São Paulo

Brazil's economic powerhouse: beyond São Paulo's urban culture and food, there are island beaches and mountain towns to explore.

São Paulo state lies in southeastern Brazil and is the country's most economically developed and best-connected state. Its capital, São Paulo, is one of South America's largest cities, with an abundance of museums, galleries, restaurants and nightlife; Avenida Paulista and the Japanese district of Liberdade are particularly distinctive. On the coast are beaches such as Ilhabela and Ubatuba, while in the mountains, Campos do Jordão is a cool-weather resort town. The city can be visited year-round; in summer (December to March) the coast is liveliest but prone to thunderstorms. The gateway is São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport, Brazil's main air hub.

Destinations

• São Paulo City
• Ilhabela & São Sebastião
• Ubatuba
• Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande

Itineraries

• Rio to São Paulo Coast Road – Follow the Rio–Santos Highway to connect Ilha Grande, Paraty, Ubatuba, and Ilhabela.
• São Paulo North Coast Islands & Beaches – Descend from São Paulo, stay three nights in Ilhabela, and head to Ubatuba for island boat trips.
• Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty Green Coast – Combine the urban highlights of Rio with the beaches of Ilha Grande and the colonial charm of Paraty, fully accessible…
• Rio City and Day Trips – Stay in Botafogo. Spend four days in the city, plus three day trips to Arraial do Cabo, Ilha Grande and Petrópolis.
• Rio, Paraty, São Paulo & Iguazu – A classic first-time route in Brazil, connecting Rio, a colonial town, São Paulo, and Iguazu Falls.