Things to do in Brazil
Things to do in Brazil There are plenty of things to do in the country, so we’ve collated this guide to show
Read moreLocated just below the equator, Brazil’s remote north-eastern states provide a mix of superb off-the-beaten-track experiences and beautiful beaches. Find prehistoric rock paintings in the Serra da Capivara bushlands, while the Lençóis Maranhenses is a stunning natural phenomenon of sweeping white dunes and turquoise freshwater lagoons. The coastline here is cut by lush tropical deltas with largely untouched wildlife, unspoiled fishing villages, stunning beaches with small boutique hotels and relaxed resorts, and picturesque towns such as São Luís and Olinda. The Fernando de Noronha archipelago is a pristine ecological sanctuary with idyllic beaches and abundant marine life.
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The pristine and remote archipelago of Fernando de Noronha lies 355km off the Pernambuco coast of north-eastern Brazil and is an ecological sanctuary, with idyllic beaches and abundant marine life
Jericoacoara is a charming former fishing village surrounded by huge golden sand dunes, natural lakes and pristine beaches. Located some 300 km north of Fortaleza and set within a national park, it can only be accessed via unpaved sandy roads for the last part of the journey. Jeri, as the town is often affectionately called, has sandy streets, small boutique shops and restaurants and a very relaxed atmosphere
The Lençóis Maranhenses offers a rare and stunning natural phenomenon of sweeping white sand dunes and turquoise lagoons, best observed between May and September. Lying just outside the Amazon basin and close to the ocean, this unique windswept region receives a regular rainfall at the beginning of the year. The freshwater collects in the valleys between the dunes and forms lakes of crystal-clear water that shine a brilliant blue and provide a startling contrast with the powder-white sand. Stay in the small town of Barreirinhas on the banks of the Preguiças river and take day trips to explore the park
Maceió is capital of the north-eastern state of Alagoas, renowned for its stunning coastline of white sandy beaches fringed with palms, coral reefs, natural lagoons, and green and turquoise seas
Natal, in north eastern Brazil, is a modern city that has retained its colonial flavour and is beautifully situated among white palm-studded beaches. The name of the city comes from the fact that Natal was founded on Christmas Day, 1599. It was occupied by the Dutch from 1633 to 1654 and in 1817 was briefly the seat of a republican government until it was suppressed by imperial authorities. It is the gateway to the beaches and small colonial towns of the north east
Delightful Olinda is one of the most charming and best preserved colonial towns in Brazil, with a Unesco protected historic centre. Founded in 1535 and once the capital of the state of Pernambuco, it perches on a hill overlooking its modern neighbour Recife and the beautiful coastline. Walk along winding cobbled streets and find colourful mansions with red-tiled roofs, old churches, museums and shady tree-lined plazas. This artistic town has many galleries and artists' workshops, as well as a good selection of restaurants and bars, and it is famous for its carnival celebrations, which features traditional regional dances and giant figures. Combine a visit to Olinda with a relaxing stay at one of the delightful beaches to the south
Parnaíba, once a major river port and now a pleasant, crumbling colonial town, is a starting point for trips to the delta of the Parnaíba river and a frequent stop en route from the Lençóis Maranhenses to Jericoacoara
Located around 70 kilometres south of Recife, Porto de Galinhas is a lively resort that enjoys an idyllic setting, with what are widely regarded as some of the best beaches in Brazil. The natural pools formed by coral reefs provide a chance to swim with colourful tropical fish in crystal-clear waters
Capital of the state of Maranhão, the colonial town of São Luís is a Unesco world heritage site with charming colonial architecture, pastel-coloured buildings covered with distinctive painted tiles and cobbled streets. Founded as a French colony in 1612, the Portuguese soon took notice and by 1615 the French had been ejected and the land reclaimed for Portugal. Located on an island, the town was developed as a port for the export of sugar and cotton and then fell into a long decline from the 19th century onwards. Now its fortunes are changing and the modern port is exporting iron ore from the nearby state of Pará. São Luís is also a starting point for trips in to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Serra da Capivara National Park The Serra da Capivara is a remote national park in the north-eastern state of Piauí. Here, huge sandstone massifs are surrounded by harsh, dry sertão (bushlands) and the caatinga scrub forests. The steep rocky outcrops, cliffs and secluded valleys feature the oldest archaeological site in the Americas - an incredible collection of prehistoric rock paintings dating back at least 25,000 years. The town of São Raimundo Nonato, best known as the administration centre and access point for the park, is home to the Museum of the American Man
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