State of Rio de Janeiro - Nature, Culture, and Contrasts Between Beaches and Mountains

Rio de Janeiro is world-famous as a city of superlatives. The Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Carnival are global icons. But the state of the same name offers much more than its celebrated capital. Between Atlantic rainforest, tropical beaches, colonial towns, and dramatic mountain landscapes, travelers discover a diverse land during their Brazil vacation – full of surprises and memorable experience

The state of Rio de Janeiro is located in southeastern Brazil and borders the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Espírito Santo, as well as the Atlantic Ocean. Its relatively compact size (about 43,000 km²) hides an astonishing variety of landscapes: from lush rainforests and mountain ranges to bays and island paradises, this state offers natural and cultural highlights rarely found so close together in Brazil.
A standout feature is the Serra do Mar, a mountain range that runs parallel to the coast. These mountains often drop steeply to the sea, creating dramatic scenery for cities like Rio itself, but also for towns like Paraty or Petrópolis. The inland areas are traversed by rivers, protected national parks, and rural regions with high potential for ecotourism.

Of course, no trip to the state is complete without visiting the city of Rio de Janeiro. This metropolis combines urban energy, spectacular nature, and rich cultural offerings like few places in the world. Visitor highlights include:

Rio is a city of contrasts - between wealth and poverty, nature and concrete, past and future. But it’s precisely this mixture that makes it so fascinating.

To the south of the state lies Paraty, one of Brazil’s most picturesque colonial towns. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses with colorful shutters, and a peaceful, car-free atmosphere. What makes Paraty special:

Paraty is ideal for travelers seeking culture, nature, and tranquility in an authentic Brazilian setting.

Just two hours from Rio de Janeiro, Petrópolis - the “Imperial City” - offers a completely different atmosphere. Once the summer retreat of Brazil’s royal family, it sits at an altitude of 800 meters, offering a cooler climate, elegant 19th-century architecture, and a laid-back mountain town vibe. Highlights include:

For nature lovers, the state of Rio offers plenty of opportunities beyond the well-known tourist areas. Key conservation areas include:

These regions are perfect for hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding, or boat excursions - often in combination with eco-conscious accommodations.

The cuisine in the state of Rio de Janeiro blends traditional Brazilian fare with fresh seafood and Portuguese and African influences. Must-tries include:

Whether at a local market or with a Caipirinha in a beach bar, the “Carioca” lifestyle is relaxed, warm, and always close to music and dance.

The state of Rio de Janeiro offers everything that can make a Brazil trip unforgettable: world-famous landmarks, captivating nature, deep-rooted culture - and also peaceful, authentic places far from the crowds. From beaches and mountains to colonial heritage, there’s something for every kind of traveler.
At Aventura do Brasil, we often include Rio as part of custom-built travel routes - whether as a starting point, a balance of city and nature, or as an extended beach escape to Ilha Grande or Paraty. If you want to experience Brazil, not just see it, don’t reduce Rio to its capital alone.

Sources: https://riotur.rio/en/editorial/mustseerio, https://www.melhoresdestinos.com.br/o-que-fazer-no-rio-de-janeiro.html, https://www.ilhagrande.com.br