While São Paulo stands out as Brazil’s largest city and an important hub for domestic and international flights and connections, Rio de Janeiro is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, set between mountains and the sea.

Between these two major cities lie some of the best destinations for exploring and experiencing the Atlantic Forest, including one of Brazil’s most beautiful coastal regions and the country’s 

oldest national park.

The northern coast of São Paulo and the southern coast of Rio de Janeiro are home to the region known as the Costa Verde (Green Coast), considered by many to be one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Brazil.

Ubatuba, in São Paulo, is the municipality outside the Amazon with the highest number of recorded bird species, making it a renowned destination for birdwatchers seeking the rich avifauna of the coastal Atlantic Forest.

The historic town of Paraty, in Rio de Janeiro, is also a renowned tourist destination. Listed as Brazilian cultural heritage, it provides access to secluded beaches in sheltered waters and is home to a vibrant cultural scene.

Between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro lies Itatiaia National Park, the oldest national park in Brazil, encompassing some of the highest mountains in the country.

With access to Atlantic Forest habitats ranging from approximately 700 to 2,500 meters in elevation, Itatiaia is an excellent destination for searching for the high-elevation endemics of southeastern Brazil, as well as for mountaineering and mountain-based itineraries.

Further south of Itatiaia, in the state of São Paulo, the same mountain range continues as the Mantiqueira Mountains.

In this region, the mountain town of Campos do Jordão, located at approximately 1,600 meters above sea level, offers excellent opportunities to explore high-elevation forests. These forests support the largest population of Vinaceous Parrots in the state, as well as extensive stands of Araucaria, the Brazilian pine.

In São Francisco Xavier, we have good chances of encountering two remarkable primates: the Southern Muriqui (Southern Woolly Spider Monkey), the largest primate in the Americas, and the Buffy-headed Marmoset, an endemic and threatened species of the Atlantic Forest.

Just two hours from São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), heading north, lies one of our main destinations for birdwatching and bird photography.

It is an excellent option for one- or two-day excursions, as well as a starting point for longer itineraries exploring the region.

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Approximately five hours from São Paulo and an important hub for domestic and international flights, Rio de Janeiro is undoubtedly one of Brazil’s most iconic destinations.

Our itineraries in the city can include famous landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Copacabana Beach, combined with a visit to the city’s historic Botanical Garden for a photography expedition, as well as a day trip to observe the threatened and iconic Golden Lion Tamarin.