Gardenia Robinson – författare

Photographs cannot prepare you for Rio. Against a magical backdrop of Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain, glittering emerald waters and powder-sand beaches, the leisurely Carioca life unwinds. Within easy reach of the city are the idyllic shores of pretty Paraty and lush, verdant Ilha Grande; inland, the glorious colonial cities of Minas Gerais dazzle with gold leaf and baroque buildings.

* Highlights maps and inspirational colour section, so you know what not to miss.

* Essentials section with indispensable information on getting there and around.

* Comprehensive, up-to-date listings of where to eat, drink and have fun.

* Detailed street maps for Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, Ouro Preto, Belo Horizonte and other key towns.

* Slim enough to fit in your pocket.

Ideal for travellers looking to explore beyond Rio de Janeiro as well as getting the best of this iconic city, this Footprint Handbook will help you make the most of your trip without weighing you down.

A vast city, Sao Paulo is the intellectual capital of Brazil, and nowhere in the country is better for concerts, clubs, theatre, ballet, classical music, all-round nightlife, restaurants and beautifully designed hotels. From admiring modernist Niemeyer buildings in the centre to relaxing on the glorious beaches of the coast, this Handbook will help you pick the most rewarding places to discover in this diverse state.

• Essentials section with practical advice on getting there and around.

• Highlights map so you know what not to miss.

• Reliable listings that you can trust, including where to eat, sleep and relax.

• Detailed street maps for Sao Paulo, Santos, and the Sao Paulo Metro.

• Slim enough to fit in your pocket.

Brimming with advice on how to navigate this buzzing metropolis, this Footprint guide will let you tantalise your taste buds in the city one day and explore the magnificent, rainforest-backed coastline the next.