11 days in Sao Paulo & Rio de Janeiro Itinerary

Don't let the city's nickname--"Land of Drizzle"--dampen your spirits during a trip to Sao Paulo.

Sao Paulo is known for museums, shopping, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: walk around Parque Ibirapuera, admire the masterpieces at Pinacoteca do Estado de Sao Paulo, examine the collection at Afro Brazil Museum, and visit Liberdade.

To find ratings, maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Sao Paulo trip planner.

Detroit, USA to Sao Paulo is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Brasilia Standard Time (BRT), which is usually a 2 hour difference. Plan for much warmer temperatures traveling from Detroit in December, with highs in Sao Paulo at 82°F and lows at 67°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Sun) early enough to travel to Rio de Janeiro.

Bustling with samba music and all-night street parties, no city encapsulates the spirit of Brazil better than Rio de Janeiro.

Rio de Janeiro is known for beaches, nightlife, and museums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: kick back and relax at Copacabana Beach, tour the pleasant surroundings at Praia de Ipanema, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Pedra Bonita, and take some stellar pictures from Leblon Beach.

To see ratings, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Rio de Janeiro online journey planner.

Traveling by flight from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Sao Paulo in December, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Rio de Janeiro, with lows around 74°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sat) so you can travel back home.