North Brazil: See & Experience it all in 13 Days

Your tour begins in Salvador, the vibrant capital of Bahia. While many visit the state for its tropical coastline and refreshing caipirinhas, Salvador stands out as its most popular destination. Here, Afro-Brazilian culture thrives in every corner — from deep-fried seafood and lively drum rhythms to mystical religious ceremonies, dance, and the captivating martial art of capoeira.

Today you’ll take a day trip by boat from Salvador to Morro de São Paulo. Explore this lively island on foot, visiting its historic fort, picturesque lighthouse, charming shops, and inviting beaches. Free of cars, Morro de São Paulo is a hotspot in northern Brazil, radiating a cheerful vibe that lifts the spirits of everyone who visits.

Before traveling by flight and then by land to the resort town of Porto de Galinhas, you’ll have more time to explore Salvador. This historic city is famous for its weathered yet impressive Portuguese architecture and is Brazil’s second most visited urban destination after Rio de Janeiro.

Today, enjoy a guided tour that delves into the city’s rich history and landmarks. Salvador’s old town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, making it one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. There is plenty to see and experience: lively music filling the streets, authentic cuisine, charming squares, colorful buildings, and an atmosphere that truly captures the heart of Brazilian culture.

For today’s day trip from Porto de Galinhas, you’ll travel south along the stunning coastline. The first stop is Pontal de Maracaípe, where a colorful sandbar stretches across the shore. Next, visit Praia dos Carneiros, famous for its historic church set in the middle of a long, sandy beach.

Continue to Praia Barra Grande, where you can walk along the sand that divides the ocean in two, before arriving at Pontal do Maragogi. Here, take a boat out to the sea to explore the natural pools, with snorkeling gear provided to enjoy the underwater scenery.

Please note that some attractions or activities may need to be adjusted if the sea tides are not low enough.

Before relocating by flight and then by land to the fishing village of Jericoacoara, enjoy a couple of fun activities in Porto de Galinhas. Take a traditional sailboat, or jangada, out to a nearby natural pool, then feel the thrill of a buggy ride along the beach. Porto de Galinhas has been voted “Best Brazilian Beach” for the eighth consecutive time by readers of Voyage & Tourism magazine.

Before heading to the airport in Recife, visit the colonial city of Olinda. Known for its bright white churches, pastel-colored buildings, historic fountains, and cobblestone streets and squares, this UNESCO World Heritage Site spreads across several small hills overlooking Recife. Olinda is also one of Brazil’s top locations to celebrate the world-famous Carnival, alongside Salvador and Rio de Janeiro.

Optional extension: You can extend this 13-day tour by three days to visit the island of Fernando de Noronha, accessible via direct flight from Recife. This destination is not automatically included as it caters more to special interests — ideal for families seeking relaxation or for those who enjoy surfing, with a handful of attractions suited to these experiences.

Today, enjoy a buggy excursion from Jericoacoara along the so-called “east route,” visiting Preá Beach, Lagun Beach Club, Lagoa Paraíso (Paradise Lagoon), and Lagoa do Amâncio (Loving Lagoon) in that order. In the evening, take a stroll to the famous “Por-do-Sol” dune to watch the sunset over the ocean. Later, explore the local nightlife, which offers an authentic and lively experience.

Leaving Jericoacoara, the journey to your hotel in Parnaíba is full of adventure, with plenty of fun stops along the way. Driving along the beach, your first stop is a dock, where you board a boat to search for seahorses. Next, take a ferry crossing to reach the extraordinary area called Mangue, known for its bizarre mangrove formations, swings, hammocks, and visitors striking playful poses.

After soaking in the lively atmosphere, enjoy sandboarding and dune bashing before visiting Lagoa de Torta. Continue to Tatajuba Beach, also called Desert Beach, and then Camocim Beach. The journey concludes with more dune rides and a ferry crossing at the Coreau River before finally reaching your hotel in Parnaíba.

Before traveling from Parnaíba to the town of Barreirinhas, enjoy a scenic boat cruise along a delta framed by towering sand dunes. Lunch is included as part of today’s tour.

Barreirinhas serves as the gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, which attracts up to 60,000 visitors annually. The park stretches across 70 kilometers (43 miles) of coastline and features an interior of rolling sand dunes. Between May and September, the valleys among the dunes fill with freshwater lagoons, creating a truly magical landscape.

Your morning begins with a breathtaking flightseeing tour over the sand dunes and lagoons — a highlight that may well be the most unforgettable adventure of your time in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.

The day continues with an adventurous 4×4 tour from morning to sunset, exploring more of the park’s stunning sand dunes and lagoons. Along the way, there’s time to swim in the crystal-clear waters. Many of the lagoons are interconnected with one another and with the rivers that flow through the area, creating a unique and ever-changing landscape to discover.

Before traveling by land to the city of São Luís, spend more time exploring Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Today is dedicated to a boat tour, with highlights including the winding river and panoramic desert viewpoints. Few places on Earth can rival the unique natural features of this eco-friendly destination, making every moment a remarkable experience.

Today, we fly from São Luís to Manaus and then drive to our ecolodge, nestled deep within the vast rainforest. Staying here is an experience in itself, with river cruises offering opportunities to spot wildlife in its natural habitat. The final days of this grand tour are dedicated to exploring the wonders of the Amazon.

Virtually all meals are included by the ecolodge during your stay, allowing you to fully relax and immerse yourself in the jungle experience.

The Amazon is the world’s most famous rainforest, and today you’ll see why. Highlights include encountering pink dolphins in their natural habitat and observing a wide variety of jungle creatures. As night falls, enjoy a boat cruise to spot caimans and other nocturnal wildlife, offering a completely different perspective on this incredible ecosystem.

Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Manaus.