Introduction
Travelling in South Eastern Brazil often starts with a visit to Rio de Janeiro and the ‘City of Marvels' is naturally a major highlight on a tour in this part of the country. From Rio can be visited long stretches of Atlantic coastline and stately colonial towns, which grew up during the gold mining rush of the 18th century.
Adjacent to Rio de Janeiro are the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo. The former is dotted with pretty mining towns such as Ouro Preto and Tiradentes, both of which are popular inclusions on tailor-made tours. The latter, less-visited and less-developed, is noted for the spectacular granite boulders of Pedro Azul and superb beaches that are often deserted for all but the visiting turtles. Further up the coast lies Bahia, which can easily be added to a South Eastern Brazil travel itinerary, for an extended Brazil holiday.
