SOS Children's Village Rio Bonito opened its gates in December 1980. It was built on a wooded hill in the Rio Bonito suburb south of São Paulo. It is about one hour from the city centre by car and is situated between two dams. The area of the two reservoirs has become a recreational area for the people who live in the big city. From one side of the SOS Children's Village, there is a beautiful view of the valley with its recreational facilities.

SOS Children's Village Rio Bonito consists of eleven family houses, where up to 108 children can find a new home. There is also the village director's house, a house for the so-called SOS aunts (SOS mother trainees or family helpers who support the SOS mothers during their daily work and fill in for them when they are ill or on leave), and an administration and service area.

An SOS Youth Facility has been set up in the city centre. It accommodates up to twelve youths from the SOS Children's Village. Young people usually move from the SOS Children's Village to an SOS Youth Facility when they start a vocational training course or go on to higher education. With the support of qualified youth workers, the young people develop realistic perspectives for their future, learn to shoulder responsibility and increasingly make their own decisions. They are encouraged to develop team spirit and build up contacts with relatives and friends, as well as with the relevant authorities and potential employers.

An SOS Social Centre offers full day care for up to 440 pre-school children from the local community. There is also an SOS Hermann Gmeiner Primary School, where up to 150 pupils can be taught.