours.
Music at Maracana
The stadium has hosted an array of concerts throughout the years, including performances by Tina Turner, Frank Sinatra, Madonna, and Paul McCartney.
Address: Rua Professor Eurico Rabelo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hours: Museum open daily 9am"“5pm, except on game days
Admission: Museum: R$3
From $ 5
Sao Paulo Museum of Sacred Art (Museu de Arte Sacra)
Based in the grand 18th-century Luz Monastery, the Sacred Art Museum of Sao Paulo (Museu de Arte Sacra de Sao Paulo) is dedicated to ecclesiastical Brazilian works from the 17th to 20th centuries.
The collection was started by the first archbishop of Sao Paulo, Dom Duarte Leopoldo e Silva, who gathered important sacred art from the chapels that were being demolished after the introduction of the Republic, though the museum itself didn't open until 1970.
On a visit, look out for works by the renowned 18th-century sculptor Antônio Aleijadinho ,and visit the jewel room to see solid gold and silver artifacts. A newer addition to the exhibits on show is the section dedicated to nativity art "” head to the annex to see the impressive Neapolitan manger scene.
Practical Info
On Avenida Tiradentes, 676, the Museu de Arte Sacra is 50m from Metrô Tiradentes, and near the Mercado Municipal and Pinacoteca. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, (9am - 5pm weekdays, 10am-6pm weekends (last entrance 30 minutes before closing). Entrance is free on Saturdays. Otherwise, entry costs R $6 for adults R $3 for students. Collections are labelled in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.
Address: Avenida Tiradentes 676, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Admission: Varies
From $ 195
Sitio Roberto Burle Marx
Brazil’s most famous landscape architect, Roberto Burle Marx, left his legacy all over the country and was known for creating some of the most beautiful park spaces in the city of Rio. His own home, the big estate that is today known as Sitio Roberto Burle Max, is no exception and is undoubtedly one of his masterpieces. The property is a former banana plantation, which Marx bought together with his brother in 1949 and transformed into intricately designed gardens. Today, over twenty years after the owner’s death, it takes 18 gardeners to care for the 40 hectare property, despite the almost complete lack of flowers. This design choice was Marx’s signature, as he wanted to achieve aesthetic timelessness and avoid seasonal changes. Instead, grasses, layers of shrubs and palm trees create flowing transitions between varying shades of green, with the occasional bromeliad adding a pop of color.
The gardens aren’t the only highlight though. Inside Marx’s original farmhouse and studio, many of his paintings, furniture and sculptures are on display and show the creative force of a design genius. You see, the famous designer was never married or had children and instead, dedicated his life to tirelessly working on his art. Visitors can also walk through the big dining room, where Marx welcomed Rio’s art world and admire the music room.
Practical Info
Sitio Roberto Burle Marx can be found in the Barra de Guaratiba neighborhood in the west of Rio de Janeiro. Marx’s estate opens Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 1:30pm, but a reservation in advance is necessary.
Address: Estrada Roberto Burle Marx, 2019, Rio de Janeiro, Barra de Guaratiba, Brazil
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-1:30pm
From $ 93
Sao Paulo Football Museum
Located inside Estádio Municipal Paulo Machado de Carvalho (a soccer stadium located in the Pacaembu neighborhood of Sao Paulo), the Museum du Futebol (Football Museum) is a 6,900-square-meter museum dedicated to the history and importance of soccer in Brazilian culture.
The museum is located underneath the bleachers, and was constructed over 13 months and inaugurated in 2009. Valued at USD $12 million, the Museum du Futebol has 16 rooms of permanent exhibits, as well as several temporary exhibitions. Permanent exhibitions give visitors an opportunity to see the history and importance of soccer in Brazilian culture, download their own "goal" moments, and view the soccer pitch. Much of the Museum's content is multimedia, and written content is provided in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Audio guides are also available in these languages.
Practical Info
The museum is open from 9am-6pm Tuesday-Sunday, and closed on Mondays. Hours are changed to accommodate games being played, so it is best to check ahead. Entrance to the museum is R $6, except on Saturday when admission is free to all. To get to the Museum du Futebol, ride the subway to Clinicas Station. From there, walk to the bus stop at Dr. Arnaldo Avenue, 500 and board any of the Jardim Brasil/177C-10, Morro Grande/917M-10, or Barra Funda/6232-10 buses. Get off at the Pacaembu Avenue, 1.721 stop.
Address: Estádio do Pacaembu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Hours: 9am-6pm Tuesday-Sunday
Admission: R$6
From $ 4
Republic Square (Praça da República)
A rectangular eye at the center of the urban hurricane that is Sao Paulo, Praça da República might have seen better days, but the plaza still holds on to its importance as a focal point for cultural life in the city. Built in 1889 to commemorate a new era in the city's expansion and development, Praça da República served as the primary location for concerts, political protests, and other large gatherings. Perched within the otherwise tree-shaded plaza is the former Caetano de Campos School, now site of the Sao Paulo State Department of Education, a handsome structure of yellow brick that"”at over 120 years old"”contrasts greatly with the mid-20th century glass and steel towers fronting the park. Just across AvenidaIpiranga from the plaza is one of the city's oldest Modernist residential buildings, the Edifício Esther, inaugurated in 1938, and overlooking the park from the southwest corner is the nearly 500-foot-tall EdifícioItália, Sao Paulo's second-tallest building.
On weekends, the plaza hosts a large crafts fair and flea market, with over 600 vendors selling everything from colorful landscape paintings from Brazil's northeast to woodcarvings and other household knickknacks. Despite 24-hour police presence, the area can get sketchy after dark, when hustlers and the homeless make their way into the park.
On weekends, the plaza hosts a large crafts fair and flea market, with over 600 vendors selling everything from colorful landscape paintings from Brazil's northeast to woodcarvings and other household knickknacks. Despite 24-hour police presence, the area can get sketchy after dark, when hustlers and the homeless make their way into the park.
Address: Praça da República, Sao Paolo, Brazil
From $ 254
Tiradentes Palace
While it may be hard to pull away from Rio’s white sand beaches, there’s more to the vibrant Brazilian city than sand and Sugarloaf Mountain. One of those spots is Tiradentes Palace, a soaring, concrete, exquisite palace that’s named for “Tiradentes,” a Brazilian revolutionary who was jailed while fighting for the nation’s independence. While his cell once stood on the very ground where the palace stands today, when the palace was constructed in 1926, it not only adopted the hero’s name, but was also built with sculptures atop the dome that represent independence. When standing in front of the spectacular palace and admiring from the outside, gaze upwards at the concrete, Corinthian columns rising 40 feet in height. Inside, paintings by Brazilian Rodolfo Chambelland accompany displays recounting the building’s modern political history. The palace was where the National Congress gathered until 1960, and is used today by Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro.
Practical Info
Tiradentes Palace is open Monday-Saturday from 10am-6pm, and on Sunday from Noon-5pm. Palace admission is free.
Address: Centro, Rio Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 40
Pinacoteca Station (Estaçao Pinacoteca)
Located in downtown Sao Paulo, the Estaçao Pinacoteca is one of Latin America's most important museums. It is in an early-20th century brick building, with large, arching windows, located in front of a lovely park. Today, the exposed brick structure has modern walkways that take visitors to different galleries. The permanent collection is mostly Brazilian artists, featuring different styles and mediums, from paintings, to statues, to graphic art. Rotating exhibitions range in theme, from Afro-Brazilian art, to modernism, sculpture and more. The space is also home to shows and concerts.
The buildings hold a lot of history; it was once used by the military dictatorship as the offices of the Political and Social Order Department, which suppressed political and social movements. Many of Brazil's political activists of the 60s, 70s, and 80s were detained there. There's a permanent exhibition at the Pinacoteca called the Resistance Memorial, which uses personal testimonies, photographs, preserved jail cells of political prisoners, and other pieces of history to remember this difficult time in Brazilian history.
Practical Info
Estaçao Pinacoteca is located at Praça da Luz, 2 in the Luz neighborhood of Sao Paulo and is open Wednesday"“Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., visitors must enter the museum by 5:30 p.m. Admission is R$6 for adults, R$3 for students, and free for children under 10 and seniors over 60.
Address: Praça da Luz, 2, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Hours: Open Wednesday"“Sunday from 10 a.m. "“6 p.m.
Admission: R$6 for adults, R$3 for students, and free for children under 10 and seniors over 60
From $ 78
Theatro Municipal
Situated grandly atop downtown São Paulo’s Vale do Anhangabaú like a concrete wedding cake, the century-old Theatro Municipal still shines as an example of the city’s place at the vanguard of art in Latin America. Opened in 1911, the ornate showplace—styled in the tradition of the great European opera houses—has welcomed Maria Callas, Isadora Duncan, Duke Ellington, and Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Ellington to its stage. A recent multimillion-dollar renovation has restored the grandeur of the structure, which serves as the official home of the São Paulo Municipal Symphony Orchestra and the São Paulo City Ballet, among other artistic organizations.
With a design inspired directly by Milan’s Teatroalla Scala, the theater was erected during the height of São Paulo’s wealth and influence as the center of Brazil’s coffee industry, though the location of the structure is called Morro do Chá—Tea Hill. The site of many debuts by Brazilian composers as well as host of 1922’s groundbreaking Week of Modern Art, which set the tone for the country’s multifaceted participation in Modernism, the theater welcomes visitors and offers guided tours arranged through its on-site historical museum, and purchasing tickets for any of the various artistic events at the theater’s turn-of-last-century box office is an experience in itself.
With a design inspired directly by Milan’s Teatroalla Scala, the theater was erected during the height of São Paulo’s wealth and influence as the center of Brazil’s coffee industry, though the location of the structure is called Morro do Chá—Tea Hill. The site of many debuts by Brazilian composers as well as host of 1922’s groundbreaking Week of Modern Art, which set the tone for the country’s multifaceted participation in Modernism, the theater welcomes visitors and offers guided tours arranged through its on-site historical museum, and purchasing tickets for any of the various artistic events at the theater’s turn-of-last-century box office is an experience in itself.
Address: Praça Ramos de Azevedo, s/n - Centro, Sao Paolo 01037-010, Brazil
From $ 59
Sao Paulo Zoo
With over 3,000 animals and about 900,000 square meters of land, the Sao Paulo Zoo is the largest, most comprehensive zoo in Brazil. The zoo is located within the Parque do Estado, a massive reserve of the region's native Atlantic rainforest. This area is a lesser-known oasis of Brazilian jungle on the outskirts of the bustling city, and is a favorite among travelers with children. Due to its massive size, and other activities offered in the park, visitors should allot at least a half-day to explore.
A unique feature of this zoo is its incorporation of the natural landscape, which includes the lush rainforest and several lakes formed by the Ipiranga River. The Sao Paulo Zoo is home to many native animals of Brazil and plays a part in preserving and recovering threatened native species, like the lion monkey, neotropical cats, and the stunning Lear's macaw "” a deep blue parrot with bright yellow markings. There's also an impressive array of colorful, tropical birds, snakes and frogs, many of which are indigenous to Brazil. Other highlights include various species of monkeys, giraffes, elephants, hippos, camels and big cats like tigers and lions.
Practical Info
The Sao Paulo Zoo is located at Av. Miguel Estefno, 4241 "“ Vila ÃÂgua Funda in Sao Paulo. The zoo is open Monday"“Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is R$30 for adults, R$10 for children ages 6 to 12, seniors over 60, and students (with ID). Admission is free for children under 6 and for people with disabilities.
Address: Av. Miguel Estefno, 4241, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Hours: Monday"“Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: R$30 for adults, R$10 for children ages 6 to 12, seniors over 60
From $ 11
Tijuca National Park
Prior to the 19th century, Rio de Janeiro was surrounded by Atlantic rain forest. Today, all that remains is the 13-square-mile (33-square-kilometer) jungle known as Tijuca National Park. Studded with tropical trees knotted together by jungle vines, the world’s largest urban forest is home to ocelots, howler monkeys, more than 300 bird species, waterfalls, and one of Rio’s iconic landmarks, the Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) statue standing atop Corcovado Mountain.
The Basics
Popular among hikers and nature lovers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site welcomes 3 million visitors each year. While many make a beeline for Corcovado, the park’s offerings extend well beyond the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Options include hiking up Pico da Tijuca (Rio’s second-highest peak), exploring the forest by bike or Jeep tour, hang gliding from Pedra Bonita, rock climbing, and walking the well-marked trails to the caves and waterfalls that dot the Tijuca rain forest. Choose a guided small-group driving or hiking tour to fully experience the park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The national park is a must-visit for adventure travelers and nature lovers in Rio de Janeiro.
- The park is free to enter, but Christ the Redeemer requires an admission ticket.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.
- Remember to bring water and insect repellant, especially if you plan to hike.
How to Get to Tijuca National Park
With no public transportation within the park, one of the most convenient ways to experience it is on a guided tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Those who prefer to visit independently can arrive by car or catch a bus or taxi to the park entrance.
When to Get There
Tijuca National Park is open daily, with extended hours in summer. Hiking conditions are best during the summer dry season (November to February). June, July, and October experience the most rain, which can make hiking a challenge without proper gear.
What to See at Tijuca National Park
Taunay Waterfall is one of the park’s most popular sights, and just beyond it sits Mayrink Chapel with painted panels by Brazilian artist Candido Portinari. Dona Marta affords some of the best views on the way up Corcovado Mountain, while the Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) viewpoint honors the 19th-century Chinese immigrants who arrived to start tea plantations.
Address: Rio de Janiero, Brazil
From $ 32
Sono Beach
Sono Beach, nestled on the Atlantic Ocean just south of Paraty, is not your typical coastal destination. Visitors to the somewhat secluded shores of this remote beach need to be up for more than just lazily lounging on sun-kissed sand while sipping frosty tropical drinks. That’s because Sono is accessible only by boat or bus, and travelers who opt for the latter also commit to an hour-long hike through the overgrown rainforest that stands between the main road and the shores of Sono Beach. Visitors rave about the scenic views, which are best from the hilltops where hikers ascend, and travelers love that the shores—and the handful of local restaurants that dot the coast—are never crowded.
Practical Info
Sono Beach is located in Laranjeiras and accessible via the 1050 bus line. Visitors can skip the hike by hopping aboard one of the local boats that sail to Sono, which costs about 40 reals. Travelers who enjoy walking can also follow rainforest trails to Antigos Beach and Ponta Negros.
Address: Sono Beach, Brazil
From $ 69