where to visit north brazil

The Traveling Twin Mama

9 Best Places to Visit in Northeast Brazil (2024)- The Complete Travel Guide

Thinking about visiting Northeast Brazil? Read on to learn about the best cities, beaches, and experiences this region of Brazil has to offer.

Nestled within the heart of Brazil, the Northeast Brazil region is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. This underrated corner of Brazil offers an authentic and unique experience that sets it apart from the rest. From the golden beaches that stretch along the coastline, to the rhythm of traditional music that permeates the air, to the unique and delicious food that can’t be found in other parts of the country. Northeast Brazil captivates travelers of all types. 

Recently, I traveled to Northeast Brazil with my family (ages ranged from four – 65 years old). We were pleasantly surprised by all of the amazing activities and culture it had to offer. It was truly an unforgettable experience for all of us and left us itching to return and explore more of the magic offered by this region of Brazil. 

Whether you’re drawn by the allure of historic cities like Salvador, the lively rhythm of forró music, or the tranquil beauty of pristine beaches, a journey to Northeast Brazil promises an unforgettable adventure that unveils the lesser-explored facets of this captivating country. 

Continue reading to learn about the best places to visit in Northeast Brazil and the best beaches in the area for tourists to visit.

9 Best Places to Visit in Northeast Brazil

Northeast Brazil has many beautiful attractions that are full of culture, history, and incredible nature. As a bonus, it’s mostly undiscovered by international tourists – so you aren’t likely to feel cramped and crowded even during peak season. 

The following nine places are some of the best spots to visit in Northeast Brazil. 

Salvador is the capital of the Brazilian state of Bahia, located in Northeast Brazil. It is one of Brazil’s largest cities with a population of over 3 million people. As one of the larger cities in the northeast, it is an easy city to fly into from other parts of Brazil (or another country in South America ).

The historical port city of Salvador is known for its rich Afro-Brazilian culture, colorful houses, stunning beaches, vibrant music, and both delicious and unique cuisine. 

One of the best places to visit in Salvador is the Historic Center, which is also referred to as the Pelourinho. This historic part of Salvador is full of cobblestone streets, colorful colonial-style buildings, and the beautiful Catedral Basílica de Salvador. It’s a very picturesque area to visit while in Salvador.

As you walk through the streets of Pelourinho, all your senses will be overwhelmed by the unique culture. You’ll listen to locals play live music and dance in the squares, take in the beautiful sights, and smell traditional food being prepared behind the walls of Salvador’s many restaurants. We were actually lucky enough to be in Bahia, Salvador during a live fashion show! 

One of Salvador’s most unique attractions is the Lacerda Elevator – an urban elevator that connects the lower city to the upper city. It was actually the world’s first urban elevator and has become one of the top tourist attractions in Salvador. 

Salvador is surrounded by some of the most incredible beaches that Brazil has to offer.  Some of the best include Ilha dos Frades, Praia do Porto da Barra, Praia do Forte, Praia Farol da Barra, and Flamengo Beach.

Chapada Diamantina National Park

Chapada Diamantina National Park is a beautiful national park located in Bahia. The park is full of towering mountains with scenic views, amazing hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, and lots of mysterious caves .

To explore Chapada Diamantina National Park, you’ll first want to head to the town of Lençóis. Lençóis has a small airport, so flying there from Salvador or other Brazilian cities is possible. Another option is to arrive by bus, which takes around six hours from Salvador.

Since it’s a bit remote from other places in Northeastern Brazil, it is best to stay in Lençóis for a couple of days. It is important to explore the national park with a guide or on a group tour since it’s a very large area and many trails aren’t clearly marked.

One of the best things to do here is to visit the Fumaca Waterfall. Be sure to also include a visit to the beautiful underground caves and pools (such as Poço Azul). Another highlight is hiking the Morro do Pai Inacio, which is an incredibly scenic viewpoint in Chapada Diamantina National Park.

Explore the caves of Chapada National Park I love that this is an affordable private tour

Jericoacoara National Park

Jericoacoara Na tional Park is an incredible place to visit in the northeastern region of Brazil. Located in the state of Ceará, it is around a 1-hour flight or a 6-7 hour bus ride from Fortaleza. When visiting, you can stay in the small village of Jericoacoara which has a beachy, bohemian vibe and is known for incredible seafood.

Jericoacoara National Park is known for its stunning sand dunes, lagoons , and the famous Jericoacoara Beach. The sand dunes are especially unique, and one of the highlights of visiting is riding in a dune buggy across the dunes. This is an incredibly scenic place to visit, and it is a true hidden gem of the northeast region of Brazil.

✔️ Get Transportation availability and price from Jericoacoara to Fortaleza ✔️

Fortaleza is the capital of the Brazilian state of Ceará. Another major city in Brazil, Fortaleza is a great place to fly into from other Brazilian cities or nearby countries. It isn’t as popular for tourism compared to Salvador, but it is worth staying for a day or two before checking out other parts of Northeastern Brazil.

One of the unique things to do in Fortaleza is to explore the Mercado Central de Fortaleza, which is a large market full of all kinds of souvenirs. You can also plan a visit to one of the urban beaches like Praia do Futuro. Make sure to try some local food and drinks while you’re in the area!

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a remote national park in the Brazilian state of Maranhão. The closest town is Barreirinhas, which does have a small regional airport (making it possible to fly there from other Brazilian cities).

This national park has incredible sand dunes that reach up to 40m in height. During the rainy season from January through June, pools of water create lagoons in between the dunes. These lagoons are popular spots for swimming.

✔️ Learn more about a Guided Lagoon Tour ✔️

Recife is the capital city of the state of Pernambuco. The city is one of the largest in Northeast Brazil and is nicknamed the “Venice of Brazil” due to the waterways that wind through the city. As one of the largest cities in the northeast, it’s easily accessible by an airport and several bus connections. 

Recife is known for being a tropical, urban oasis and is full of incredible beaches such as Oa Viagem Beach. It is one of the more popular spots in Northeast Brazil for tourism and has fantastic bars, cafes, and nightlife.

Recife also has a historical old town that is full of 16th-century buildings and is definitely worth a visit. Another favorite with tourists, Marco Zero Square is a colorful square in the heart of the old town. While in Recife, be sure to plan a visit to the Casa da Cultura – a former prison that was converted into an artisanal marketplace.

Olinda is a charming historic town that also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco. Since it’s only a short drive from Recife, it’s possible to visit Olinda on a day trip if your time in Northeast Brazil is limited. 

As a colorful and lively town built in the 16th century, Olinda is definitely one of the highlights of the northeast region. Olinda’s historic center is a great place to wander around and enjoy the vibrant architecture and ornate churches. It is a popular town for artists, so there are many art galleries throughout the town as well as unique street art and traditional music.

Serra da Capivara National Park

Serra da Capivara National Park is an incredibly unique destination in Northeast Brazil. It’s a fairly remote area of Brazil, so I recommend going with a guide or on a tour. Serra has a small airport and the flight from Recife takes only 2 hours. 

Serra da Capivara National Park is a unique national park because it is home to one of the most important archeological sites in all of South America: its prehistoric cave paintings, which are believed to be 25,000 years old. The caves are a UNESCO World Heritage site and are a fascinating place to visit. There are also many hiking trails in this national park.

Natal is a city located on the northeastern tip of Brazil and is the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Natal is a large city, which makes it possible to access by bus or by flying from other cities in Brazil. 

Natal is best known for its dunes, lagoons, and incredible beaches with crystal-clear water. One of the best beaches is Ponta Negra, which is lined with restaurants and shops. For a more peaceful beach, you can visit Via Costeira. This beach stretches 10km on the coastline with no infrastructure, making it a very relaxing spot for a beach day or a great place to rent a dune buggy .

Another highlight in Natal is to visit the Forte dos Reis Magos – a historic 16th-century Portuguese fort, as well as the historic center of Natal.

Explore the Beach of Turtles- a private area only accessible via this tour

Best Beaches in Northeast Brazil

The northeast is widely known for having amazing beaches. At these Brazilian beaches, you can count on soft sand, beautiful blue waters, colorful corals, and plenty of marine life. The tropical climate and the beautiful beaches in Northeast Brazil are the main drivers of tourism in the region. Below are some of the best beaches in Northeast Brazil that are worth checking out during your trip.

Best Beaches in Northeast Brazil Near Salvador

Porto da Barra

Located in Salvador As one of the most popular beaches in Salvador, Porto da Barra Beach is known for its soft sand, excellent surfing, and lively beach bars. Since it’s such a popular spot, it’s best to get there early in the morning.

Praia do Forte

Located 80km north of Salvador Praia do Forte is a perfect beach for families since it’s very relaxing and more remote than the other well-known beaches in Salvador. Located along the coastline of a small village, it’s known for its soft, white sand and clear water. This is a common spot to find sea turtles!

Ilha dos Frades

Located near Salvador Ilha dos Frades is a beautiful island near Salvador that is the perfect spot for a picturesque beach day. Enjoy a scenic boat ride to the island and spend the rest of the day relaxing on a white-sand beach. 

Best Beaches in Northeast Brazil Near Recife

Praia Boa Viagem

Located near Recife Recife’s most popular beach consists of a lively 7-mile stretch of soft sand. The ocean waters in this area are warm and calm due to the protection of the coral reef, making it an excellent beach for some swimming or snorkeling. Perfect for traveling with kids who love the ocean!

Praia do Pina

Located near Recife Another popular beach in Recife is Pina Beach. This is a beautiful sandy beach with many hotels, restaurants, and bars in close proximity – making it the perfect area to plan your beach vacation in Brazil .

Porto de Galinhas

Located 60km south of Recife Porto de Galinhas is south of Recife on the coast of a small beach town. This beach is best known for its bright blue water and beautiful coral reefs, so it’s an excellent place for both scuba diving and snorkeling.

Best Beaches in Northeast Brazil Near Natal

Praia de Genipabu

Located near Natal Genipabu Beach is known for its rolling sand dunes, freshwater lagoon, and relaxing beach atmosphere. The environment here is under protection that bans new development and accentuates the natural scenery. Here, you can rent a buggy and head out to explore the sand dunes.

Praia Ponta Negra 

Located near Natal Ponta Negra Beach is a popular beach in Northeast Brazil for beach sports such as volleyball and surfing. It’s a very lively area full of hotels, restaurants, and Barracas – which serve food and drinks. On the south end of Praia Ponta Negra is Morro do Careca, a large dune, and landmark of Natal.

Best Beaches in Northeast Brazil Near Fortaleza

Praia do Futuro

Located near Fortaleza Full of music, bars, and food vendors, Praia do Futuro is a lively and fun beach to visit in Northeast Brazil. In addition to its upbeat atmosphere, there are also chairs and umbrella rentals available – making it the perfect spot for a beach day. 

Jericoacoara

Located 300km west of Fortaleza Located in a laid-back beach village, Jericoacoara is quite a long distance from Fortaleza – so it’s worth staying for a few days. You can take the bus or drive there, but it’s the fastest to fly. Jericoacoara Beach is known for its incredible windsurfing and kite surfing. You can also tour the sandy dunes and lagoons or rent a dune buggy to drive around the sand.

What to Know About Northeast Brazil

Northeast Brazil is a large region in Brazil that covers an area of more than 600,000 square miles and is made up of nine different Brazilian states. The population is around 53 million people, and it is home to several coastal cities – such as Salvador, Recife, Natal, and Fortaleza. The northeast has a diverse landscape filled with highlands, beaches, mountains, national parks, and more.

There’s no shortage of beautiful natural landscapes to explore here! However, the region is best known for its stunning coastline and beautiful beaches. 

English is common in some areas of Northeast Brazil , like Recife, Salvador, and Fortaleza. However, in the smaller beach villages you are less likely to find English-speakers, so be sure to download a handy translator app before your trip.

Transportation in Northeast Brazil

Since it’s such a large region, transportation around Northeast Brazil can be a little tricky to navigate at times. The most common method of transportation to get to or around the northeast region is to fly or take the bus.

Although taking a bus or driving around Northeast Brazil is possible, it’s sure to be a long journey – especially if you are coming from popular southern cities like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo . 

In my opinion, the best way to get around the Northeast quickly is to fly. When we visited, we booked flights on a couple of Brazil’s domestic, budget-friendly airlines such as Azul and GOL Airlines. We found it the most effective way to get from city to city since most of the cities in the northeast have an airport. 

FAQ: Northeast Brazil

A: Northeast Brazil, and Brazil in general, has a reputation for being unsafe. While there are some cities with higher than average crime rates, it’s possible to visit the region safely . Using a local guide, staying outside of high-crime neighborhoods, being alert to your surroundings, and avoiding being in unfamiliar areas at night are all necessary precautions for staying safe in Northeast Brazil. 

A: Northeast Brazil has a tropical climate, so temperatures remain warm and humid for much of the year. On average, temperatures in the major cities along the northeastern coast are between 72–88ºF (21–31ºC) for most of the year. The Northeast is known for having a lot of sunny days, but the rainy season is typically between February and May.

A: Northeast Brazil is known for its tropical climate, vibrant culture, coastal cities, incredible national parks, and stunning beaches that stretch for miles. It’s not uncommon to see surfers, snorkelers, scuba divers, and windsurfers enjoying the waves and/or marine environment in this region of Brazil. 

Conclusion: Best Places to Visit in Northeast Brazil

Northeast Brazil is a vastly underrated tourist destination that is worth visiting in South America. This region of Brazil has so much to offer – including coastal cities, breathtaking national parks, historic old town centers, colorful architecture, delicious local cuisine, and some of the best beaches Brazil has to offer. Be sure to add Northeast Brazil to your bucket list so you can experience this incredible region for yourself!

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7 Destinations You Have to Visit in Northeast Brazil

When you think of Brazil, you probably think of Rio de Janeiro  with its glamorous Copacabana Beach, vibrant Lapa, and the bohemian quarters of Santa Teresa. We loved our time in Rio, but it wasn’t until we traveled north visiting destinations in Northeast Brazil that we discovered a thriving beach scene, unspoiled nature, deep colonial heritage, and unique cuisine of this fascinating region. 

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If you are thinking of visitng Brazil and are looking to explore beyond Rio and Iguazu Falls, these are the destinations we recommend you visit the vibrant region of Northeast Brazil.

1. Salvador

If you are coming to Salvador from Rio de Janeiro (like we did), you’ll find the city to be a shock to the system (but in a good way). For us, its appeal was far beyond the cobblestone streets and colourful buildings of the UNESCO Heritage Listed Old Town and the beautiful views of the sun setting over the ocean from the Santo Antônio da Barra Fort.

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It was here that we got a chance to sample some amazing Bahian cuisine (aracaje and moqueca are the best ), learned a bit about the history of the slave trade in Brazil , and got our first introduction to the capoeira dance . If you are looking for a city to delve into Brazilian culture , Salvador is one of the must-see places to visit in Brazil.

Here’s our video exploring Salvador, Olinda and Fernando de Noronha

At first glance, Recife didn’t strike us as anything special. Its gritty commercial center, full of highrise apartments and business buildings didn’t inspire us to stick around for too long. 

But the second we set our foot on Recife’s long sandy drag known as Praia Boa Viagem, we knew we hit a real hot spot. The beautiful stretch of the beach was full of locals and visitors enjoying sun, sand, fresh coconuts, and the fried fish . 

In our opinion, Recife is one of the most underrated places to visit in Brazil. If you come here, make sure to spend some time at the beach, catching some sun and taking in the views.

Just half an hour north of Recife sits a pretty little town of Olinda, that in our opinion had more charm and appeal than most other cities in the Northeast of Brazil.

We fell in love with Olinda’s pastel-coloured buildings, winding streets, and beautiful views that emerged once we climbed to Alto da Se, the cathedral square at the top of the town.

Street food and souvenir stalls filled the square with buzz and excitement, making it that much harder to say goodbye to this bohemian town. We recommend adding Olinda in your itinerary of Northeast of Brazil, because it is yet another place that is under mass tourism’ radar (for now). Use the opportunity to visit this gem of Northeast Brazil before it gets affected by mass tourism.

4. Fernando de Noronha

The island of Fernando de Noronha is Northeast Brazil’s best kept secret. It’s exclusive (only 400 people are allowed to visit the island at a time) and it’s expensive (flights to the island, island fees, food, activities, and accommodation added up to be well over our budget). However, there is a good reason why this island located northeast of Brazil is so pricey.

The untouched nature of the island and its surrounding shores is unlike anything else we have seen in Brazil. Fernando is a haven for active travelers offering a multitude of hikes , snorkeling and diving opportunities, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. It’s easily one of the best Brazil vacation spots.

5. Morro Branco

Similar to a number of other destinations in Northeast Brazil, the small inconspicuous beach of Morro Branco remains untouched by mass tourism . We say that because, during our visit, we were the only foreigners in the sea of local visitors. We knew that we hit a local hot spot when a tour guide taking a group of locals around the area laughed in our face when we asked if his tour was available in English. Still, another of the best Brazil locations to add to your list!

Heres our video exploring Morro Branco,  Jericoacoara and  Lençóis

Luckily, the topography of Morro Branco’s sandy cliffs radiating a variety of yellow, orange, and red shades told us everything we cared to know. We walked around the small canyon, running through the heart of the cliffs, completely mesmerised by the views, thrilled to have discovered a spot as unique as this. It’s definitely one of the top places to visit in Brazil.

6. Jericoacoara 

The further we traveled in Northeast Brazil, the more sand we encountered. Luckily, Jericoacoara, a small town in the heart of the sandy National Park by the same name, offered more than sand. The town was built completely on the sand, but walking down its Main Street lined with boutique shops, kite surfing schools, and amazing restaurants , it was easy to forget exactly how remote this place was.

Jericoacoara sucked us in hard. A fishing village turned hippy backpacker town, Jeri had it all. Activities (kite-boarding, surfing, jeep tours, etc), beach , shopping , dining , and a happening nightlife make Jeri an easy place to get stuck in. We almost did.

7. Lençóis Maranhenses

If there was a place worth leaving Jeri for, it was the sprawling sand dune park of Lençóis Maranhenses. Lencois is an incredible natural phenomenon, a place where sand dominates all, where the horizon is filled with dunes and more dunes, where sheep and goats farm on the tiniest patches of grass, and where beautiful green freshwater lagoons create an incredible landscape. But besides the pristine landscapes, this place in Northeast Brazil offers a much-needed refreshing swim after a long hike up and down the dunes.

WHY NORTHEAST BRAZIL TOPS OUR LIST OF PLACES TO VISIT IN THE COUNTRY

Brazil boasts unparalleled nature and biodiversity, vibrant cities and friendly locals. And while many destinations in Brazil were interesting to visit, it was Northeast Brazil that really got us. 

This part of the country has a serene nature and environment and so many undiscovered places. If you are wondering what places to visit in Brazil, we definitely recommend adding some Northern Brazil destinations to your list.

Have you ever been to the Northeastern part of Brazil? What did you think? Did we miss anything?

About the author.

Oksana & Max St John

7 thoughts on “7 destinations you have to visit in northeast brazil”.

Hi Oksana and Max,

You’re absolutely right, when it comes the name of Brazil in our mind, the Rio de Janerio comes first which is the incredible place in the world. I have a wish to visit this place, see when it comes true.

Thanks a lot for suggesting the wonderful places of Brazil, I really unknown about the places which you have mentioned here. Sounds like each one is famous and perfect place to make the Brazil trip full of fun and relief. This is really interesting to know these places of Brazil, each one looks quite beautiful and suitable for make our Brazil trip awesome.

The island of Fernando De Noronha is amazing in looks and I got impressed to see the beauty of this place. Also, Lencois Maranhenses, Recife, Salvador is perfect find for trip. Thanks for highlighting the amazing destination of Brazil. I would like to visit Brazil soon. Have a great week ahead. – Ravi.

Hey there Oksana and Max,

I am currently living in Belo Horizonte, Brazil for a year. I am planning though on visiting Northeastern side of Brazil on September but I was a little bit distracted and hazy by the route to be taken in order to reach such places. Also bare in mind that i am on very tight budget around 2K Reais. So I would prefer if i would take a flight from Belo Horizonte to a place and then from the last destination to Belo Horizonte once again and the rest to be done by buses. So if you would mind helping me out finding the way and give me some tips regarding this matter!

Thank you so much guys <3

Hi Yarah, it is possible to get around Brazil by bus. It’s a cheaper and much more sustainable way to travel around the country. Bus rides between main cities can be long, so we recommend planning lots of stopovers in smaller towns along the way to break up your journey and see lesser visited destinations along the coast.

Wow, this Morro Branco looks amazing!! I have never heard of it, wish I could visit it sometime *-* And congrats on the post, it is really good and with great tips! Another tip for traveler is to get around Brazil by bus… sometimes it a long trip, but I think the buses are good at comfort and, most important, cheaper 🙂 I get my tickets online.

Hello guys!! We are planning a visit to the northeast of Brazil and would like a recommendation for a calm, beautiful and relaxed beach to rent a house….. It also should be possible to do a bit of kite surfing there….. any suggestions?? Yhanks so much, Marisa

Hi Marisa, We loved Jericoacoara. Great for kitesurfing and lots of lovely beaches around. Nice place to part up for a while.

Oh, I know the NE Region, I live here! Hahahaha. I’m very happy to see our beautiful region being noticed. I just felt I needed to add a few places from my own state, Alagoas, because it tends to go unnoticed. Alagoas is the second smallest state in the northeast (and the country), but it’s definetely one of the most beautiful. The beaches of Maragogi, Japaratinga, Patacho (in the city of Porto de Pedras), Mirante do Gunga and Barra de São Miguel are just a few examples. The historic cities of Penedo and Piranhas. The canyons of the São Francisco river. Google these places and you’ll Want to come back here right away, I guarantee you hahahahaha. Regards and safe travels!

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If we only had 2 weeks: North Brazil itinerary

Sometimes, I use affiliate/sponsored links with my recommendations, which if bought through might earn me a few pennies at absolutely no extra cost to you . This helps with the cost of keeping this site alive so I can continue to guide you on your travels. Please remember that I would never ever ever recommend anything I don’t or wouldn’t use myself. Big thanks to each and every one of you who have trusted my recommendations so far! Lozzy x

We’re lucky enough that our location independent business means that we can travel extra slow. If this is an option to you, we strongly recommend that you take your time, really getting to know and appreciate each country you’re in rather than try to cram as many passport stamps as you can into a few months. We would advise at least one month in each country in Latin America , perhaps with the exception of Panama and Belize, which have less going on.

However, that’s not always possible, as we are often asked by people who only have a 2 week holiday from their jobs where we would prioritise in the given time.

After this ideal 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary, I recommend also reading:

• 32 tips for safe travel in South America
• The 15 best Brazilian films and TV series
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So behold! Here is our 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary for anyone who is tight on time but still wants to soak up the best that this incredible country has to offer. Most visitors flock to the coastlines and landmarks of the South of the country, so by choosing to spend your in the North you’ll definitely being seeing some different spots to the usual Brazil itinerary.

This 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary will have you alternating from colonial cities to beaches in a whirlwind tour of the coastline, ending in an awe-inspiring trip to see the out-of-this-world sand dune lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses in Maranhão. Even though I’ve been there, I’m still jealous that you’ll go!

Things to consider when planning a trip to North Brazil

Remember, Brazil is GINORMOUS, like almost the size of Europe, and plane or bus transport internally tends to be both long and relatively expensive compared to the Latin American average. It’s not unusual to see 20, 30 and 40-hour buses running up and down the country, but luckily we have guides for you on what to look for in a night bus in South America and how to stay safe and comfortable on night buses .

When planning your 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary, you need to factor in these increased travel times, as well as the fact that routes between cities can’t always be assumed to exist, even if they are both major or they look close on the map. Brazil needs a bit more travel prep than other countries in Latin America, in our experience!

As you only have a fortnight in North Brazil, we highly recommend you fly as much as you can afford so as to save time – for the below 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary, this would mean flying from Porto Seguro to Salvador, then Recife to São Luis , and onto Rio de Janeiro to fly back home.

However, if you’re on a budget you can save money on accommodation but taking some of the journeys via night bus – you just may feel a bit groggy the next day!

Even though this is a 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary, we’ll start you off from the most southerly point of the trip, but it’ll probably be in your best interest to connect through Rio de Janeiro as this tends to offer the cheapest flights from Europe or North America. If you’d rather stay around the Rio area, don’t miss out on our 2 weeks South Brazil itinerary , too.

2 weeks North Brazil itinerary:

Here’s a quick run-down of my suggested 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary with recommended places to stay; below I’ll tell you more about what to do in each of these destinations.

What not to miss in your 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary

Days 1 to 4: porto seguro.

Kick off your 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary with a stroll along the port edge to see all the beautiful houses. Take a bus or rent a car to visit the hilltop church of Santa Cruz Cabrália and then join the beach parties at Axé Moi and Tôa Tôa. on your way back.

The next day, hop on the ferry to Arraial d’Ajuda and add a ribbon of Bonfim (Bahia wish bracelet) to the wall of the Matriz Nossa Senhora D’Ajuda church for good luck before spending an afternoon on the beach. Grab cocktails from one of the stalls on the Passarela do Álcool (alcohol catwalk).

Click here to read my full Porto Seguro guide.

Days 5 to 7: Salvador

Eat grilled cheese as you catch a sunset sitting under the lighthouse in the Barra district, browse Pelourinho in the daytime, have lunch on the balcony of Cafélier (you need to reserve a table in advance!), chill on the beaches of the Rio Vermelho district.

This is the best point in your 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary to soak up some spicy city nightlife; the area around Rio Vermelho is a good place to be for it!

Days 8 to 9: Maragogi

Get a tour to Praia dos Carneiros to see some gorgeous beaches and check out the famous green chapel at the water’s edge.

Back in Maragogi, swim in the Gales natural pools and walk the La Barra sand bar out into the sea.

Click here to read my full Maragogi guide.

Days 10 to 13: Barreirinhas (for Lençóis Maranheses)

With absolutely zero doubts in my mind, this will be the highlight of any 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary.

You have a few days here not only to get through the cumbersome transport necessities (like a flight to São Luis via Recife) but also to have a chance to really appreciate the natural wonder of Lençóis Maranhenses. You can also grab some downtime on the sandbacks of Atins.

Click here to read my full Lençóis Maranhenses guide.

Day 14: Rio de Janeiro

Ok, so depending on your flight times this will likely be a fleeting visit, but it’s a perfect way to sign off your 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary. Rio is an absolute hub of vibrance, and there’s a lot you can cram in during a one day stop-over before heading home.

My parents actually hired a taxi driver during their 12-hour connection in the city and ticked off 4 or 5 activities from the list of fantastic things to do in Rio de Janeiro .

Got 3 weeks in North Brazil?

Even better! Definitely add in a trip to Natal (below) and Pipa in between Maragogi and São Luis, though note that the transport between those places isn’t great so your cheapest option afterwards may be to get to Recife to catch a flight or 27-hour (gulp) bus to São Luis. Recife itself is a cool place to spend a couple of days, too.

An easier beachy alternative is to extend your time in the vibrant city of Salvador, getting the ferry over to Morro de São Paolo for a couple of days. If you’re done with the beach life, catch a flight up to Manaus and take some tours down the Amazon river to explore the rainforest.

If you haven’t yet decided where in Latin America to spend your 2 weeks holiday, you might also want to check these out before booking those flights!

• 2 weeks South Brazil itinerary
• 2 weeks Uruguay itinerary
• 2 weeks Peru itinerary
• 2 weeks Colombia itinerary
• 2 weeks Ecuador itinerary
• 2 weeks Belize itinerary
• 2 weeks Nicaragua itinerary
• 2 weeks Guatemala itinerary
• Which country to visit in Latin America?

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Last Updated on 17 October 2022 by Cuppa to Copa Travels

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10 Best Places to Visit in Northeast Brazil

When hear about Brazil , most people around the world automatically think about Rio de Janeiro , its numerous attractions, its golden beaches, and of course, the Carnival, which is the most popular on the planet.

On the one side, for a country is good to have so famous cities on its territory.

In this case, however, Rio attracts too much attention, and many other places, which are actually just amazing, remain less famous and just don’t receive the attention they deserve.

Here we would like to show you 10 places you should definitely consider for your next vacation.

They are all located in the Northeast Region of Brazil and reveal one less popular but really adorable side of the country.

1. Lençóis Maranhenses, Maranhão

The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is located in the northern part of the state of Maranhão, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

It covers an area of 1550 sq.km. and is a place of unique natural beauty.

It is really very contrasting compared to the rest of Brazil because this is one of the most forested and green countries on the planet, and in the same time, the National Park rather looks like a sandy desert.

Most of its territory is occupied by huge sandy dunes and is practically devoid of vegetation.

At the same time, the area receives abundant precipitations over the year.

For this reason many people call Lençóis Maranhenses “the rainiest desert on the planet”.

There is one more thing that makes this place so unique.

The sandy dunes are diversified by freshwater lagoons, which are sometimes home to small populations of fish.

They usually come here during the high-water season of the local rivers.

2. Fernando de Noronha Island, Rio Grande do Norte

Fernando de Noronha is one of the most beautiful and important places to visit in the Northeast Region of Brazil.

Since 2001, together with the other islands of the archipelago with the same name, Fernando de Noronha is under the auspices of UNESCO.

It is located approximately 358 km northeast of the state of Rio Grande do Norte although actually as a municipality it belongs to the state of Pernambuco.

The island is known for its fabulous golden sandy beaches, which are often compared to the beaches of Hawaii and are considered among the most beautiful in South America.

Its warm and full of life tropical waters attract divers from around the world.

However, the number of visitors is limited to about 500 per day!

The island enjoys perfect weather and temperatures between 28 and 30°C during the day and night temperatures of around 24°C.

3. The old town of São Luís, Maranhão

São Luís was founded in 1612 by French seafarers. Over the centuries the city has been influenced by people from different parts of the world but mostly by French, Spanish, Dutch, and of course by Portuguese.

All of them have left their own cultural imprints over the face of the city.

The old historic centre of São Luís, the capital of the state of Maranhão, is considered one of the most beautiful in the Americas, together with places such as Havana in Cuba or Cartagena in Colombia .

Because of its architectural treasure, today this place is a real museum under the open sky.

Since 1997, the city is under the auspices of UNESCO .

They often compare the city of São Luís with the capital of Portugal , Lisbon, and the similarity between them is really obvious in many aspects.

4. The beaches of Morro de São Paulo, Bahia

Morro de São Paulo is a small town located on the northern tip of the island of Tinharé, in the central coastal part of the state of Bahia.

The town is really charming but not its old spirit is what makes this place so special.

Actually, the town is famous all across Brazil for its legendary beautiful seven beaches.

They are just incredible and are covered by the finest golden sand.

The coastal water is azure and shallow, which makes Morro de São Paulo the perfect place for a nice summer vacation.

In addition, the summer season here never ends so you can enjoy equally good weather in January and in July.

The beaches are separated from each other by coastal rocks, forming several larger or smaller adorable beaches.

The seawater temperature is around 25 – 28°C throughout the year.

The average temperature during the day is 26 – 30°C so the perfect weather is guaranteed.

5. The old town of Olinda, Pernambuco

The old town of Olinda in the state of Pernambuco is the best preserved colonial city on the territory of Brazil, and since 1982, it is under the auspices of UNESCO .

It an exceptionally charming place, with very well preserved architecture and numerous building from 16 century.

Although this is not the oldest city in the country, there is no other place Brazil to offer such an authentic historical atmosphere from the earliest days of Brazil.

Nowadays, most of the tourist usually visit the South and the Southeast of Brazil, and sadly, many people haven’t even heard about this treasure.

However, for a real traveler, who wants to feel the real taste of Brazil outside the banal tourist routs, the old town of Olinda is a must!

The only you should think about in advance is the temperature.

Here, even in July (the coldest month), the average temperature during the day is over 27°C in the shade!

6. The beach village of Canoa Quebrada, Ceará

Canoa Quebrada is a small and very quiet tourist village on the coast of the state of Ceará, in the Northeast Region of Brazil.

It is located approximately 125 km southeast of the downtown of the famous Brazilian metropolis of Fortaleza.

This place is a well known destination for outdoor activities.

Its popularity comes mostly from the fact that it is a great kitesurfing destination.

Actually, Canoa Quebrada is considered one of the kitesurf capitals in the world, so if you are into this water sport, this place is a must for you!

Except as a kitesurf hot spot, Canoa Quebrada is also famous for its sandy dunes.

The stripe of fine golden sand is nearly 5 km wide at some places, so it is too wide to be called simply a beach.

It rather looks like a smaller model of the Sahara desert .

If you want to explore the area, the best way to do it is by buggy.

 7. Chapada das Mesas National Park, Maranhão

Chapada das Mesas National Park is one of the most beautiful wild places to visit not only in Brazil but in the world.

This small piece of the heaven is located in a picturesque remote area in the southwestern parts of the state of Maranhão and covers a territory of around 159,952 hectares.

This is one of the places in the country that really worth a visit.

Here you will find an amazing combination of some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country such as São Romão Waterfall and Prata Waterfall, wild savannah, deepwater rivers surrounded by dense tropical vegetation, wonderful canyons and rock formations with strange shapes as well as a great variety of species of wild animals.

The site was declared a national park in 2005.

The closest city to the national park is Carolina, which is located at one of the meanders of the Tocantins River and has a population of less than 24,000 people.

8. Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia, Bahia

If you visit the Northeast Region of Brazil, you definitely have to pay some special attention to one of the old capitals of the country – Salvador.

The old town of the city is known for its rich colonial-style architecture. Since 1985, the historic centre of the city is under the auspices of UNESCO .

From 1549 to 1763, as we already said, Salvador de Bahia (the official name of the city) was the capital of Brazil, and this explains its rich historical spirit, which could be compared only to some of the oldest cities in old Europe.

The place is known under the name Pelourinho, and it is a really great place to buy some souvenirs, to visit some small old fashioned coffee or restaurant, or just to walk around the paved streets enjoying the colorful building.

9. Chapada Diamantina National Park. Bahia

If you want to visit a mysterious and picturesque place in Brazil but you still haven’t decided where to go, Chapada Diamantina National Park is the place for you.

It offers amazing landscapes, including forested plateaus, deep valleys and green canyons.

The area is home of a great variety of species of wild animals.

It covers an area of around 152,142 hectares in the central parts of the state of Bahia and is located more than 400 km west of Salvador de Bahia.

The national park is well known also for its caves.

The most famous of all is the Blue Well – a deep flooded cave, which is considered the most beautiful in South America.

10. Porto de Galinhas, Pernambuco

Porto de Galinhas is located on the coast of the state of Pernambuco, approximately 30 km south of the city of Recife. The place is one of the top tourist destinations of Brazil.

It attracts tourists with its fabulous beaches, shallow turquoise waters, and year round great weather with temperatures between 27°C in July and 30°C in January.

It is one of the most important places to consider if you are planning a vacation in Brazil.

This place is known as an important yachting hot spot.

Snorkeling is another activity you can practice here.

It won’t be difficult even if you have no any experience because the reefs are just a few steps of the golden sandy beach.

In addition, the level of services in the local hotels and restaurants in this popular tourist destination is known as one of the highest in Brazil and South America as a whole.

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Whereas elegant Rio de Janeiro and cosmopolitan São Paulo may be the best-known places in Brazil , the Northeast , or Nordeste is one of the liveliest - a land of sunny beaches, colonial towns, vibrating street parties, music and friendly people.

States [ edit ]

Nine states comprise the Northeast region, counting along the coast from the south:

Despite being grouped together, culturally and geographically speaking some of those states can be very far apart from each other.

Cities [ edit ]

• -3.7275 -38.5275 1 Fortaleza - the pleasant capital of Ceará and close to several spectacular beaches
• -7.12 -34.88 2 João Pessoa - the capital of Paraíba , with the easternmost point in the Americas
• -7.212778 -39.315 3 Juazeiro do Norte - One of Brazil's most famous pilgrimage sites, located in rural Ceará.
• -9.665833 -35.735 4 Maceio - the beautiful capital city of Alagoas , known as the "Waters' Paradise"
• -5.795 -35.208889 5 Natal - Founded on the 25th of december (Natal means Christmas in Portuguese), and the capital of Rio Grande do Norte
• -8.053889 -34.880833 6 Recife - Nicknamed "The Brazilian Venice", it is built on several islands linked by many bridges. Rich in history, art and folklore. Do not miss neighboring Olinda and Porto de Galinhas. The city is also a gateway to the amazing archipelago of Fernando de Noronha.
• -12.983056 -38.492778 7 Salvador (Salvador da Bahia) - the capital of Bahia , rich in African influence and colonial architecture
• -2.53 -44.302778 8 São Luís - a major city, capital of Maranhão and halfway between Amazon and Northeast.
• -5.0949 -42.8042 9 Teresina - Considered by some to be the hottest city in Brazil, it is the capital of Piauí and a gateway to exploring the pre-historic remains in Serra da Capivara .

Other destinations [ edit ]

• -17.97122 -38.70028 1 Abrolhos — archipelago off the coast of Bahia
• -12.880278 -41.372222 2 Chapada Diamantina National Park
• -3.855 -32.425 3 Fernando de Noronha — tropical island paradise in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. Is protected as a Marine National Park since 1997 and a World Heritage Site
• -2.734945 -41.835215 4 Ilha dos Poldros — an island right by the main mouth of the Parnaíba river
• -2.533333 -43.116667 5 Lençóis Maranhenses — stunning white sand dunes
• -4.083333 -41.666667 6 Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades — created as a national park mainly because of the paintings, although most viritors find more pleasure in rock formations and wildlife
• -8.6667 -42.55 7 Serra da Capivara National Park — a protected area and World Heritage site , contains the oldest prehistoric rock paintings in the Americas

Understand [ edit ]

The Northeast is the sunniest of Brazilian regions. Although this may mean long periods of drought for the mainly agricultural inland of some states (and thus crop losses and widespread poverty), the climate also provides almost year-round opportunities for beach-going and other outdoor activities. Long favoured by Brazilian holiday makers, the Northeast has also become increasingly popular with European travellers, especially from Portugal , Spain and Italy due to language and cultural similarities.

The region was also the original site of European colonization in Brazil. The first Europeans landed in Bahia, set up the country's first capital in Salvador, and over the next centuries brought millions of slaves from Africa to the region. Added to the indigenous population, the result is a fascinating rich cultural mix that makes up some often unknown faces of Brazilian culture.

Talk [ edit ]

• oxente ( oh shench ) or oxe ( oshe ) :Sounds like "Oh Shit", but actually it is an interjection. It can mean admiration, surprise or a misunderstanding.

Get in [ edit ]

The largest airports are Salvador , Recife and Fortaleza , which provide easy access to most of Brazil. Some international flights too, but nothing compared to Rio or São Paulo . The international airport NAT  IATA in Natal receives domestic flights, and a flight from Lisbon (as of March 2021).

Get around [ edit ]

See [ edit ], do [ edit ], eat [ edit ], local dishes [ edit ].

• Buchada de Bode : made with the white entrails of a goat, with rice and farofa on the side. Not for the weak of stomach, this is considered a dish of national pride.
• Carne de Sol (sun-dried meat): beef jerky, a very traditional cearense food item, eaten in a wide array of styles, often splashed with clarified butter
• Escondidinho : dish of shredded beef jerky (or shredded chicken breast, or shrimps) topped with mashed cassava, seasoned with clarified butter and gratin with coalho cheese
• Macaxeira frita : cassava fries, frequently enjoyed as a late night snack
• Moqueca : seafood stew made with coconut milk
• Rapadura : brick of dried raw garapa (sugarcane juice). Very caloric and durable and portable and rich in vitamin C. Traditional cowboy fare
• Sarapatel : made with the red entrails and blood of a goat or pig. Another dish not for the weak of stomach.

Local beverages [ edit ]

• Açaí : thick creamy purple juice from the grated fruit of the açaí palm ( Euterpe oleracea ); particularly tasty when served with crushed cashew nuts ( castanha de caju ), whipped with banana and honey.
• Cajuína : delicious clarified juice from the pulpy part of the cashew fruit, sold in glass bottles

Drink [ edit ]

Stay safe [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

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Traveller's Guide: North-east Brazil

In the second instalment of our four-part series, produced in association with lonely planet, bridget gleeson examines the afro-brazilian heartland and blissful beaches beyond, article bookmarked.

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Brazilians call the north-eastern state of Bahia "a terra da felicidade" – the land of happiness. It's not hard to understand why when you're flat on your back on a white sandy beach, or face to face with a school of tropical fish, or dancing in the street to the rhythm of African drumming, or watching the sun set over the ocean with a cold caipirinha in hand. However, for all the apparent festivity, the heartland of Afro-Brazil is steeped in strife. But it's the sharp contrast between light and dark, between the painful past and the exuberant present, that gives Brazil's north-east its unique cultural identity.

One of the oldest cities in the Americas and Brazil's first official capital, Salvador da Bahia was founded by the Portuguese in 1549 and later became the hub of the African slave trade in the Americas. Five million Africans were brought to Brazil as slaves between the 16th and 19th centuries. Thanks to their descendants carefully preserving and celebrating a wide range of African traditions, the coastal city is marked by an intriguing cultural mix.

Women in colourful dresses sell traditional African street food in front of colonial Portuguese houses. Antique bells ring atop Catholic churches, and nearby, followers of Candomblé – a mystical, African religion – release flowers into the sea in homage to one of their orixas, or deities. At night, Bahian women prepare traditional Afro-Brazilian food for the locals streaming by on their way to the Forte de Santo Antonio to watch a spectacular sunset over the water. The Portuguese fort, dating from 1698, contains the oldest lighthouse in South America; the classic street snack to try nearby is acaraje, balls of dough fried in dende (palm) oil and served with spicy sauces.

In Pelhourinho, the city's historic centre, festive displays of capoeira (a form of martial arts developed by slaves) enliven European-style plazas. Visitors can learn the basics at Associacao Brasileira de Capoeira Angola (00 55 71 3356 7640; capoeirabrasilbahia.com ). The family friendly capoeira association runs classes open to all ages for around R30 (£8) per person; no Portuguese language skills are required to participate. Afterwards, you can watch the professional capoeiristas practise their craft.

Even in the most peaceful contemporary settings, remnants of the region's dark past remain. A favourite Saturday evening draw for both locals and visitors is JAM no MAM at the Museu de Arte Moderna (00 55 71 3241 2983; jamnomam.com.br ), featuring live bossa nova music on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The museum is housed within the historic Solar do Unhao sugar-producing complex, a space that Bahians say is haunted by the ghosts of slaves.

It's not all about Africa in Brazil's north-east, though. The region is home to a number of gorgeously preserved historic cities famous for their colonial architecture. In Salvador, the Pelourinho is the historic centre: with its vibrantly hued old houses, pretty colonial churches and steep cobblestone streets, it's like walking through a larger-than-life jewellery box.

Further north, on the banks of the Rio Sao Francisco, Penedo in Alagoas state is packed with notable 17th- and 18th-century churches. Olinda, in Pernambuco, is famous for its Baroque chapels and pastel-coloured houses just north of Recife, and on the far northern coast, Sao Luis in Maranhao is crowded with gorgeous old mansions that earned the city a spot on Unesco's World Heritage list.

History and culture aside, the blissful white beaches along the Atlantic coastline – from the fashionable holiday enclaves of southern Bahia to the tranquil fishing villages of Alagoas, and extending all the way up to the sand dunes of Natal, in the far north – are reason enough to visit. A land of happiness, indeed.

North East Brazil

Parties and festivals

Rio de Janeiro's carnival might draw the largest crowds, but many Brazilians say Salvador's celebration – bringing in more than two million partygoers for six days of revelry just before Ash Wednesday – is superior. At the annual Carnaval de Salvador (27 February-5 March 2014; www.carnaval.salvador.ba.gov.br ), the emphasis is on music, with Bahian axe and pagode (pop music) bands playing atop trios eletricos (floats loaded with huge speakers) and an ongoing parade of blocos afros (Afro-Brazilian drum corps.) Most big cities in the north-east host a lively but lower-key carnival.

Other festivals of note are tied to Candomblé tradition. February's Festa de Iemanja ( culturatododia.salvador.ba.gov.br ) is held in Salvador to honour Iemanja, goddess of the sea and fertility. Devotees release offerings of flowers, perfume and mirrors into the sea in the bohemian district of Rio Vermelho; later, the ceremony erupts into a huge street party that lasts into the small hours.

Music and dance

North-east Brazil has proud and distinct musical traditions. You'll hear forro, an energetic mix of African drums and accordion strains. In Salvador, get an overview of afro, samba, and capoeira set to the live percussion – as well as the mystical music and dance of the Candomblé religion – at an evening performance of the world-renowned folkloric ballet troupe Bale Folclorico da Bahia (00 55 71 3321 0025; balefolclorico dabahia.com.br ). Tickets cost R40 (£11). Sao Luis is regarded as the nation's reggae capital; pull up a chair at Bar do Nelson (00 55 98 8776 2875; facebook.com/nelsonreggaeroots ) or one of the casual pavement bars in the historic centre.

Food and drink

A one-of-a-kind indulgence that's not to be missed, Afro-Brazilian cuisine combines fresh seafood and coconut milk with West African staples such as dende, a rich palm oil. Try a classic moqueca (fish stew) at one of the breezy seafront restaurants in the lively Barra area of Salvador, such as Caranguejo do Porto (00 55 3245 9197; caranguejodoporto.com.br ). In the Pelourinho, take a break at Cafelier (00 55 3241 5095; cafelier.com.br ), a quaint café on a cliff above the bay. Try a caipirinha, the beloved cocktail of limes, sugar and cachaça, a high-proof sugarcane spirit – you'll find these everywhere but at Cafelier, they're perfectly prepared and served in glass goblets.

Peaceful beaches

In Bahia, dreamy stretches of white beach include the rustic Caraiva ( caraiva.com.br ) and the magical Praia do Espelho ( praiadoespelho.net.br ), just south of Trancoso where the Uxua Casa Hotel (00 55 73 3668 2277; uxua.com ) epitomises the boho scene. Casas from R1,684 (£431), B&B. Further north, near Porto Seguro, the clifftop Arraial d'Ajuda ( arraialdajudaportal.com ), is a getaway for Brazilians and Argentinians. Two hours by boat from Salvador is the postcard-perfect, car-free isle of Morro de Sao Paulo ( morrodesaopaulo.com.br ). Going north along the coast, Maceio ( guiamaceio.com ) in Alagoas, is a relaxed destination. In the states of Paraiba and Rio Grande de Norte, expect to spot dolphins around Praia da Pipa ( pipa.com.br ). For sand dunes, head to Natal and further north to Lencois Maranhenses ( parquelencois.com.br ).

Where to stay

In Salvador, the lovely Casa do Amarelindo (00 55 71 3266 8550; casadoamarelindo.com ) is in a 19th-century colonial house in the heart of the Pelourinho. The colourful boutique hotel features a terrace cocktail bar with sweeping sunset views over the Baia de Todos os Santos. Doubles start at R350 (£94), including breakfast.

Further north, right on the beach in the "Sun City" of Natal, a famous Brazilian nature photographer runs the romantic Manary Praia Hotel (00 55 84 3204 2900; manary.com.br ). Doubles, including breakfast, start at R418 (£112).

Soak up the colonial charm of Sao Luis at the affordably priced Portas da Amazonia (00 55 98 3222 9937; portasdaamazonia.com.br ), an Italian-run pousada inside a restored mansion in the Centro Historico. Doubles start at R115 (£31), including breakfast.

Travel essentials

Getting there

Many travellers arrive in Brazil's north east via Salvador's Luis Eduardo Magalhaes International Airport (SSA), served from Gatwick via Madrid by Air Europa (0871 423 0717; aireuropa.com ); from Heathrow via Lisbon by TAP Portugal (0845 601 0932; flytap.com ); and by TAM (020 8741 2005; tam.com.br ) from Heathrow via Sao Paulo. TAP also serves Recife's Guararapes International Airport (REC) and Natal's Augusto Severo International Airport (NAT) via Lisbon.

For travel within the region, try Brazilian airlines such as TAM, GOL (00 55 300 115 2121; voegol.com.br ) and Azul (00 55 4003 1118; voeazul.com.br ). Foreigners must buy plane tickets through a travel agent, as airlines' websites generally don't accept non-Brazilian credit cards.

For shorter hauls, take advantage of Brazil's excellent network of comfortable short- and long-distance buses. A wide variety of carriers and schedules are available on the website Busca Onibus ( buscaonibus.com.br ).

Lonely Planet's guide to Brazil is out now, priced £18.99 ( shop.lonelyplanet.com )

Click here for the best hotels in Bahia

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The 10 best places to visit in Northeast Brazil

Northeast Brazil is a region filled with natural beauty, rich culture, and fascinating history. With its paradisiacal beaches, lush landscapes, and charming historic cities, the Northeast is a must-visit destination for travel enthusiasts.

The capital of Bahia is known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich Afro-Brazilian heritage. The Pelourinho, a historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets and colorful colonial houses, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with culture, music, dance, and typical cuisine.

Porto de Galinhas Beach

This is one of the most famous beaches in Brazil, known for its crystal-clear waters, natural pools teeming with colorful fish, and stunning coconut palm trees.

Lençóis Maranhenses

A true wonder of nature, this unique area is characterized by its immense white sand dunes that form temporary freshwater lagoons between the months of June to September. A real paradise for photography and nature enthusiasts.

The capital of Ceará is famous for its extensive beaches, such as Praia do Futuro, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy delicious local cuisine, like the famous “caranguejada” crab dish.

Recife and Olinda

Recife is a city full of culture and history, known for its rivers and bridges. Olinda, its neighboring city, is a charming colonial town with cobblestone streets, historic churches, and exciting cultural festivals.

Jericoacoara

A paradise for water sports lovers, Jericoacoara is famous for its dunes, lagoons, and incomparable beaches. It’s an ideal destination for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and other thrilling activities.

Fernando de Noronha

This archipelago is an ecological paradise and a marine conservation area. Its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life make it one of Brazil’s most coveted destinations.

Chapada Diamantina

For adventurers, Chapada Diamantina offers breathtaking trails, incredible waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts.

The capital of Maranhão is a city rich in cultural and architectural heritage. Its historic center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its colonial mansions and folk festivals.

Known as the “Brazilian Caribbean,” Maceió is famous for its clear waters and natural pools formed by coral reefs. Praia de Ponta Verde and Praia do Francês are some of the most popular beaches.

These are just a few of the many wonders that the Brazilian Northeast offers. Each destination has its own identity and charm, providing unforgettable experiences for travelers wishing to explore this fascinating region of Brazil.

Matheus Araújo

Matheus is an entrepreneur at Araujo Media, where he serves as CEO and Creative Director. He shares analyses on his personal blog "matheusaraujo.me" and is currently pursuing a degree in Advertising and Propaganda. Moreover, he has a passion for history, particularly that of Brazil, which led him to become the founder and editor of the Brazilian History portal.

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The northeast of Brazil, from the state of Bahia to the state of Ceará, boasts a stunning and varied coastline of palm fringed deserted beaches, reef pools, mangrove swamps and busy little fishing towns.

Some of Brazil’s most exclusive beach retreats can be found on this stretch of coast as well as a handful of wonderful small, locally run pousadas that are ideal for those with their own vehicle looking to explore the area at their leisure.

Although the southern parts of this coastline do have a rainy season it’s more than manageable with a well-timed afternoon nap, whilst further north there are over 300 days of sunshine on average each year making it a fantastic destination to visit year round.

Start planning your tailor-made trip to the Northeast Coast by contacting one of our Brazil specialists

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Places to visit in the Northeast Coast

Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting the Northeast Coast, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travellers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.

Jericoacoara

Natal & Around

Recife & Olinda

Start planning your trip to The Northeast Coast

Map of the northeast coast, places & hotels on the map, places in and around the northeast coast.

• Jericoacoara The Northeast Coast
• Natal & Around The Northeast Coast
• Pipa The Northeast Coast
• Recife & Olinda The Northeast Coast
• Morro de São Paulo 108 miles away
• Trancoso 115 miles away
• Salvador 140 miles away
• Praia do Forte 177 miles away
• Lençóis & Chapada Diamantina 228 miles away

Photos of the Northeast Coast

Our expert guides to exploring the Northeast Coast

Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting the Northeast Coast, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate the Northeast Coast at its best.

Family holidays in Brazil

Why you should consider a family trip to Brazil, and what to do once you’re there. From hotel and resort recommendations to how to see Rio, we explain the best ways to experience Brazil’s key highlights as a family.

Accommodation choices for the Northeast Coast

We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit the Northeast Coast. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

Pousada Naquela

Toca da Coruja

Manary Praia Hotel

Pousada Do Amparo

Pousada dos Quatro Cantos

Hotel 7 Colinas

Kenoa Resort

Pousada Praiagogi

Out of Your Comfort Zone

The art of backpacking & adventures to get out of your comfort zone – tips and advice, 20 best & most beautiful beaches in the brazilian northeast.

Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by Talita

Brazil has a claim to a coastline that stretches 7,000 kilometers in length and full of beautiful beaches from north to south. However, the majority of these beaches are actually located in the northeast of the country, a region in which each state has beaches and coastline, giving you an abundance of beaches to choose from!

This means that the Brazilian northeast has beaches for all tastes and ages, from those with calm, paradisical settings to those wild ones with great waves for surfing . 

So if you’re planning your next getaway or have ever wondered what beach to visit in Brazil northeast, check out this list to find one to add to your itinerary! 

Table of Contents

• 1.1    1. Praia dos Carneiros (“Ram Beach”) – Tamandaré, Pernambuco 
• 1.2    2. Cabo Branco (“White Cape”) – João Pessoa, Paraíba
• 1.3    3. Jericoacoara – Jijoca de Jericoacoara, Ceará
• 1.4    4. Pontal de Maracaípe – Ipojuca, Pernambuco
• 1.5    5. Praia de Canoa Quebrada (“Broken Canoe Beach”) – Aracati, Ceará
• 1.6    6. Praia do Gunga (“Swing Beach”) – Roteiro, Alagoas
• 1.7    7. Praia de Macapá – Luís Correia, Piauí
• 1.8    8. Praia do Forte (“Fort Beach”) – Mata de São João, Bahia
• 1.9    9. Praia do Saco – Estância, Sergipe
• 1.10    10. Praia de Muro Alto (“High Wall Beach”) – Ipojuca, Pernambuco
• 1.11    11. Praia do Panaquatira – São José de Ribamar, Maranhão
• 1.12     12. Praia de Genipabu – Extremuz, Rio Grande do Norte
• 1.13    13. Porto de Galinhas (“Hen Port”) – Ipojuca, Pernambuco
• 1.14    14. Praia de Igarapé Grande (“Big Stream Beach”) – Turiaçu, Maranhão
• 1.15    15. Praia de Maragogi – Maragogi, Alagoas
• 1.16    16. Tambaba – Conde, Paraíba
• 1.17    17. Praia das Dunas (“Dune Beach”) – Estância, Sergipe
• 1.18    18. Praia do Francês (“The Frenchman’s Beach”) – Marechal Deodoro, Alagoas
• 1.19    19. Praia do Coqueiro (“Coconut Palm Beach”) – Luís Correia, Piauí
• 1.20    20. Baía dos Porcos (“Bay of Pigs”) – Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco
• 2.1 In conclusion…
• 3 Planning your next trip?

What are the 20 best & most beautiful beaches in Northeast Brazil?  

• Praia dos Carneiros – Tamandaré, Pernambuco
• Cabo Branco – João Pessoa, Paraíba
• Jericoacoara – Jijoca de Jericoacoara Ceará
• Pontal de Maracaípe – Ipojuca, Pernambuco
• Praia de Canoa Quebrada – Aracati, Ceará
• Praia do Gunga – Roteiro, Alagoas
• Praia de Macapá – Luís Correia, Piauí
• Praia do Forte – Mata de São João, Bahia
• Praia do Saco – Estância, Sergipe
• Praia de Muro Alto – Ipojuca, Pernambuco
• Praia do Panaquatira, São José de Ribamar, Maranhão
• Praia de Genipabu – Extremuz, Rio Grande do Norte
• Porto de Galinhas – Ipojuca, Pernambuco
• Praia de Igarapé Grande – Turiaçu, Maranhão
• Praia de Maragogi – Maragogi Alagoas
• Tambaba – Conde, Paraíba
• Praia das Dunas – Estância, Sergipe
• Praia do Francês – Marechal Deodoro, Alagoas
• Praia do Coqueiro – Luís Correia, Piauí
• Baía dos Porcos – Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

And before we get into more detail about each of these beaches, here’s a map of where all the beaches are ( click to zoom in ). 

    1. Praia dos Carneiros (“Ram Beach”) – Tamandaré, Pernambuco  

Praia dos Carneiros, aside from being one of the most lovely beaches of the region, may also be one of the most popular. It’s located in the municipality of Tamandaré, approximately 100 kilometers from the Pernambuco capital of Recife. 

Without a doubt, the major landmark of Praia dos Carneiros is the Chapel of São Benedito, built along the seashore at the end of the 18th century. 

But of course, this isn’t the only attraction. This spot is also ideal for anyone who likes small beaches complete with aquamarine and emerald water, white sand, and coconut palms.

    2. Cabo Branco (“White Cape”) – João Pessoa, Paraíba

Cabo Branco is a great option for anyone in search of a beach near the large northeastern capitals. Located just a few kilometers from João Pessoa, the region of Cabo Branco is full of great hotels and a coastline ready to welcome visitors and locals alike. Here, you’ll also find plenty of good bars and restaurants just meters from the sea. Overall, it’s a pleasant area and the sea, though cloudy, is very calm. 

In sum, the location, infrastructure, and magnificent landscape make Cabo Branco one of the best beaches of the state of Paraíba. 

   3. Jericoacoara – Jijoca de Jericoacoara, Ceará

The beach of Jericoacoara (pronounced “jeri-qwa-qwa-ra”) has increased in popularity a lot over the past years, attracting not only Brazilians, but also visitors from around the world. 

This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, given that it was chosen as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! With the increase in tourism, one of the solutions was the construction of a regional airport. However, if you’re looking to save money, you can still fly into Fortaleza and then take the bus here . 

White sand dunes and turquoise sea make up the Jeri landscape. During your trip, you can make the most of your time and relax in a hammock hanging over the sea, or perhaps take a dune buggy out for a swing. 

Another major attraction of the region is windsurfing and kitesurfing , perfect for anyone in search of some adventure. 

    4. Pontal de Maracaípe – Ipojuca, Pernambuco

Pontal de Maracaípe may be very close to the famous Porto de Galinhas, yet it is still an area that is well-preserved, calm, and only has minimal facilities. Truthfully, you can expect just the basics if you spend the day there.

Yet, you can also expect waves perfect for surfing alongside stretches of sea calm enough for children. And for any marine animal lovers, you can make a stop at the headquarters of Projecto Hippocampus, a conservation center for seahorses, which is located nearby. 

You can easily combine a visit to Porto de Galinhas with a trip to Pontal de Maracaípe, or you can spend all your time in this incredible place.  

   5. Praia de Canoa Quebrada (“Broken Canoe Beach”) – Aracati, Ceará

The 5th on our list of the 20 best beaches in Northeast Brazil is Praia de Canoa Quebrada. Despite its funny name, it is without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches in the state of Ceará. 

Likely, you’ve already seen a photo of Canoe Quebrada with its red-toned cliffs, and this scenery alone makes it worth the trip. But when combined with the bright blue sea, it’s all the more beautiful. 

If you want to relax, practice water sports, or find some good nightlife, Canoa Quebrada is the place for you! 

    6. Praia do Gunga (“Swing Beach”) – Roteiro, Alagoas

Praia do Gunga is perfect for anyone looking for something a little different. Located some 40 kilometers from Maceió, this beach stands out as it is the spot where the Retiro Lagoon meets with the sea. Like Canoa Quebrada, its also surrounded by cliffs, making a buggy ride a fun option! 

This destination has simple facilities, but there should be enough to cover all your basic needs.  

    7. Praia de Macapá – Luís Correia, Piauí

Although it may not have much to offer in the way of infrastructure, Macapá Beach is still worth a visit. Thanks to its strong winds, this is one of the best places to learn to surf or practice any other water sport.

Seahorses are common around here, which is why the region is home to several conservation-focused NGOs. In other words, it’s a great place to see nature up-close! 

   8. Praia do Forte (“Fort Beach”) – Mata de São João, Bahia

Bahia’s Praia do Forte is one of the most “complete” beach destinations you can visit in the northeast. Since it’s a well-visited spot, the infrastructure and facilities available are impeccable, and you’ll find many options for accommodation and restaurants. You’ll also find a museum for Project Tamar, a sea turtle conversation center, right on the beach. 

And we haven’t even gotten into the natural beauties of the area! A lovely mixture of blue sea surrounded by the Atlantic Forest where you can also enjoy a trail walk through the Sapiranga Reserve. 

In other words, incredible landscapes, activities, and facilities are waiting for you on Praia do Forte. 

    9. Praia do Saco – Estância, Sergipe

Another option for anyone who wants to escape the crowds is Praia do Saco, one of the most beautiful beaches in the state of Sergipe! Located in Estância municipality, Praia do Saco borders the state of Bahia. Although it may not be a very well-known spot, it has plenty of attractions , like buggy rides and Saco Point. 

And with its calm, clear sea, white sand, and lines of coconut trees, it really is the ideal destination for anyone who wants to embrace the natural marvels of Sergipe.   

   10. Praia de Muro Alto (“High Wall Beach”) – Ipojuca, Pernambuco

Muro Alto is, without a doubt, one of the best beaches in the entire northeast. Located near Porto de Galinhas in Ipojuca, the name of this beach is fitting – here, you’ll find a sea wall, or a reef, approximately 3 kilometers long. This forms a huge natural pool, making the views of this beach unlike anything you’ve ever seen! 

The water of the sea is warm and calm, perfect for children as well as adults. You can also head out on stable kayaks or jangadas (traditional Brazilian rafts) for more fun!  

    11. Praia do Panaquatira – São José de Ribamar, Maranhão

Praia do Panaquatire was great for anyone looking for calm waters. Even during high tide, the sea is shallow and still. 

But the best of all is the location, which is close to the Maranhão capital of São Luis, making it easy to get to and not far from plenty of other beautiful beaches you can also visit.   

    12. Praia de Genipabu – Extremuz, Rio Grande do Norte

Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, is well-known for its dunes…which means we can’t forget to include the beach right in the midst of this little paradise! 

Praia de Genipabu is an easy 25-minute trip from this capital city. So even if you’re not staying on the beach, it’s still worth visiting if you are in Natal. 

Here, you’ll find a calm, bright blue sea, sand dunes, and good facilities like accommodation, outdoor vendors, and restaurants. Beyond this, you can make the most of the area’s coolest attractions like esquibunda (sand sledding) and the aerobunda (a zip line that takes you over the water) .   

    13. Porto de Galinhas (“Hen Port”) – Ipojuca, Pernambuco

Porto de Galinhas, as we’ve mentioned above, is well-loved by Brazilians and international tourists alike. Located in the Ipojuca municipality, it’s close to a number of other beaches you’ll find on this list. 

Porto de Galinhas has many attractions, including turquoise sea with colorful fish, great diving, excellent facilities, and a vibrant nightlife. Beyond the beach, you can also enjoy the city center, which is has a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and local artisans.  

   14. Praia de Igarapé Grande (“Big Stream Beach”) – Turiaçu, Maranhão

If you’re looking for a stunning and natural paradise, then Praia de Igarapé Grande is for you. In fact, according to the locals of Maranhão, this is the most beautiful beach in the state! 

Located on the Atol dos Atins archipelago, this beach receives few tourists and has few facilities. During low tide, you’ll find a calm sea. However, during high tide, the waves regularly reach 2 meters or taller. 

In other words, be sure to check out a tide chart before you plan your visit. 

    15. Praia de Maragogi – Maragogi, Alagoas

Praia de Maragogi isn’t just one of the best beaches in Northeast Brazil, but in the entire world! Known primarily for its clear water and natural pools, this beach also has excellent facilities and many activities for you to take part in . 

Beyond a classic visit to the pools, you can also go diving or head out on a party boat trip. A buggy ride is also a great option if you want to check out the neighboring beaches. 

    16. Tambaba – Conde, Paraíba

Given that it’s considered to be the first nude beach in Brazil, Tambaba had to make this list. 

On Tambaba, you’ll find two distinct areas for tourists. In the first area, where you’ll find a small natural pool, only dressed visitors are allowed.  But in the second area, only accessible via a security gate , you’ll find the nude visitors. And truthfully, this is the section with the most beautiful parts of Tambaba beach, complete with cliffs just 300 meters from the water. 

    17. Praia das Dunas (“Dune Beach”) – Estância, Sergipe

Praia das Dunas isn’t a big tourist spot. It’s calm and the majority of visitors are locals. Which means that it’s a great option for anyone who likes quiet and typical Northeast coastline scenery. 

Beyond sand dunes, you’ll also find a lightly rippling sea perfect for practicing some water sports .   

   18. Praia do Francês (“The Frenchman’s Beach”) – Marechal Deodoro, Alagoas

Located some 40 minutes from the state capital of Maceió, Praia do Francês is another lovely highlight of the Alagoan coast. 

As with Praia do Muro Alto, this beach is also surrounded by reefs that form natural pools. And it’s right at this point, called “canto esquerdo” (“left corner”), where you’ll find most of the tourists, as well as the boats and outdoor vendors. But in the “canto direito” (“right corner”), outside of the natural pools, you’ll find rougher waters with big waves perfect for surfing.  

    19. Praia do Coqueiro (“Coconut Palm Beach”) – Luís Correia, Piauí

Praia do Coqueiro is located just over 10 kilometers for the Piauí state capital of Luís Correia. This beach has great kitesurfing year-round. 

However, during holidays (especially those at the end of the year), the beach can get packed. Luckily, to accommodate the number of tourists, you’ll find plenty of lodging and restaurant options right next to the sea. 

   20. Baía dos Porcos (“Bay of Pigs”) – Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

And to finish off our list here with the best beaches in Northeast Brazil, we have the famous Fernando de Noronha island (located some 350 kilometers east of the Brazilian coast). Baía dos Porcos has already been selected as the most beautiful beach in all of Brazil many times. And that title is well-deserved! 

This small, 100-meter strip of sand is surrounded by cliffs, emerald-green rainforest, and turquoise water. However, do keep your eye on the tide charts to choose the right day for your visit. During low tide, natural pools, fish, and even turtles will appear. But when it’s high tide, this small beach is completely covered with water and inaccessible. 

And if you are visiting the rest of Brazil, why not check out this great article with 37 Tourist Attractions in Brazil You Need to Visit .

Tip of tours, attractions and activities to enjoy in northeastern Brazil

Here is a tip that can help a lot when planning your trip. The Civitatis and Viator sites are great tools for finding attractions and activities in the most diverse destinations! On these sites you can find classic attractions of the city that you will visit, private tours and differentiated tours. There are options for all styles of travelers, check below some of the attractions offered.

In conclusion…

Brazilians and tourists from around the world come to enjoy and spend time on our breathtaking coast. But beyond the beaches, the Northeast as a whole should be on any traveler’s itinerary! Beyond natural beauties, the entire area is rich in culture…from traditional festivals, typical music, and a full-flavored cuisine that gives each state of the Northeast its own individual flair. 

So, what do you think of this list of the 20 best beaches of the Brazilian Northeast? Have you ever been to any? Or which one would you choose for your next trip? Let me know your thoughts (and any questions) you might have in the comments area below!

Planning your next trip?

 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes .

 Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets. 

And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.

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Next stop….The DMZ, South Korea

Brazil's most awesome coast

By Michelle Jana Chan

From São Luís to Jericoacoara, Brazil's great north-east coast is where in-the-know Brazilians go for hippie beach parties, kitesurfing and some of the most phenomenal scenery in the world

This was once one of the most coveted coastlines on the planet. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, the French, Dutch and Portuguese clashed, conquered and colonised the stretch of Brazil wedged between the mouth of the Amazon and the north-eastern shoulder of South America. Back then, blown across the Atlantic by the powerful north-east trade winds, it might take a ship just six weeks to reach these shores from Europe. There was the lure of gold, of course, and this was also a prime location to harvest indigenous trees and cultivate plantations of sugar cane, cacao, tobacco, cotton and coffee.

São Luís now feels like a forgotten place. Some residents seem to belong to another age, living on borrowed time, under the illusion that cotton and cane might still be king. Local fashion designer Rodrigo Raposo, whose gowns cost from £1,500, speaks about dressing the high society of Maranhão state, wealthy ranching landowners and the débutante scene. It's more Gone with the Wind than globalisation.

Sundays are slow. Every day is slow. Among the lattice of crumbling colonial buildings and cobbled streets you can hear children kicking a football and someone playing reggae music. A brass band made up of school kids trumpets past. Men doze in the shade of mango trees on stone benches brought by the Portuguese as ballast, the weight of which they were to exchange for gold. I drink a can of cool Guaraná Jesus, the local soft drink, and feel the salty breeze on my face.

Ah, the wind. Now that is something everyone talks about. In her lyrics, big-name samba singer Alcione, whose roots are here, reminisces of her home state: 'In this corner of the north/Where the winds blow strong/And there are a thousand beautiful things/Everything speaks to us of love.' She tells me the wind 'dictates the rhythm of our daily lives'. In São Luís there are the soft lyrical sea breezes that come with being an island, as well as the blustery bros named after the final syllable of the months when they blow hardest: setembro , outubro , novembro , dezembro . The bros are not only strong but 'all mixed up', people here say, 'when the wind comes from every direction and you can't keep your dress down'.

I leave town in an easterly direction, following the coast, before catching a boat on the Rio Preguiças , which translates as 'lazy river'. Fishermen in saveiros , wooden boats with triangular sails like feluccas, dot the wide expanse at the river's mouth. Some string up a hammock between the mast and tiller so they can snooze as they sail. As we sweep down this river, hemmed in on either side by rainforest, there is a sudden, startling blister of a 30-metre-high sand dune, bleached and granular among the lush, glossy greenery. It signals the start of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park , the rippling dunes of which run 100km along the coastline and 50km inland. Up close, it is clear this is no desert. Over every chiselled ridge and in every hollow there are shimmering lagoons sheltering nesting birds, turtles and fish. They fill up in the rainy season, and evaporate during the rest of the year.

Nobody knows for certain why the dunes are here. Is it sand carried in as sediment by the mighty rivers? Or sand brought from the sea by strong currents? Do the extreme tides expose vast beaches, which are then whipped inland by the region's relentless winds? Everyone has a different theory; the mere existence of the Lençóis is part of the allure. With the lagoons full to the brim during my visit, I swim among lilies, looking for freshwater tiger turtles and wolffish said to survive the dry season by burrowing deep into the sand to find moisture. Or perhaps they lay their eggs in the sand and their young are born during the first rains. Or perhaps birds carry the sticky fish eggs on their feet and deposit them, by chance, in the lagoons. Again, nobody knows. This place feels unstudied and barely visited, too. I scramble up and down the dunes without another person in sight. It could be the Sahara but where the sorcery of mirages comes good.

Those in the know skip Barreirinhas, the gateway town bordering the park, and head to remote Atins , closer to the heart of the dunes and backing on to a wild white-sand beach. Only accessible by four-wheel-drive, it is nothing more than a dusty street or two. But recently some leading figures in the kitesurfing community have called Atins one of the best spots in the world for the sport. With steady winds and calm waters protected by a sand bar, the conditions could not be more perfect.

Atins is still tranqüilo . I see only two sunbathers along the entire stretch of beach. At Pousada Tia Rita a few French backpackers are renting hammocks for $8 a night. 'It's chilled here,' Rita says, sounding younger than her 60 years. 'You come for a couple of days and you want to stay.' At Rancho do Buna restaurant I eat grilled robalo fish, and crabmeat with onions and tomatoes sprinkled with dried manioc flour. There is a peacock who looks in the mirror all day and a cat who studies maps hanging on the wall. 'If Atins starts to change, I'll move,' Buna says. 'I don't want to see the magic go.'

I switch from four-wheel-drive to motorboat to travel across one of the world's great river deltas, the Parnaíba . Here the mangroves are the height of skyscrapers and the islands are more than twice the size of Bermuda. The primates are so smart they're called Einstein monkeys; they use stone tools to crack open nuts. Iguanas, trying to avoid preying snakes, weigh down the very tips of branches and parakeets flap across the sky. I stop to see rusted shipwrecks in the shallows. Fishermen haul in shrimp, and offer me a bucket for free; whole families clamber into the mud to catch electric-blue crabs.

I find the naturalist Pedro da Costa Silva, nicknamed Pedro holandês (Dutch Pete) because he speaks five languages. The son of local rice farmers, he knows more about the delta than anyone. He tells me how he once caught a six-metre anaconda ('You need a good grip') and shows me scars from attacks by a freshwater ray and a lancehead viper ('I love poisonous snakes'). We head off looking for the silky anteater, the smallest of its species and arguably the most elusive. 'If you lock one in a box and come back later, it will have gone,' da Costa says of this little Houdini.

We scramble over dunes, tearing our way across cashew-tree forests and squelching among the mangroves; the aerial roots curve so high it feels like a journey through the ribcage of a blue whale. We spot a scorpion and a ground owl but, unsurprisingly perhaps, no anteater. So we head off to get fresh coconuts at the nearby farm of Maria and Pedro Militão, the only indigenous Indians for miles. Maria talks about a silky anteater she once had as a pet: 'It was so jealous it would bite any child who sat in my lap,' she says. 'I also had a monkey addicted to marijuana so I gave him to the man who was always stoned.' Just down the coast from where they live, there is a wind farm. I wonder what the community here thinks of these gigantic machines. One man moans about how his electricity bill has not come down. 'I think they're beautiful,' Maria's niece says, wistfully.

The town of Barra Grande is the first sign of Brazil cool. A French couple, Sophie and Frédéric Fournier, have built Pousada Chic using local materials: cumaru wood, carnauba palm and the huge scales of the camurupim fish. They hope to see this place become a kitesurfing haven; already the sport's top names have come here to take part in professional competitions. We drive along the beach and traverse the mouths of rivers by motor rafts, boarded by crossing two wobbly planks. There are no real roads leading to our final destination and that is part of the mystique, I am told.

The name Jericoacoara is almost whispered. A communion of Caipirinhas and capoeira, bikinis and berimbau tunes, sandy dunes and sunsets and, of course, the wind. Until now, 'Jeri', as it is fondly known, has been a hangout for Brazilians and other in-the-know windsurfers and kitesurfers, but this is more than a hippy beach town. Restaurants serve sushi, fusion and even molecular gastronomy, as well as local dishes of camarão , caranguejo and peixe : shrimps, crab and fresh fish. There are pretty pousadas, little palm-fronded spas and live forró music in the bars. The newest hotel, Essenza , wouldn't seem out of place in São Paulo, with a 100-metre pool, yanzu water therapy and the former chef at Rio's Copacabana Palace Hotel. Jeri has just five sandy streets yet everything your holiday heart desires. It even has the requisite rock arch formation on the beach. And there's no need to worry about over development; Jeri sits in a national park and so any further expansion will be restrained.

Ronaldo Soares e Silva, known as Dadinho, was one of the first people to arrange trips to Jeri. He arrived 25 years ago, fleeing his home town after getting five women pregnant, two at the same time. There was no electricity here then and certainly no visitors. 'Kitesurfing has saved the whole north of Brazil,' he says. 'This region used to be 100 per cent failed beaches but this sport has changed everything for us. Kiters travel the world looking for a wind like ours.' In high season there are 1,000 kites in these skies.

In fact, the best wind for kitesurfing is on either side of Jeri, in places such as Prea , where a Carioca called Mosquito runs the Rancho do Kite school and says he can teach anyone in two weeks. 'With 330 days of wind a year blowing 35 knots, we never have to miss a lesson.'

I spend a few hours with Andrade Vasconcelos, one of Mosquito's team, who gets me up on a board in minutes. His father and grandfather were fishermen but he says he'll never follow them. 'Fishermen hate the wind,' he says. 'I'll never fish. I love it.'

Back in Jeri, everyone is out on the sand, wind in their hair: joyriding on quad bikes; sand-surfing on the dunes; riding horses along the endless shoreline. At dusk, capoeira circles evolve to the beat of drums. This sexed-up martial art is at once languorous and frenzied. Balletic movements can escalate into a blur. As the energy wanes, pop-up kiosks serve cachaça cocktails and the sound of forró ramps up. At dusk there is a mandatory pilgrimage up a dune nicknamed 'the pillowcase', a play on the vast Lençóis which translates as 'bedsheets'. The town assembles to watch the sunset. Here it slips into the sea, something unusual in Brazil where most of the coastline faces east or north. If you're lucky you might catch sight of Amarildo, a capoeira master who can somersault 30 times down the steep dunes into the crashing waves. Offshore, kiters and windsurfers play to the crowd with their aerobatic leaps. And as the light fades, we are all bewitched. When the last chink of day is extinguished, the spectators clap and whoop. Some make a wish, but I'm not sure what more you could wish for.

Dehouche Travel (+44 871 284 7770; www.dehouche.com ), a British company based in Rio de Janeiro, offers an eight-night north-coast itinerary, including four nights on the road, four nights at the Essenza in Jericoacoara and return flights from the UK, from £2,260 per person

This feature was first published in Condé Nast Traveller October 2015

By Condé Nast Traveller

By Lauren Holmes

Blue Residence hotel in Jericoacoara

A kitesurfing board in Prea

Casa de Santo Antônio in Parnaíba

A couple in Jericoacoara

Sophie Heawood

Arati Menon

Lauren Burvill

CNT Editors

Portas da Amazonia

Art in Portas da Amazonia hotel in São Luís

At Pousada Chic

A sand dune in Jericoacoara

In a bar on Milano beach

Poolside at the Essenza

Pousada Chic in Barra Grande

Essenza hotel in Jericoacoara

A view of the sea from Essenza hotel

A local on Milano Beach

The Ultimate Roadtrip Route Across Brazil's Northeastern Coast

Brazil’s north-eastern coast is known for its stunning weather, beautiful beaches and unique culture. Individually, many of the region’s cities are excellent tourist destinations in themselves, but a great way to see them all is by taking a long road trip from Maranhão all the way down to Bahia.

The journey starts in the city of São Luis, with its beautiful colonial architecture and lively reggae scene, before working your way east through two of Brazil’s most beautiful spots: the gorgeous dunes and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses and the amazing secluded beach town of Jericoacoara.

Lençóis Maranhenses gets its name from the vast, sweeping dunes that cover the park, which are often said to look like bed sheets ( lençóis , in Portuguese). The rainy season causes pristine lagoons to form in between the dunes, meaning you can trek over desert-like hills of sand before taking a dip in the gorgeous natural pools below.

The journey on to Jericoacoara is by far the most complex stretch of this route, requiring a vehicle with a bit of off-road capability. From Barreirinhas, the entry point to Lençóis Maranhenses, you’ll need to take some sand tracks east to the beach town of Paulino Neves, only then will you return to properly paved roads as you journey through the towns of Tutoia, Parnaiba and Camocim, before reaching Jericoacoara.

The sleepy fishing village of Jericoacoara , or Jeri, as the locals call it, is a truly fairytale destination for any visitor to Brazil. With its beautiful beaches and slow, relaxed pace of life, it is the perfect place to relax while soaking up the sun and stunning scenery. One of the main attractions is the Duna do Pôr do Sol (Sunset Dune), where crowds gather to lay back and see one of the world’s greatest sunsets, as the sun drops into the Atlantic horizon, often creating the famous Green Flash phenomenon.

The route then takes you through a number of the region’s state capitals: Fortaleza, Natal, João Pessoa, Recife, Maceió and Aracaju, as you begin to snake south towards your final destination, the amazing city of Salvador.

Often overlooked by foreign travellers, Fortaleza is one of the country’s biggest cities and is made absolutely gorgeous by its idyllic beaches and party atmosphere. Head for a walk around Ponte dos Ingleses and Praia do Iracema, or for an excellent city beach check out Praia do Futuro and its excellent sands.

The pretty José de Alencar theatre is well worth seeing, with its Art Nouveau décor dating back to the 1910s. To top off your time in Fortaleza, have a night out around Praia do Iracema, which becomes one of the north-east’s most happening spots once the sun goes down.

The next major stop will be Natal , located on Brazil’s north-eastern tip and the capital city of the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The city itself doesn’t have much going for it, but the surrounding region makes Natal a must on any north-east road trip.

Before making it into the city itself, you will pass the lovely coastal locations of Galinhos, São Miguel do Gostoso and Genipabu, all of which are worth a stop. In Natal, spend some time in the hip southern beach neighborhood of Ponta Negra and then head further south to Praia da Pipa.

With life moving along at a similar pace to Jericoacoara, Pipa is a gorgeous little town with great beaches and a hip, relaxed atmosphere. It is a good spot for surfing, and you can also swim with dolphins at the fittingly named Baía dos Golfinhos (Dolphin Bay).

The route then starts to turn south and takes us to the chaotic yet charming city of Recife and its stunningly beautiful neighbor Olinda . While most of the towns and cities on the journey so far have an overwhelmingly relaxed and chilled-out atmosphere, Recife is decidedly more urban and as such has great character and culture.

The suburb of Boa Viagem is the most popular spot for tourists in Recife, with its excellent nightlife and restaurants. Just don’t go into the water, as Boa Viagem’s beaches are notorious for shark attacks.

On the outskirts of Recife is the quaint town of Olinda, with its gorgeous museums and beautifully preserved colonial architecture. It may be a good idea to find a charming B&B in Olinda during your stay, from where you can explore the town and take quick trips into Recife.

The last stop on the journey is Salvador , the capital of the state of Bahia. Once being a key city of Brazil’s slave trade, Salvador today is arguably the most African city outside of Africa, and is a rare example of a South American city where the culture of black slaves has been so well preserved and celebrated.

If after all that, you’re still looking to go a bit further, the towns of Ilheus and Porto Seguro, in the southern parts of Bahia state, are also worth a visit. The entire trip involves around 40 hours of driving, so give yourself plenty of time to enjoy your stopovers.

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The Northeast is one of Brazil’s poorest areas, but has perhaps the most stunning coastline in South America. Despite its thriving beach scene, the area, divided politically into eight separate states, has not been spoilt by tourism. There are major cities along the coast: some, such as Recife, Olinda, São Luís and Fortaleza, have deep colonial heritage; others, such as Maceió and Natal, have developed mostly in recent decades. All have their own city beaches plus more idyllic and deserted resorts hidden up and down the coast (though generally accessible by bus or taxi). The Ilha de Fernando de Noronha , hundreds of kilometres off the coast from Natal, is one of the finest oceanic wildlife reserves in the world, an expensive destination but idyllic for ecotourism.

The semi-arid region inland, with sparse leafy vegetation but abundant cacti, is known as the sertão. It suffers periods of intense drought yet in the wet season is transformed for a few glorious months to a verdant green. Few people traverse the interior, except perhaps en route to Belém at the mouth of the Amazon; but if you do visit the region, there are a number of quite isolated and windswept market towns – such as Campina Grande in Paraíba state – that are worth stopping off at. Piauí boasts more than one stunningly beautiful national park, while the coast of Maranhão is known for its reggae, blisteringly hot beaches and superb cuisine.

Top image: Porcos Bay © Rodrigo S Coelho/Shutterstock

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The 10 most incredible places to visit in Brazil

Mar 1, 2024 • 9 min read

The scale of Brazil can be overwhelming but we're here to help with picking the best parts of it to visit © MesquitaFMS / Getty Images

One of the world’s most dazzling destinations, Brazil  is packed with steamy rainforests, tropical savannas, wetlands and exciting cities. 

The ecosystems found in this giant of  South America  are home to the largest collection of plant and animal species found anywhere in the world.

But even if exploring the natural world is not top of your Brazil to-do list, plenty of life can be found in the country’s musical metropolises, too. When it comes to relaxing, Brazil has sand to spare: 2095 beaches, to be precise, dotting its 7242km (4500-mile) Atlantic coastline.

With such a massive footprint and a wide variety of things to do, planning an itinerary here can feel overwhelming. Let us help get you started with our 10 favorite places to visit in Brazil.

1. Ouro Preto and the towns of Minas Gerais 

Ouro Preto (meaning “black gold”) in Minas Gerais was at the heart of Brazil’s 18th-century gold rush.

Nearly two dozen churches, lavishly ornamented with gold filigree, still ring out their bells across the hillsides of this rural town, which at its height was home to 110,000 residents – the majority of whom were enslaved people. 

One of Ouro Preto’s most famous residents was the sculptor Aleijadinho, who studied European baroque traditions and developed his own unique style. His sculptures and reliefs – some of which he carved after losing his fingers to a disease – adorn churches across the region, including in Tiradentes , Congonhas and São João del Rei .

The historical Royal Road links up most of these towns and makes for an adventurous road trip . An essential detour for art lovers is nearby  Inhotim , the world’s largest open-air contemporary art museum.

2. Paraty and the Saco de Mamanguá 

The other terminus of the Royal Road, seaside  Paraty  was where the precious metals extracted from Minas Gerais were shipped out in the early days of Brazil’s gold rush.

The town lost some of this export trade to Rio de Janeiro in the early 1700s, yet its architecture was impeccably preserved – and it’s all the more impressive for being sandwiched between steep, jungle-covered mountains and the warm, clear waters of the ocean. 

A forgotten gem for centuries, Paraty has in recent decades attracted writers and artists from all over the world.

The city plays host to a number of prestigious events, including the literary festival FLIP , a jazz festival and a pinga festival (an excuse to drink lots of pinga , slang for cachaça, the Brazilian cane spirit that’s produced locally).

Getting out on the water to explore some of Paraty’s 65 islands and 300 beaches is a must. Motor boats and schooners can be rented, but for a close-up connection with nature join a kayak tour in the Saco de Mamanguá – a “tropical fjord” – and paddle to deserted beaches, mangroves, waterfalls and Caiçara fishing communities.

3. Amazon rainforest

The Amazon  has a mysterious pull that has fascinated people for centuries.

One of the wildest places on the planet, the region is almost too big to comprehend, spanning about 42% of Brazil and swaths of eight neighboring countries.

Each region offers something different in terms of ecology, tourism and local culture; doing your research before visiting is essential as it’s neither an inexpensive nor easy-to-reach destination. 

You'll gaze at the unending expanse of green for hours as you fly overhead into Manaus , the region’s largest city and a good jumping-off point for many of the lodges and Amazon jungle experiences .

You can try canoeing through flooded forests at Anavilhanas National Park , heading further afield to the recently formed Xixuaú Reserve or spotting river dolphins in the Mamirauá Reserve.

A few hundred miles east, Santarém is another access point for seeing the majestic trees deep in the Tapajós Forest or beach hopping along the banks of the Arapiuns River, a tributary of the Tapajós River near Alter do Chão .

4. Brasília

The city of the future that’s forever stuck in the past, Brasília  is a fabulous paradox. The federal capital officially opened for business in 1960, becoming the ultimate symbol of modernity for an urbanizing nation and a long-hoped-for kick-start for the economic development of the country’s interior. 

Built in the middle of the hot, dry landscape of Brazil’s Center-West, Brasília is an open-air monument to the people who shaped and built it, including urban planner Lúcio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer.

Thousands of tons of concrete and steel were poured into a series of Modernist architectural gems that are worth spending a day or two to explore – though not on foot, as the sprawling city was designed for cars not pedestrians.

Niemeyer’s much-loved curves can be spotted everywhere, most notably in the metropolitan cathedral , with its white columns rising up to the heavens in a hyperboloid structure studded with stained glass. 

5. Jalapão 

In a country teeming with rainforests, pristine beaches and other natural wonders, the tropical savanna hinterlands of the Cerrado certainly hold their own. 

While the Cerrado has borne the brunt of Brazil’s agribusiness boom in recent decades, pockets of conservation do exist, including the relatively unexplored Jalapão State Park – 34,000 sq km (13,127 sq miles) of scrubland, grasslands, forest, caves and unusual rock formations.

The best time to visit is the dry season (from May to September) when, despite the dry landscape, water is the main attraction.

Splash in the glassy pools of waterfalls or kayak down rapids – you can also take a dip in the so-called fervedouros (boiling pots), natural springs where the bubbling water buoys swimmers. Sand dunes and chapadas (mountain formations) also make for some spectacular hiking. 

Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park  (400km/248 miles south) and Emas National Park (to the west) are two much larger conservation areas that are home to dozens of species of flora and fauna at risk of extinction.

Lucky hikers might cross paths with giant anteaters, giant armadillos, maned wolves and rheas, South America’s largest bird.

6. Pantanal 

The largest wetland region in the world,  the Pantanal offers the best wildlife spotting in Brazil.

South America’s largest mammal (tapir) and largest bird (rhea) call the Pantanal home, as do more than 230 species of fish and 650 species of bird – plus such apex predators as jaguars, caimans and anacondas.

Spanning an area more than half the size of France, the Pantanal can be explored in a number of different ways.

The most accessible is by road, on the Estrada Transpantaneira, though small airplanes and motorboats open the doors to more remote zones and secluded, upscale lodges.

It’s easier to spot wildlife during the dry season, from May to September – but when the water levels rise from October onwards, the rivers flood their banks and inundate the surrounding plains, spurring on an abundance of flora and flocks of wading birds.

The wet season also brings the arrival of river cruises: the sundeck of a 15-cabin boat cruise to the Serra do Amolar mountains near the border with Bolivia is an ideal vantage point from which to contemplate the grandeur of this region. 

7. Fernando de Noronha

An archipelago of islands some 320km (200 miles) off the northeast coast, Fernando de Noronha is high on many honeymoon wishlists.

Of Noronha’s 21 islands, only the largest one is accessible to tourists – and even then, its boundaries lie safely within Brazil’s largest marine park .

Dreamy beaches – including Baía do Sancho , Baía dos Porcos and Praia do Leão – all compete for the top slot on rankings of the best beaches in the country .

Silky-soft sands and clear blue waters would have holidaymakers flocking here if this place were on the mainland; happily, its remote location and a cap on visitor numbers keep the crowds to a welcome minimum. 

Just off the shoreline, Noronha is an underwater paradise that’s home to 230 fish species, 15 varieties of coral, five types of (harmless) shark and the greatest concentration of tropical marine birds in the Atlantic.

You can dive to spot corals and shipwrecks in the marine park or watch hundreds of dolphins doing water acrobatics at sunrise before snorkeling in shallow tide pools. Noronha offers Brazil’s natural beauty at its absolute best, and this place warrants going the extra mile.

8. Rio de Janeiro 

The most-visited city in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro didn’t earn its title of cidade maravilhosa (“marvelous city”) for nothing. In the eyes of Cariocas, it’s the most beautiful place on earth. Visitors would be hard-pressed to disagree.

Dense high-rises are stacked like sugar cubes between mountains cloaked in rainforest and studded with naked granite peaks jutting skywards.

Visitors hit the famous beaches to lounge in the sun, but the locals go to get active – surfing, running, cycling or diving into the sand over a sweaty game of beach volleyball. People-watching is a serious beach sport in its own right. 

Come evening, Rio’s own special blend of tropical rhythms draws the crowds out onto the city’s streets to meet friends at botecos (bars) or join impromptu street parties.

You’ll also discover a wealth of culture and history – the city was the capital of the Kingdom of Portugal in the 19th century, and, until 1960, the capital of Brazil. 

9. Ribeira Valley and the Atlantic Forest 

The Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest) is Brazil’s “other” tropical forest. Regrettably, it’s also one of the most endangered biomes in the world, with just 12.5% of it remaining in disparate fragments along Brazil’s southeast-facing coastline.

Teeming with life, the forest has a wider variety of flora and fauna per hectare than the Amazon, with half of its species not found anywhere else in the world. In short, it’s a hidden gem within easy reach of Brazil’s largest cities.

The Ribeira Valley – a 28,489 sq km (11,000 sq mile) river valley straddling the São Paulo – Paraná state border, is home to the largest continuous stretch of remaining Atlantic Forest.

Here, visitors can explore some of the biggest caves in Brazil (at PETAR ), stay at traditional quilombos (communities that were formed by escaped enslaved Africans ), hike through the forest and raft down rivers.

Private nature reserves like the whopping 310 sq km (120 sq mile) Legado das Águas offer a range of ecotourism activities.

An ambitious plan to connect Atlantic Forest conservation areas (including the Ribeira Valley) with one long trail – the Caminho da Mata Atlântica – has been gathering pace in the last few years, though no one has yet attempted to hike its full 4000km (2485 miles) length. 

10. São Paulo

Last but by no means least is South America’s most populous city. São Paulo may not have beaches, vast swathes of forest or even clean rivers, but it has a kinetic charm all of its own.

Poet Mário de Andrade called it “the hallucinated city,” which seems a fitting description for a megalopolis of 20 million residents. It’s a city whose soul is young and restless, a party-mad colossus with cutting-edge theaters, world-class chefs and a fascinating art scene, among countless other draws.

With layer upon layer of immigrant influences and centuries’ worth of boom-and-bust cycles, São Paulo attracts people from all over the world who thrive on its energy.

Its delights are not served up on a plate – visitors have to seek them out. But once you get a taste, you'll be hooked.

This article was first published January 2022 and updated March 2024

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Visit These Incredible Beaches In Northeast Brazil Instead Of Rio

Northeast Brazil has nine states where travelers can discover a paradisiac coastline with palm trees, coral reefs and warm waters.

It's impossible to talk about Brazil and don't think about its beaches and great weather. Although Rio de Janeiro is the most popular destination — especially during Carnaval — the country has other incredible places for beach lovers.

The Brazilian Northeast has a coastline that stretches over 1,800 miles, featuring secluded beaches with calm waters and palm trees. Another great thing about the Northeast is that the sun shines most days in this region and can be visited year-round.

10 Coqueirinho, Paraíba

Travelers can easily spend a couple of days exploring Paraiba's south coast as its home to paradisiac beaches. Coqueirinho, Conde, holds the reputation of being the most beautiful beach in the region, and it lives up to the hype.

The place is full of palm trees and red cliffs, contrasting with its turquoise water. Visitors can walk until Tabatinga, another incredible beach, when the tide is low.

Coqueirinho tends to be crowded during the Brazilian summer (from October to February), and the best way to avoid crowds is by visiting it on the weekdays.

Most travelers stay in João Pessoa, 27 miles from Coqueirinho, and schedule a day tour with an official buggy drive to visit Coqueirinho and other famous beaches in Conde.

RELATED: 10 Most Beautiful Beaches On Earth, According To TripAdvisor

9 Baía do Sancho, Pernambuco

Baía do Sancho (Sancho Bay) has been voted the most beautiful beach in the world multiple times. This remote beach can only be reached through narrow stairs carved on rocks, but the efforts are worth it.

Sancho is a secluded beach, and its water features shades of blue and emerald green. There are no restaurants or vendors around, so bringing water and some snacks is recommended.

This beach is located on Fernando de Noronha, a small archipelago about one hour and a half from the mainland in Brazil.

The island is a privileged diving spot, home to diverse marine life and other incredible beaches.

8 Jericoacoara, Ceará

When tourists discovered Jericoacoara — or just Jeri — the place used to be a fishing village without electricity, but things have changed dramatically.

Jeri is now one of the leading touristic destinations in Brazil with boutique hotels, busy nightlife and many restaurants.

The perfect winds attract kitesurfers from different countries, and the beaches surrounded by dunes create a unique scenario.

During the day, travelers go on day trips to explore the lagoons nestled between the dunes famous for having hammocks inside the water, and the day often ends at Praia do Centro, where tourists wait for the sunset.

7 Madeiro, Rio Grande do Norte

Pipa is a popular beach destination in the Brazilian Northeast and home to some heavenly beaches — but there is one that stands out among all of them.

The Madeiro beach is surrounded by palm trees, and it's the favorite spot for surfers. If visitors are lucky, they can see dolphins jumping on the water early in the morning and find some protected turtle nests between November and May.

There are many kiosks along the beach, so it's possible to spend the whole day there.

RELATED: Guide: The Best Cities To Enjoy The Brazilian Carnival

6 Antunes, Alagoas

When visiting the Brazilian Northeast, it's essential to check the sea tide to understand what to expect from each beach.

Traveling during the low tide allows visitors to enjoy natural pools and walks between different beaches. Antunes, for example, is a heavenly beach with white sand, clear water and full of palm trees.

Another great place to visit nearby is Barra Grande, famous for its Caminho de Moises (Moses Path), a sand path inside the water that only appears during the low tide.

5 Taipu de Fora, Bahia

Travelers can't go wrong when deciding to spend some days in Bahia, home to an incredible coastline. Taipu de Fora is an excellent example of what travelers can expect when visiting the region.

This 4.5-mile beach features tall palm trees and coral reefs.

The main attraction in Taipu de Fora is a giant natural pool that appears during the low tide and is filled with colorful fishes, making it an excellent place to go snorkeling, and the best period to visit is during the full moon when the tides are lower.

After a long day at the beach, visitors can go to the Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) and enjoy its fresh water.

4 Genipabu, Rio Grande do Norte

The dunes and freshwater lagoons are the main attractions at Genipabu. The best way to explore the beach is by hiring a buggy tour consisting of going up and down the dunes and stopping in famous lagoons.

Travelers can try skibunda , an activity where they slide from the top of the dune until the water, and have fun on the zip lines and dromedary rides.

Genipabu is located in Natal, a city with other great beaches such as Ponta Negra. It's also easy to combine Natal and Pipa in the same itinerary.

RELATED: Hi, Haiti! 10 Reasons To Visit This Caribbean Destination

3 Moreré, Bahia

Travelers looking for a secluded place should add Boipeba to their bucket list. The small island in Bahia is surrounded by calm waters and has a vast rainforest.

Of course, visitors can expect to find lots of palm trees along its heavenly beaches. Moreré is the most famous spot on the island, and it has some small restaurants where tourists can try incredible seafood dishes.

Boipeba is the perfect island for travelers looking for some quiet days. It's also possible to visit it on a day trip leaving Morro de São Paulo, a more touristy and vibrant place.

2 Carneiros, Pernambuco

Carneiros became famous thanks to a chapel built on the beach surrounded by palm trees. It's not only a popular tourist attraction but a popular wedding destination.

The place tends to be crowded during summer and public holidays, and the best time to visit is during the weekdays.

When the beach is empty, visitors can walk along the coast and lay down on the sand for hours. Another popular activity is going on a boat or buggy tour to other beaches nearby.

1 Lençóis Maranhenses, Maranhão

Technically, the Lençóis Maranhenses isn't a beach but a National Park, where more than 36 thousand lagoons are formed thanks to the rain.

Although the park is open year-round, the best period to visit is between June and late August, when the lagoons have more water.

To visit the Lençóis, tourists must stay a few days in Barreirinhas, Atins or Santo Amaro. It's also possible to go on trekking that lasts up to five days and sleep in the house of locals.

The most beautiful place you’ve never seen: Northern Brazil in photos

There’s a part of Brazil that is mostly void of international tourists. It’s a little harder to get to, it’s more remote than iconic Brazil and English is not widely spoken. But it’s worth the effort because you’ll be blown away by its natural beauty, fascinating history and energetic locals.

I’m talking about Northern Brazil and it’s a hidden gem you need to get to.

The area was a photographer’s dream. With brightly painted buildings that are hundreds of years old, no saturation is required for any photo taken in Salvador. And an old mining town called Lencóis has a similar feel but the streets are quieter and more peaceful and the locals are laidback.

If it’s expansive landscapes you’re after then Chapada Diamantina National Park has got you covered. You can practise your steady hand on a slow shutter speed on the many waterfalls in the region, get your wide angle lens out for the impressive lookouts and just bask in the greenery.

For beach life, head to isolated Jericoacoara. You’ll have to ride an hour through sand dunes before you see a little oasis town on the horizon. It’s said that Jeri has some of the best sunsets in all of Brazil and I think that could be true.

So, armed with my camera on Intrepid’s new Northern Brazil trip, I got snap happy and here are the results.

Scenes from Salvador

Founded in the 16 th Century, Salvador was Brazil’s first capital and it’s known as the happiest place in Brazil. It’s not hard to see why! With so many colours on its old buildings it’s impossible not to feel euphoric. This was one of the streets leading up to the main square in Pelourinho, the historic old town – a UNESCO World Heritage Listed site.

I was walking around the cobbled streets of Salvador’s old town and when I turned a corner I caught this scene. Earlier that morning the city received a torrential downpour with thunder so loud it literally scared me, so I suspect this lady made a nice little profit selling her bright umbrellas.

Capoeira is hugely popular in Brazil. It sort of looks like a cross between dancing and martial arts, which two people perform against the beat of traditional Brazilian music. It’s quiet mesmerising to watch and not uncommon to see performances in popular squares, such as this one in Salvador.

This is a typical street in Lencóis, our base within Chapada Diamantina National Park, which is about a 6 hour bus ride from Salvador. Chapada means steep cliffs and diamantina means diamond, many of which were found there in the mid-19 th century. So it developed into quite a wealthy little town and now has a charming, colonial style feel that boasts a lot of colour.

Lencóis was so beautiful. This was taken as the sun was setting so the light that fell on this building was perfect. The river rolled through the town and that building seemed to be a bit of a social hub – one night we stumbling on a Capoeira school entertaining the locals.

Into the wild

We did a full day hike through Chapada Diamantina National Park and came across caves, rivers, waterfalls and stunning lookouts. It was all very beautiful. This was taken just after we all went for a swim in the river and really captures the landscape we encountered on our hike.

“Trust me, this is the best natural massage you’ll ever have!” Our local guide in Chapada Diamantina wasted no time in stripping down and jumping under this waterfall. It was hammering down and we were all taken by surprise. But eventually everyone worked up the courage to get a pummelling on our backs!

We went swimming in here and it was bliss. Definitely the best natural pool I’ve ever had the pleasure of swimming in. To the right is the Poço do Diabo waterfall, where you can swim directly underneath.

The grand finale to our Chapada Diamantina experience was sunset from the top of Pai Inácio Hill. This is Pedro, our Intrepid leader, who is enjoying the fine view featuring those iconic steep cliffs that Chapada is known for.

Life’s a beach (or more specifically, a lagoon)

OK, so I didn’t actually take this photo (our talented photographer Lucy Piper did) but it represents Jericoacoara so well! The sleepy town is surrounded by sand dunes and deep within these is a lagoon they call ‘Lagoa Paraiso’ – no prizes for guessing what that means. The trip hit its peak as soon as I got into that hammock with coconut in hand.

This was taken half way up the Pôr do Sol sand dune just before sunset. These guys are hauling a cocktail cart up the sand dune, because what’s a sunset without a cocktail in hand?! We had some pretty moody weather in Jericoacoara, but it made for some dramatic photos.

And this is the sunset we saw from the top of the sand dune. The main beach at Jeri is not the best swimming beach as the waters are very shallow. But at sunrise and sunset when the sun glistens on the water it has the effect of a mirror and it’s just simply beautiful.

Inspired? Of course you are. Check out Northern Brazil with Intrepid Travel.

Feeling inspired?

Amanda Linardon

Amanda is not one to sit still for very long - when she's not eating her way around the world, hiking through national parks or rubbing shoulders with the locals on the train, she's likely to be researching her next adventure. On the rare occasion when she isn't thinking about travelling, Amanda loves to get around on her bike, cook a different cuisine every night and drum up PR for Intrepid Travel.

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North And South Pantanal Itineraries In Brazil: Which Is Better? (2024)

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole

My husband and I spent 10 days in the Pantanal in Brazil in October. It was simply magnificent. If you love seeing wild animals in their natural habitat, living their lives largely undisturbed by humans and modern life, then this is the destination for you. Over 10 days, we saw 14 jaguars, a handful of giant otters, tapirs and giant anteaters, and hundreds of capybaras, caiman, and birds (as well as other animals). We spent days on beautiful rivers with barely a person or building in sight, spotting and watching these incredible creatures and it was extraordinary. In this article, I will provide our itinerary, a planning guide about how to organize your trip, and an overview about the differences between the south and north Pantanal, and which, in my opinion, is better if you don’t have time to visit both.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you buy something through my site. This helps me run my website and produce the articles that I hope you find helpful.

At A Glance

I know you are busy. If you only have a couple minutes to spare, here are the key takeaways from this article.

• Both the North and South Pantanal offer excellent wild life viewing. Caimans, capybaras, tapirs, and dozens and dozens of different species of birds are easily found in both areas.
• If you want to see Jaguars or Giant Otters, you should go to the North Pantanal.
• If you want to see Giant Anteaters, you should go to the South Pantanal.

If you can find more time, try to read my full article. It explains my suggestions, gives you details about experiences that you will have, and provides travel tips.

Background To Our Pantanal Vacation

Once I researched the Pantanal and decided that it was the area that I wanted to visit, I enlisted the help of John at Brazil Nature Tours to help craft my itinerary. He was very helpful and patient, answering the endless questions that I had.

What I especially appreciated was, through our discussions, not only was he recommending programs and lodges already listed on the company’s website, but also making other suggestions to satisfy my requests. He really listened to my goals for this holiday.

Ultimately, the 10 days that we spent in the Pantanal was everything for which we hoped.

We were picked up and dropped off at all airports and transferred to and from our lodges and hotels effortlessly.

We stayed for 4 nights at Southwild Jaguar Flotel in the North Pantanal and for another 4 nights at Pousada Refugio da Ilha in the South Pantanal. At each lodge, we had our own English speaking naturalist guide who guided us on our private tours. Each lodge offered their own daily programs but left it to us to ultimately decide at what time we wanted to start or stop, or whether we wanted to make changes to the activities.

All meals at the lodges were included in the cost of our stay, and any meals purchased on our way to or from a lodge were always at a good and well priced restaurants with clean bathrooms.

We never felt unsafe. Quite the opposite, we only met wonderfully kind and hardworking people. As you will see from my more detailed description below about our time in each destination, we spent hours traveling to and from airports to our lodges. We saw a good chunk of the Pantanal and had an opportunity to really get a feel for the area.

Apart from arrival and departure cities, it was mostly wide open land with a few towns here and there. There was not one instance that I felt anything but welcomed.

Where And What Is The Pantanal

The Pantanal is a natural region in Brazil encompassing the world’s largest tropical wetland area, and the world’s largest flooded grasslands.

It is located mostly within the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul (from Campo Grande airport), but it also extends into Mato Grosso (from Cuiaba airport) and portions of Bolivia and Paraguay. If you look at a map, it is found almost in the center of South America.

For context, the Pantanal is larger than 29 US states and at least nine European countries, and yet, it is only a small fraction of Brazil.

This massive wetland has the highest density of animals in the Americas. In addition, it has the largest concentration of caimans in the world, with approximately 10 million. Jaguars, the largest feline in the Americas, love to hunt caiman. Accordingly the Pantanal, has one of the highest density of jaguars anywhere in the world. The Pantanal is also home to the biggest parrot on the planet, the Hyacinth Macaw.

Some people confuse the Amazon and the Pantanal. For clarity, the Amazon and the Pantanal are two very distinct areas in Brazil and offer different wildlife viewing and experiences.

Almost 95% of the Pantanal is owned privately, mostly by farmers. The area is not very fertile so it is mostly used to raise cattle.

The Importance Of Timing In The Pantanal

There is a vast difference between the wet and dry season in the Pantanal.

The rainy summer season runs from about November to April, during which the bulk of the basin’s roughly 40 to 55 inches of annual precipitation falls. This leads to much of the Pantanal being submerged underwater, with waters rising up to five meters (sixteen feet) during January and February.

From July through to the end of October, it is the dry season in the Pantanal. Not only does it not rain, but it is so hot and dry that the land that was once underwater by several feet in the rainy season is bone dry, with most small rivers almost completely drying up and disappearing.

We were there in October, the very end of the dry season. I can attest that the land was incredibly dry and small inland rivers were basically puddles with dozens and dozens of caimans and other wildlife surrounding them, trying to get their food and water from what little water was left.

What this means from a wildlife perspective is that in the dry season, all animals are drawn to the larger rivers in order to eat, drink and survive. On the other hand, during the rainy season, these same animals could be driven to completely different areas, staying on higher ground if land animals. They do not need to go to the large rivers in search of water or food.

As we did not go to the Pantanal in the rainy season, I can’t speak to what you will see or your experience during this time. However, our guides told us that a whole different ecosystem evolves and there are also significant wildlife encounters that you can have, many of which are completely different than what you will see in the dry season.

Accordingly, before booking, you should figure out why you are going to the Pantanal and what animals you wish to see. Make sure you time your trip so that the weather allows you the best opportunity to see these unbelievable animals.

North Pantanal Itinerary And Planning Guide

We first went to the North Pantanal on our trip to Brazil. We flew 2 hours from Sao Paulo to Cuiaba on a direct early morning flight, and were collected from the airport by a driver and Zaine, our naturalist guide for our 4 night/5 day stay at the Southwild Jaguar Flotel.

Once settled, we immediately started the 152 miles (245 km) drive to Porte Joffre, the place from which we would pick up our boat to take us to our lodge. The land journey, if done without stops takes around 4.5 hours.

For the first half of the drive, we were on paved roads. However, the roads were unpaved and gravel for the second half of the drive, essentially from the entrance gate of the Pantanal to Porte Joffre. We had to go much slower on these roads than the paved ones.

But that was just fine. Almost immediately upon entering the Pantanal, we casually passed hundreds of caimans, dozens of capybaras, and of course, birds, birds and more spectacular birds.

We stopped for lunch on our way and another time for a bathroom break. All told, it took us 6 hours to reach Porte Joffre. However, time passed quickly as we were lost in the animal viewing.

Southwild Jaguar Flotel

We were greeted at Porte Joffre by a speed boat and Tito, a lovely local young man who whisked us 30 minutes along the Cuiaba River (and others) to our lodge. We later learned that this was our private boat for our 5 day stay and Tito was our captain who also helped Zaine spot animals.

Within seconds of leaving the port, we were completely immersed in the deep browns of the river, the emerald greenery of the trees and grasses along the shores, and the beautiful and exotic birds flying overhead and resting on the shore. Apart from the occasional boat, there was little evidence of any civilization.

After 30 minutes, we arrived at our hotel which is unlike most hotels anywhere in the world. Before us, there was two air-conditioned small ferry sized boats anchored end-to-end that had been converted into a hotel.

One boat offered 12 spacious and luxury guest rooms called Jaguar Suites, all of which featured four-meter-wide, floor-to-ceiling, sliding glass doors, comfortable bed and ensuite, and sitting area. On the top deck, there was an outside communal area with seating and fantastic views of the river and the shore.

The other boat offered fewer rooms that were also a lot more modest. They had large very comfortable beds and an ensuite with excellent air conditioning, but the rest of the room was very small and basic. In addition, these rooms were located right underneath the communal dining room and indoor living room for everyone, and next to where guests loaded and unloaded from their boats.

Amenities at Southwild Jaguar Flotel

The amenities at the lodge were very limited. There was a large dining room with wifi where we ate our three meals per day. There was a large selection of food offered buffet style for each meal. Seating was dining room tables and chairs. There was also a bar in the dining room that was cash-only.

The only other indoor common space was adjacent to the dining room. It was a large living room style that also served as a spot that the main naturalist guide for the lodge (different from our guide) gave nightly 30 minute lectures about different commonly seen animals in the area.

While we were there, he lectured on jaguars, giant otters, and caimans. These talks were really informative and interesting.

Other than the dining room, living room, and the outdoor top deck of the other boat, there wasn’t anywhere else for guests to go or sit (apart from your own room).

Impressions Of Our Stay At Southwild Jaguar Flotel

The reason that people choose to stay at the Southwild Jaguar Flotel is that you are immersed in nature, on the river, and in a part of the Pantanal that offers you the best opportunity to spot jaguars, Giant Otters, and other animals nearby, or a short boat ride away. There were multiple rivers that were easily accessed from the lodge.

There were only a couple of floating hotels like this in the area. What other accommodation was available was traditional, on land near or beyond Porte Joffre, and required you to use up parts of your day getting to and from your lodge to the areas with the animals.

However, choosing to stay at the Flotel meant that there was very little to do when not on your boat looking for Jaguars and other wildlife encounters.

As for the rooms, we stayed in the modest suites below the living room. I thought that we had booked the nice suites, but we had not. Our travel agent said that had we booked the other suites, we would have had to pay thousands more dollars. However, this was not made clear to us. Accordingly, if you wish to stay here, make sure that you are very clear about which category of room that you want and are booking.

As described above, these rooms were very basic and could be noisy when people were getting into and out of their boats, or during meal time when people were walking overhead. We always travel with ear plugs and a white noise maker so this did not impact us. However, if you are sensitive to sound, these rooms would not be ideal.

Nonetheless, they had two of the most important things – a very comfortable bed and amazing air conditioning. Temperatures were over 100 degree Fahrenheit (40 degree Celsius) when we were there!

There was lots of healthy food. During each buffet, there were multiple entrees, salads, and desserts offered. No one would ever go hungry on the Flotel. However, the food wasn’t particularly remarkable.

In my experience, food at ecolodges is rarely exceptional. What makes an excellent ecolodge – remoteness and trying to be as authentic to the natural surroundings as possible – makes it a difficult spot for chefs to easily access a variety of ingredients to produce well seasoned or interesting food.

There was also a big emphasis on re-purposing food. So, steak that was offered at lunch would reappear at dinner, served in a slightly different way. While I appreciated that they were trying to limit waste, it wasn’t appetizing knowing that you were seeing the same food reappear for a few meals.

Daily Schedule At The Jaguar Flotel

Each morning, we woke up at 5:30 am, had breakfast, and got on our boat no later than 6:30 am. With sweltering temperatures and high humidity, we needed to look for wildlife in the cooler parts of the day. By 11:00 am, the heat and sun were brutally hot. Neither animals nor humans wanted to be anywhere but in cool shady spots.

From 11:00 am – 2:30 pm, we ate lunch and normally read or napped in our room.

After that, we returned on our boat searching for more wildlife until sunset, around 5:45 pm.

Just before it got too dark, we came back to the boat, showered and headed up for drinks, dinner, and any lecture that may be offered. We always ate our meals with Zaine, our guide.

By 9:00 pm, we were in bed and asleep.

Wildlife Encounters In The North Pantanal

Over the next 3 days, we encountered 14 different jaguars. We saw them swimming (they LOVE the water), mating, resting in trees over rivers, sleeping in underbrush next to the rivers, and stealthily stalking the shores.

We saw literally hundreds of caiman of all sizes, both in the water, on the sandy shore, and in the low lying grasses.

One of my favorite animals were the capybaras. These giant rodents often hung out and played with their offspring in the shallow parts of the river. I could watch them for hours.

Giant otters were also easily found. These critically endangered animals were playful and cute, but as a group, a serious threat to predators who dared approach. We loved watching them dig out their nest into the bank of the river, ready for bedtime.

And then there were the birds! I am not a bird watcher or even a bird enthusiast, but in the Pantanal, you can’t help but be mesmerized by the hundreds of species of gorgeous and fascinating birds that were everywhere you looked. They were incredible.

We spent hours and hours, mostly alone, exploring the rivers around us and never got tired of spotting these astounding animals.

The only other time we were not alone was when a jaguar was spotted. When that happened, the guides in each boat warned the other guides by walkie-talkie, and most of the time, about a dozen boats eventually arrived trying to spot it.

Some people then spent hours sitting and watching the jaguar, hoping for a unique animal behaviour – mating, swimming, or even a kill. Nothing might happen – the jaguar could simply walk mere feet back into the brush and grasses along the shore and disappear – or you could be rewarded with amazing sights. However, the stifling heat meant most jaguars stayed near the water. Each boat decided how they wanted to spend their time – stay and watch, or move on to other wildlife encounters.

You never went ashore. All land was private and there were no paths. Our whole time in the North Pantanal was spent on the water and it was wonderful.

Other Resources

We have had many wonderful adventures in Central and South America. For more information about other destinations and our experiences, please see:

• Best 4 Day Adventure In The Amazon ;
• Best 5 Day Galapagos Cruise ;
• Best 7 Day Itinerary In Peru ;
• Best 14 Day Colombia itinerary ; and
• Best 11 Day Guatemala Itinerary .

South Pantanal

After 4 nights, we left and made our way back to Cuiaba to catch our flight to Campo Grande in the South Pantanal. If you book a direct flight, it is only an hour’s flight.

From Campo Grande, we were picked up and driven 141 miles (227 km) to our next lodge, Pousada Refugio da Ilha. The drive took just over 3 hours.

The drive was on paved roads except for the last 10 minutes when we were nearing the lodge. We went through a few towns but spent most of the drive in the countryside. However, unlike the North Pantanal, we only saw a handful of animals on our drive. It wasn’t very populated, but compared to the North Pantanal, there were more towns, buildings and civilization along our route.

Pousada Refugio da Ilha

Pousada Refugio da Ilha is a family owned inn that sits on its own private reserve. It only offers 8 suites in its beautifully sprawling main house. All of them are large, authentically and uniquely decorated, and charming. Each room has air conditioning and its own outside private seating area.

Located on an island formed by two river branches, Pousada Refúgio da Ilha is on the edge of the crystal clear waters of the Salobra River, in the Salobra River Delta. From every vantage point from the main house or around it, you see different bodies of water filled with various fauna, birds, caiman and capybaras. Within steps of the main house, you are at the banks of the river, ready to climb into a boat to discover wildlife along its banks.

The main house offered lots of seating areas to read or watch tv, and an honor bar to enjoy cocktails at any point during the day. You could walk around the property, crossing bridges over ponds or standing on decks, watching the wildlife that called the property home. There was also spots to lay out and sunbathe, or swim in the river, if you were so brave.

Food was exceptional. The chef was overseen by the owner and worked from her own family recipes. Every meal was served buffet-style with several delicious dishes on offer each time. For every meal, there was a fantastic selection of entrees, side dishes, and desserts, notwithstanding there were only 8 guests staying at the inn when we were there. The food was likely the best food that we had ever eaten at an eco-lodge.

Daily Schedule at Pousada Refugio da Ilha

Once again, we were assigned our own private English speaking guide for our 4 nights’ stay – in this case, the son of the owners.

The schedule was similar to the Jaguar Flotel since it was still exceptionally hot, humid and sunny. We woke up at 5:30 am, had breakfast, and then, left for our morning activity. We would come back around 11:00 am, have lunch and free time until around 2:30 pm. Then, we would head out for our afternoon excursions, returning at sunset.

After a shower, we had drinks, dinner, and either chatted with other guests, watched tv, or headed back to our room. Bedtime was also very early – usually 9:00 pm.

Activities And Experiences At Pousada Refugio da Ilha

Over 4 days, we got to choose from several activities.

We could take our own private motorized boat to explore the rivers and see the wildlife. This was in some ways very similar to our time in the North Pantanal – same type of boat and we were surrounded by stunning scenery: lush green grasses and brush along the shores of the river obscuring anything beyond; brown murky rivers, and not a person, boat, or building in sight.

However, the rivers here were exceptionally narrow and shallow in many spots. This allowed us to get even closer to the wildlife that we spotted along the way.

It offered a land safari with an open air jeep, similar to one that you would find on an African safari . This allowed us to go deep into the forests and lowlands, looking for other animals and birds not necessarily drawn to the rivers. This is where we saw our first giant anteater and it was incredible!

We also did a night safari which was cool. After sunset, we drove on the private reserve in the safari jeep. Our guide shone a spot light out into the fields and trees trying to spot nocturnal animals.

One of my favorite experiences was canoeing on the river. We loved paddling and being able to hear the animals and birds call out. With the noise of the engine on the motorized boat, we normally couldn’t hear the animals. However, with the silence of the canoe, we were able to get even closer to caimans and capybaras who would not hear us approach.

The inn also offered horseback riding which I would have loved to do, but it was just too hot.

On our last day, we did a full day river cruise on the motorized boat. We went deep into nature, following rivers even further away from civilization. The kitchen at the lodge packed us a picnic lunch, which was delicious, so we didn’t have to return until sunset. This is when we saw 4 tapirs.

Tapirs are the largest land animal in South America. They look like a cross between an elephant and a pig. They LOVE the water – even mate in the water – but are also incredibly shy. Often, you may spot one, but as soon as they hear you approach, they quickly disappear into the brush.

However, on this day trip, at the farthest point away from the lodge, we had four different encounters with tapirs. We literally stumbled across each one of them in the water as we turned a bend in the river.

What is incredible is that tapirs totally submerge in the water, including their heads. They can swim underwater for long periods to avoid detection. Luckily for us, because of the narrow size of the river, we were able to cut the engine of the boat, float along the current, and follow them once they popped their head out of the water. Only when they ran into the long grasses along the banks did we lose them.

Which Area Of The Pantanal Is Better?

If you have the time and budget, I would highly recommend that you go to both the North and South Pantanal. They each offer unique experiences.

However, if you have to choose one spot, which one should you choose?

That depends.

Accessibility

If you want to get to your lodge as quickly as possible, then you should choose Pousada Refugio da Ilha in South Pantanal. It took only 3 hours by car and was predominately on paved roads.

On the other hand, Southwild Jaguar Flotel takes a minimum of 4.5 hours by car (without stops), and you spend at least 50% of the time on unpaved gravel roads. Then, you need an additional 30 minutes by boat. All told, with lunch and bathroom breaks, you should allot between 6-8 hours to reach the hotel.

Accommodation and Food

Southwild Jaguar Flotel is very unique. It places you right in the middle of some of the best game viewing in the Pantanal. You are largely cut off from civilization so you are able to become immersed in the spectacular natural surroundings.

However, there is very little else to do at the lodge other than eat and sleep. If sophisticated food is important to you, then the Flotel will disappoint.

On the other hand, Pousada Refugio da Ilha offers more of a traditional hotel experience. Every room is beautifully decorated. You can freely walk around the property and enjoy watching tv or lounging in the sun. Food is exceptional. You are immersed in nature while you are on the property and along the rivers.

However, you don’t have the same feeling of being far away from civilization (because you are not). You are close to a small local community and can be often reminded that you are only a short drive to the highway depending on the excursions you are doing.

Without question, if you want to see jaguars, you MUST go to the North Pantanal and try and stay at the Jaguar Flotel. The guides are trained to quickly spot them and there is a system in place to inform all the guides in the area when a jaguar is located.

There are jaguars in the South Pantanal and we were told that there are occasional sightings of jaguars along the river near and around Pousada Refugio da Ilha. However, it is far less common.

We did not see any jaguars in the South Pantanal over 5 days, compared to the 14 jaguars we saw in the North over a similar time period.

Other Wildlife

Both areas offer an opportunity to spot lots of other wildlife other than jaguars. They are almost equal in opportunity. However, there are differences.

In the North Pantanal, around the Jaguar Flotel, we were surrounded by literally thousands of caimans and observed several Giant Otter families.

In the south, we saw lots of caimans, but by no means anywhere close to what we saw in the north. In addition, we were told that there was a Giant Otter family living near Pousada Refugio da Ilha but there weren’t any when we were there.

Both locations offered lots of opportunities to see birds. If you like to see birds, but are not a bird watcher, then you will likely be happy in either spot. However, if you are a passionate bird watcher, then you should head to the north.

In the North Pantanal, there is far less civilization and far more area for the birds to live without conflicting with humans compared to the south. In addition, in the north, there are extremely large and wide rivers, and also lots of smaller narrower ones. Each river draws their own bird species.

In the south, the rivers around Pousada Refugio da Ilha were very narrow so we could get very close to the birds that we saw. However, we had access to far less rivers and accordingly, saw less species than the north.

Beyond the North Pantanal being better to spot jaguars, Giant Otters, caiman, and birds, the south does have its own advantages.

We only saw Giant Anteaters in the south and we had the most extraordinary encounters with the elusive and shy tapirs in the south. In the north, we once saw a tapir on one of the large wide rivers, but it quickly and easily ran away as we tried to boat closer to the shore. We never saw another one again.

Traveling with Children

It would be hard staying on the Jaguar Flotel with young children. There is very little opportunity to run around. In addition, the wildlife viewing is more challenging on children. Once you spot a jaguar, you must stay motionless and quiet. This becomes even more important if other boats and tourists arrive.

Accordingly, Pousada Refugio da Ilha would be better for young children. They could play outside with close parental supervision. There is also enough room inside for them to play, a tv, and land based activities that they could also enjoy.

Within a two hour’s drive from Pousada Refugio da Ilha is Bonito, a city that is a center of ecotourism and adventure tourism in Brazil. We spent 3 days in Bonito at the beautiful Pousada Boyra after our time at Pousada Refugio da Ilha.

Bonito offers some extraordinary and unique experiences that are completely different than anything we did anywhere in the Pantanal. I would highly recommending adding some time here, in addition to the North and South Pantanal.

However, if you have to choose between visiting only the North or the South Pantanal, then you should review my article Best Things To Do In Bonito In Brazil and the experiences that we had as this could be another factor when considering where you should spend your time in the Pantanal.

For animal lovers, the Pantanal is one of the most extraordinary places to visit. It offers a whole array of animal and bird life that you can’t see anywhere else in the world. In many respects, it rivals an African safari experience, but for far less money. For those of us who live in North America, it is easier to reach than Africa and has little to no time change.

It is also one of the only places that you can truly watch jaguars in the wild. For that reason alone, it should be on every animal enthusiast’s bucket list.

It is still largely untouched. It offers a sophisticated tourism infrastructure, but without the demand. That will likely change. If you are interested, I would highly recommend you visit as soon as you can.

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U.S. Travelers Won’t Need a Visa to Visit Brazil Just Yet — What to Know

The new visa requirements were most recently set to go into effect on April 10 of this year.

Pintai Suchachaisri/Getty Images

Brazil has postponed its travel visa requirements for American visitors until 2025 just as it was set to go into effect. 

The new visa requirements for tourists from the United States, which has been postponed several times and was most recently set to go into effect on April 10 of this year, will now go into effect on April 10, 2025, according to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Brazil . A visa will also be required for tourists from Australia and Canada, Visit Rio shared with Travel + Leisure.  

"We applaud the government's decision… to delay the visa," Joao H. Rodrigues, the U.S. representative for Visit Rio, said in a statement shared with T+L. "In the first two months of 2024, the arrival of Americans in Brazil was 11% higher than in the same period of the previous year. Without the visa requirement, we expect to maintain the growth in the arrival of foreign tourists from these international markets visiting Brazil and [especially] Rio de Janeiro."

When it does take effect, American travelers will need to obtain an electronic visa to enter the country. The e-visa will cost $80.90 per person and will be valid for 10 years, according to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Brazil.

The decision to bring back these visa requirements comes about five years after the country eliminated visa rules for U.S. travelers exploring for up to 90 days.

While Brazil is bringing back visa rules for American travelers next year, several countries are dropping them or making it easier for U.S. tourists to visit. Turkey, for example, dropped visa requirements earlier this year for travelers visiting from both America and Canada. And China made it easier for Americans to visit by eliminating the requirement for U.S. travelers to submit proof of a round-trip air ticket, proof of a hotel reservation, proof of their itinerary, or an invitation letter to apply for a tourist visa.

There are also several other countries where American travelers are not required to obtain a visa before going, including many European, Caribbean, Central American, and South American countries.

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Packers Underdogs for Brazil Showdown Against Eagles

The Green Bay Packers will kick off their 2024 season in Brazil against the Philadelphia Eagles. The early line has been set.

• Author: Bill Huber

In this story:

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers are underdogs for the historic season-opening game in Brazil against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles are 1.5-point favorites at FanDuel Sportsbook for the Week 1 showdown between presumptive Super Bowl contenders.

The Packers and Browns were the finalists to play Philadelphia in this game. The Eagles preferred to play the Browns in Brazil so they could use their homefield advantage for the big NFC battle against the Packers. Helped by its notorious fans, Philadelphia is 13-4 in regular-season home games the past two seasons.

The game will feature two of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL with Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts and Green Bay’s Jordan Love.

Hurts was runner-up for NFL MVP in 2022 and was a Pro Bowler last season, when he threw for 3,858 yards and 23 touchdowns and rushed for 605 yards and 15 more touchdowns.

Love was one of the league’s breakout stars in 2023. He threw for 4,159 yards and finished second in the NFL with 32 touchdown passes.

While Love had played a bit here and there, his unofficial NFL debut came in a loss at Philadelphia in November 2022. With Aaron Rodgers on the sideline due to injured ribs, Love played the final two series. He finished 6-of-9 passing for 113 yards and one touchdown. He led the Packers to 10 points to keep them in the game.

Hurts, however, threw for 153 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 157 yards. He led the Eagles’ unstoppable offense. Their final five possessions ended with a touchdown, touchdown, field goal, field goal and clinching first down.

The final score: 40-33, for a total of 73 points. Can the teams’ new defensive coordinators – Jeff Hafley for Green Bay and Vic Fangio for Philadelphia – do better? The over/under in Brazil is 48.5 points at FanDuel .

Obviously, a lot will happen between now and Sept. 6. That includes the NFL Draft in two weeks. Like the Packers, bettors expect the Eagles to use their first-round pick on an offensive lineman .

The preparation for Week 1 will begin on Monday with the start of the offseason program.

“We’ve just got to work,” guard Elgton Jenkins said at the start of the Tailgate Tour this week. “This offseason, I feel like guys did what they’re supposed to do. Everybody’s in the right headspace. They want to come to OTAs, build camaraderie as a team, and just ball, for real. That’s all it takes. Putting in that work and making sure you’re ready to compete on Sundays.”

The full NFL schedule has not been released. Last year, it was rolled out on May 11.

This will be Matt LaFleur’s sixth season as Green Bay’s coach. Rather incredibly, he has not had a Week 1 home game. That six-year streak is the longest in the NFL.

The NFL Draft is set for April 25-27

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On eve of Japanese prime minister’s visit to North Carolina, Fujifilm announces more jobs there

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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Hours before the Japanese prime minister’s arrival in North Carolina, a subsidiary of Japan’s Fujifilm Corp. announced Thursday plans to expand further a massive biopharmaceutical manufacturing plant in the state, even as the initial phase is not yet complete, promising another 680 jobs.

Gov. Roy Cooper joined a company executive and local government leaders in unveiling an additional $1.2 billion investment in Holly Springs, where Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies is building what’s being billed as one of the largest cell culture facilities of its kind in North America. The new jobs are on top of the 725 announced by the subsidiary when the initial $2 billion investment was announced in March 2021.

The first phase of the plant is expected to open next year, with the expansion coming online early in 2028, Lars Petersen, the subsidiary’s president and CEO, told reporters. The batch of jobs announced Thursday will be created starting in 2027 and pay an average minimum wage of nearly $110,000, according to state officials.

Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, a contract manufacturer of drugs and vaccines for other pharmaceutical companies, already has a campus in nearby Research Triangle Park, where it employs hundreds of people.

Cooper said the expansion is the result of the state’s commitment to become the nation’s leader in life sciences, which he says statewide includes over 800 companies employing over 75,000 skilled workers.

“It’s pretty clear that North Carolina has become an advanced manufacturing powerhouse,” Cooper said at the announcement in downtown Raleigh, less than 20 miles (32 kilometers) northeast of Holly Springs.

The news conference celebrated another capital injection by a Japanese corporate giant into North Carolina as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida prepared to arrive in the state late Thursday.

Kishida’s schedule on Friday includes visiting the Greensboro headquarters of Honda Aircraft Co. and where Toyota Motor Corp. is building its first North American electric and hybrid battery plant in Randolph County. Kishida’s U.S. visit already has included addressing a joint session of Congress and attending a White House state dinner.

“This is a state where our ties with Japan are growing, and we want to celebrate the economic, academic and cultural ties,” said Cooper, who will also host a luncheon for the prime minister on Friday at the governor’s mansion.

Fujifilm considered making what became Thursday’s investment in Singapore, as well as near its existing facilities in Denmark and in Ventura County, California, according to a state Commerce Department document.

State officials said the company could receive potentially more than $72 million in state and local incentives. A state committee earlier Thursday agreed to award nearly $15 million of those incentives through cash payments over 12 years if the company meets job retention and investment thresholds. The company also received an incentive package in 2021.

The new investment in Holly Springs, which will include additional bioreactors, will meet the growing demand for biological medicines, benefitting oncology, immunology and pandemic preparedness, Petersen said. Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies worked with Novavax to produce a COVID-19 vaccine.