Southern Coast

The Southern Coast of Brazil is within easy reach of Rio and/or Sao Paulo. Near Rio is the sophisticated resort of Buzios. After Brigette Bardot visited the quaint little fishing village in her heyday, it soon became known as the St Tropez of South America boasting beautiful beaches, lagoons, cobbled streets, charming restaurants and boutiques. Other destinations include the colonial jewel of Parati and the paradisical island of Ilha Grande. Further south, palm trees give way to pine forests, coffee plantations, cattle ranches and tranquil valleys. Visit the southern state of Santa Catarina and watch Southern Right Whales as they make their remarkable journey from the Antarctic to breed and nurse their calves (Jul to Nov) or visit the laid back coastal city of Florianopolis, with its stunning beaches, ranging from quiet bays to excellent surfing hot spots. Rio Grande do Sul, bordering Argentina, is home to windswept prairies, the legendary South American gaucho and mouth watering steak houses.