We had a free place to stay and connections in São Paulo, which was a huge reason. Also, after visiting Rio we all collectively agreed that if we had been there the whole time we wouldn't have been able to get any actual work done. Although we did have a great time while there.
They chose a crowded traffic-clogged endless concrete jungle, over the airy, green, lush beachside tropical paradise of Rio?
At least it says they went to Rio on long weekends.