Sunset in Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, Brazil

North East Brazil

Northeast Brazil is one of the most geographically diverse regions in the country. Dutch, Portuguese and African influences run through the architecture, food and art across its nine states and pristine wilderness can be found in the regions national parks.

Quaint fishing villages juxtapose cosmopolitan cities, whilst serene beaches and exceptional snorkelling can be found on Fernando de Noronha, a pristine archipelago known for its marine biodiversity. Chapada Diamantina National Park, home to the endemic hooded visorbearer hummingbird, offers some of the Brazil’s best trekking and Lençóis Maranhenses National Park takes you to desert landscapes with seasonal freshwater lagoons.

Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil, South America
Chapada Diamantina National Park
Lencois, Chapada Diamantina, Brazil
Lencois
Chapada Diamantina, Brazil
Chapada Diamantina National Park

Lencois and Chapada Diamantina National Park

Founded in 1844 to exploit the diamonds found in the surrounding mines, Lencois is a fascinating colonial town with historical monuments and laid back cafes. Combine Lencois with a day trip to Chapada Diamantina National Park where stunning limestone table top plateaus and crystal clear grottos and pools offer excellent trekking and walks to beautiful waterfalls, including Cachoeira da Fumaça, one of the tallest in Brazil with a fall of 1,350 feet.

Olinda Carnival, Brazil
Olinda Carnival, Brazil
Pelourinho, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Pelourinho, Salvador
Surfing, Barra Beach, Salvador, Brazil
Barra Beach, Salvador, Brazil

Recife, Olinda and Salvador

For a more memorable experience of Pernambuco visit Recife and Olinda during carnival season. Don’t miss the elaborate costumes and mesmerising beats of the multicultural Galo da Madrugada street parade in Recife, or the bloco’s (street bands) leading a parade of enormous dolls through the cobblestone streets of Olinda. Further south, African culture dominates every niche of Salvador’s colourful lifestyle from the pulsating rhythm of drums to the spicy aroma of its cuisine, the martial art dance of capoeira and the incessant need to party! Salvador’s crowning glory is the historic downtown area, the Pelourinho; a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautifully coloured colonial houses and dotted with some of the prettiest churches in the country.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park Lagoons
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park Lagoons
Lencois Maranhenses, Brazil
Lencois Maranhenses, Brazil

Lencois Maranhenses National Park

Situated at the intersection of three ecosystems, the Cerrado, Caatinga, and Amazon, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park on the Maranhão coast is a unique landscape of dry forests, tropical savannahs, and lush rainforest. A spectacular natural phenomenon where 43 miles of coastline borders hundreds of square miles of sand dunes. From May to September, the dunes fill with crystal clear freshwater, creating an expansive patchwork of turquoise lagoons. Exploring the park is best done via a private 4×4 sunrise or sunset tour when the desert landscape and lagoons glow with vibrant reds and yellows. Press the play button to find out why our Brazil expert Roxy recommends visiting Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Villa Bahia Pousada £££££

  • Brazil
  • Boutique

Villa Bahia Pousada is located in the heart of Salvador’s historical centre, close to the Jorge Amado Museum, the Lacerda Elevator and the Praca da Se overlooking All Saints Bay. It is a charming colonial hotel with 17 bright and spacious rooms, each themed to celebrate key moments in the history of the Portuguese discoverers and their trade exchanges in the spice trade. Rooms on the top floor have a private terrace with rooftop views of the city – its colourful facades and famous bell tower. Villa Bahia Pousada’s restaurant serves traditional Bahian cuisine as well as other dishes. There are also two secluded patios and a pool where you can relax and unwind.

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Nannai Muro Alto £££££

  • Brazil
  • Beach and Island Escapes

Nannai Muro Alto is beautifully situated on the beach of Muro Alto. The beach and offshore reefs form a beautiful two and a half kilometre-long tide pool, with a sandy bed. The Resort features an extensive 6,000m² set of pools with refreshing, crystal-clear water. Facilities include restaurants, the main pool with swimming lanes, exclusive Jacuzzi areas, water volleyball, a beautiful beach with fantastic sea view, a children’s area and a pool bar. There are different categories of apartments, bungalows have a private swimming pool or Jacuzzi.

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Casa do Amarelindo £££££

  • Brazil
  • Boutique

Casa do Amarelindo is a charming hotel set in a restored 19th-century house in the historic Pelourinho area overlooking All Saints Bay. There are 10 beautifully furnished rooms, many rooms also offer a private balcony or terrace. There is a small pool with bay views, a fitness centre, two bars and a restaurant.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Sue Grimwood

In the late ’90s, I booked myself on an expeditionary voyage into the Antarctic Circle and was instantly hooked. Since then, I’ve returned to Antarctica a number of times and ventured deep into the Arctic – from Svalbard to the Russian and Canadian Arctic – always chasing that same sense of wonder. It’s this rare personal experience of the world’s polar extremes that I bring to every journey I plan.

Talk with our experts
  • 1(800)272-4163

Roxy Dukes

Roxy loves to delve into South American culture, so Brazil is always at the top of her hit list. From eating tapioca served from local food carts to the art of capoeira dancing, she loves to find new experiences to share with her wayfaring clients.

Talk with our experts
  • 1(800)272-4163

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