Beyond the skyscrapers, São Paulo gives way to another world of coffee plantations, beaches and mountain villages, all accessible on day trips. The sands of Guaruja and Santos lie to the south, while to the north are pretty settlements on the banks of the Tietê River and Campos de Jordão (‘Little Switzerland') with its European character and nearby forest walks. Nineteenth century coffee plantations, on whose wealth the city of São Paulo was founded, provide a historical insight, as well as lunch in scenic surroundings.

Easygoing Brazil (tel: (11) 3801 9540; www.easygoing.com.br) organises trips to a coffee plantation and to Campos do Jordão, as well as rather ambitious day trips to Rio by plane.