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Southeast Region, Brazil Culture & history

Our most recommended Southeast Region, Brazil Culture & history

Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch

1. Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch

Start your adventure with a pickup in the morning from hotels located in the South Zone and head towards your first stop at Christ the Redeemer.  Enjoy great jungle views in the minivan ride through the Tijuca Forest that surrounds the Corcovado Mountain. Reach the peak of the mountain and meet the statue of the Christ the Redeemer with its arms right open over the city. Admire the sweeping views and take breathtaking pictures. Head to a nice walk outside the Maracanã Stadium and find out more about the passion of the Brazilians for football. Learn about the samba tradition in Rio by visiting the Sambadrome, the place with the biggest Carnival parade on the planet. Marvel at the beautiful street art of the Selarón Steps, a gigantic mosaic work of the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. He started dedicating himself to decorate the stairs in the early 90s. The 250 steps have become a monument and an icon of Rio. Stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro to revel at the biblical passages on the stained-glass inside it, following a stop for lunch in an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant. With the batteries recharged, there is still one place left.  Head to Urca neighborhood and marvel at the beauty of the Sugarloaf Mountain and be amazed by the cable ride to the top. From 220 meters above sea level take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, the city of Niteroi, and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Rio de Janeiro: Historic Rio and Santa Teresa Half-Day Tour

2. Rio de Janeiro: Historic Rio and Santa Teresa Half-Day Tour

Following pickup from your accommodation, head to the historic center of Rio de Janeiro. Consisting of centuries-old buildings and roads, the historic center of Rio best illustrates the most important chapters of Brazil’s history.  See the contrast of new and old architecture at XV de Novembro Square. Continue to Cinelândia Square until you reach the famous Carioca Aqueduct (Arcos de Lapa) in Lapa. Admire the historic beauty as you continue to Santa Teresa by car. Enjoy the winding narrow streets and colorful buildings of bohemian Santa Teresa, famous for its bars, galleries, ateliers, and the 19th-century Santa Teresa tram. From the top of Santa Teresa Hill, enjoy some of Rio’s finest views and look across Guanabara Bay.  Take in the panoramic views of the city from the Parque das Ruínas, located in the ruins of an old mansion belonging to Laurinda Santos. The mansion has been partially restored and is now used as a cultural center hosting various exhibitions and events.

Rio: Olympic Boulevard, AquaRio and Museum of Tomorrow Tour

3. Rio: Olympic Boulevard, AquaRio and Museum of Tomorrow Tour

Take an insightful excursion through Olympic Boulevard, the city's port area that houses the newest of Rio's attractions. Enjoy an informative commentary from your guide and visit the modern Museum of Tomorrow, as well as the AquaRio aquarium, depending on the option you choose. Take advantage of a hotel transfer and head out on your exciting Rio adventure. Visit the Museum of Tomorrow, a technological applied science museum dedicated to exploring and questioning all the possibilities for building the future of the planet and the human race. Take photos of the unusual architecture before walking in to explore the exhibits. Afterward, make a stop at the Kobra Mural, one of the largest graffiti murals in the world, created by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra. Observe five ethnic groups depicted realistically before a colorful background. If you book the AquaRio option, you'll have the chance to visit the largest marine aquarium in South America. See more than 5,000 animals from 350 different species from around the world in 28 saltwater tanks. Get up close and even interact with an immense variety of fish, rays, sharks, and corals.

Rio: Olympic Boulevard, Museum of Tomorrow & History Tour

4. Rio: Olympic Boulevard, Museum of Tomorrow & History Tour

Begin your tour by being picked up from your hotel and discover the many hidden gems in Rio’s Downtown area with a tour guide. Start at the Valongo Wharf (the latest Unesco World Heritage site in the city) and learn more about the African influence in Brazil. Then head to the Kobra Mural — one of the largest graffiti walls in the world — created by the Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra, to admire the five ethnic groups portrayed in a colorful geometric background. After a few pictures, you will walk along the Olympic Boulevard towards the Museum of Tomorrow. This is a modern and technological science museum dedicated to exploring and questioning all the possibilities for constructing the future of the planet and mankind. Discover its remarkable architecture, and pay a visit to the most visited museum in Brazil. After exploring the future, travel to the past in the Monastery of Saint Benedict, where you will experience the contrast of the simple façade, with the interior covered with golden ornaments, a heritage from the Baroque period. Before heading towards the historical streets of Rio, you will see the Rio 2016 Olympic Cauldron created by the American artist Anthony Howe. You will notice the reflective-kinetic-sphered-structure is a reminder of the Games. At the Praça XV, you will see one of the former headquarters of the Brazilian empire and learn more about important facts of Brazilian history that happened in the area. Your last stop will be at Confeitaria Colombo (closed on Sundays), one of the “must-see cafés” from around the world. Enjoy the opulent art nouveau decorated with huge stained glass, tiles, and mirrors imported from France, Portugal, and Belgium. You can finish your tour tasting one of the Brazilian traditional snacks such as the coxinha de frango (‘little chicken thigh’), or desserts such as the brigadeiro (‘brigadier’) in one of Rio de Janeiro’s most prestigious places at the beginning of the 20th century.

Rio de Janeiro: Museum of Tomorrow and Olympic Boulevard

5. Rio de Janeiro: Museum of Tomorrow and Olympic Boulevard

After pickup from your accommodation begin your tour at the Museum of Tomorrow, one of the most highly rated attractions in Brazil. Admire the architecture of the museum from the exterior as you explore the reflective pool and gardens. Enter the building and see the main exhibit, created by physicist and cosmologist Luiz Alberto Oliveira.  The museum studies the future of the world and its possibility for transformation. Explore the five major areas: Cosmos, Earth, Anthropocene, Tomorrow, and Now. Marvel at the experiments and experiences that encourage you to consider the fundamental questions of existence. After exiting the museum, continue to the Olympic Boulevard. The walls measure an area of almost 3,000 square meters in total and were painted for the Rio Olympics in 2016. Get up close to the Ethnicities Mural by Eduardo Kobra, one of the world’s largest piece of graffiti art.

Half-Day City Tour of São Paulo from GRU airport or hotels

6. Half-Day City Tour of São Paulo from GRU airport or hotels

Explore all the main attractions of São Paulo on a tour by car. Learn about the city's history from your local guide as you see attractions, including the Monument to the Flags, Ibirapuera Park, and Bairro da Liberdade, among others. Be picked up from your hotel and head straight to Batman's Alley. This lengthy stretch of high-walled residences in Vila Madalena showcases some of the most impressive spray paint murals around the city. Then, head to Ibirapuera Park – a true green oasis in the center of the city that is the most visited park in South America. Continue to see the Monument to the Flags, marveling at this large-scale granite sculpture as you drive past it. Next, go to the lengthy and straight Avenida Paulista, known as one of the most important avenues in the city. It stretches 2.8 kilometers and runs northwest to southeast. Carry on to Bairro da Liberdade and the São Paulo Municipal Market to get your fill of Japantown and walk through a historical building with stands selling rare fruit, vegetables, dairy produce, plus a food court. Drive by the Municipal Theater of São Paulo to see its impressive architecture and learn about its historical importance, before going to visit the São Paulo Cathedral. End with a quick visit of the Jardim Oriental.

Rio de Janeiro: Downtown Walking Tour

7. Rio de Janeiro: Downtown Walking Tour

Depart from the meeting point we go to Downtown Rio de Janeiro. The historic center of Rio de Janeiro is surrounded by centuries-old roads and buildings that show important periods in Brazilian history, from the time of the monarchy up to Brazil becoming a republic. Delve into 500 years of Brazilian history with a visit to the XV de Novembro Square. Admire the architecture of ALERJ building, Paço Imperial, and do Carmo Convent. Walk past the dos Teles Arch and see its winding alleyways. Follow your tour guide to Candelária Church and learn about its importance to the city. Then, discover hidden treasures in the architecture of the Brazil Bank Cultural Center, or as locals call "CCBB". Admire the contrast between old and modern by walking down the street to Cinelandia Square. Explore political and cultural buildings in the area, such as Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro, National Library of Brazil, National Museum of Fine Arts, and City Council of Rio de Janeiro. Revel at the architecture of Colombo's Bakery, one of the main landmarks of the city's, and have a snack. Finish your tour at a subway station in Downtown Rio, and choose to return to your hotel or continue exploring the region on your own.

Rio: Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail

8. Rio: Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail

Discover what goes on backstage at Rio's Carnival with this guided walking tour. Watch as preparations are made for the world's most famous parade with this attraction ticket. Wear some authentic costumes and take a Samba workshop before savoring a cocktail.  Be greeted by your guide at Samba City and begin your behind-the-scenes tour. See the carnival factory and find out how the floats and costumes are produced for the parade. Uncover the history of Samba and hear the story of Rio's carnival.  Try on some authentic carnival costumes and get some stunning glam shots. Participate in a Samba workshop with a professional dancer from a Samba school. Finish your tour by sipping on a delicious caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail.

São Paulo City: 5-Hour Private Tour

9. São Paulo City: 5-Hour Private Tour

Visit the main attractions of São Paulo for a great introduction to the city, and learn how a small village became one of the biggest and most diverse cities on the planet. With a population of over 11 million, São Paulo is the most cosmopolitan city in Brazil and attracts visitors from around the world. On this 5-hour tour priced for up to 2 persons you’ll see important landmarks, including the Neo-Gothic Catedral da Sé, completed in 1967 after more than 50 years of construction. Travel by air-conditioned vehicle, riding through the financial district, along Avenida Paulista. Visit the city’s most traditional food market and discover diverse neighborhoods, such as the Asian enclave of Liberdade, home to the largest Japanese population outside of Japan. You will also get to visit Vila Madalena, the artistic-bohemian neighbourhood of São Paulo. Get a better understanding of São Paulo’s cultural life, admiring Oscar Niemayer’s Edifício Copan and the concrete and glass São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP).

São Paulo: Best Kept Secrets Small Group Walking Tour

10. São Paulo: Best Kept Secrets Small Group Walking Tour

Join a walking tour of São Paulo with a bilingual guide. Start in the old historical part of the city and understand, in a fun and informative way, the fascinating story of how this city became one of the 5 largest in the world. On the walking tour, visit some cultural centers of São Paulo. Pass by the City Hall, the Opera House, and through the famous galleries ending at the iconic Copan Building, designed by Oscar Niemeyer.

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What people are saying about Southeast Region, Brazil

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 44 reviews

This is a must do tour for anyone staying in Sao Paulo for any amount of time. The city can be extremely intimidating due to its size, somewhat stark and potentially frightening nature. Andre was an amazing tour guide and had a lot of personal stories and details to add that really made this tour special. He had great historical information to pass on and some excellent recommendations. He was super friendly and his English was excellent. Would highly recommend. Might even hit Andre up for some other recommendations while we are here. Andre also runs a tour through a competing service, which is cheaper, but the groups can be up to 30. This was a perfect, small group size of 6.

I had a great time, the places are beautiful and Rio was hot, the van had a good air conditioner what helped me a lot. The guide was polite even though some people weren’t that polite. Had a great time

Brilliant well-organised experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. The driver drove safely. Value for money. Definately recommend to do this tour.

Amazing tour. We had a lovely day and saw everything we wanted to see. Very well organized and loved our guide Lavina. Lunch was very good as well, thanks!

A whistle stop tour of Rio’s main sights. Well organised, nice comfortable bus, great guide - a good way to see the city if you’re short on time.