Southeast

Although not the first region to be colonised, since the 16th century the Southeast has been the economic hub of Brazil, centred first on Rio de Janeiro and subsequently on the industrial and commercial megalopolis of São Paulo, one of the world's most populated cities. The inland state of Minas Gerais, Brazil's leading dairy farming region, and the coastal state of Espírito Santo complete the region. Rio lost its status as the nation's capital in 1960, but the Southeast's supremacy in economic and cultural terms remains unchallenged.

The cradle of the Brazilian empire, independence, and republic, Rio de Janeiro's immense historical wealth in fine buildings, palaces, theatres and museums complements her natural splendour. Ascending the Serra do Mar mountain range reveals that the interior of Rio de Janeiro State is also rich in history and nature. The summer residence of the former Brazilian Emperor and his family gave birth to the charming towns of Petrópolis and Teresópolis, whilst the Paraíba Valley saw the country's first coffee plantations. Boasting some of the highest peaks in Brazil, Itatiaia is Brazil's oldest National Park. Returning to the coast once again, the atmosphere of colonial Brazil can still be felt in the town of Paraty, an 18th century gold and diamond port whose subsequent isolation has preserved architectural beauty worthy of World Heritage Monument status.

Minas Gerais, the fifth largest state in Brazil, hosts a collection of early eighteenth-century towns, the Cidades Históricas with among others Ouro Preto, Mariana, Congonhas, São João del Rei and Tiradentes. Originally mining camps, the gold rush quickly transformed these towns into treasure houses, not only of gold, but - more permanently - of fine Baroque art and architecture. Elegant colonial churches, steep cobbled streets, ornate mansions and even the historical atmosphere have all been preserved to make the cities one of the most impressive colonial legacies of the Americas.