Brazil has a coastline to envy and its beaches are some of the nicest in the world. We have prepared 6 itineraries from the north-east of Brazil, taking in the nicest places to visit. You will find a beach for every taste and there is always a place where you can go at anytime during the year and have good sunshine. We have handpicked the best charming boutique hotels, Brazil has a lot of quality accommodation to offer along its beaches. Either if you are travelling with children or with a group of friends, on your honeymoon or if you are a solo traveller – you has so much to choose from. The food is delicious and organic, the views are dreamy and the vibe is laid-back. The north-east of Brazil is really off the beaten track. Discover the beaches of Brazil in the 6 carefully designed itineraries below.
1. Route of Emotions
Itinerary: Fortaleza, Jericoacoara, Camocim, Parnaiba, Atins, Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro, Sao Luis
Length / Price: 10 days / from £2,045 per person
Best Boutique Hotels: La Ferme de Georges, The Chili Beach, Ilha dos Poldros
When to visit: June to late September. Best in August
The Route of Emotions Tour is a scenic 10-day privately guided itinerary exceptionally designed for nature lovers, who enjoy beaches and castaway rustic luxury. Geographically, this sightseeing route will take you through three (!) states in the north-east of Brazil – Ceará, Piauí and Maranhão. Walk barefoot through a beautiful landscape of white-sand dunes and azure lagoons in the national park of Lençóis Maranhenses. Admire the picturesque course of Preguicas river during the transfer from Barreirinhas to Atins. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of remote fishing villages, take kitesurfing lessons, go horse-riding and experience the slow lifestyle of the North-Eastern Brazil. This road trip is without doubt one of the most breathtaking itineraries in Brazil, and certainly, one of the highlights of South America. You can start either in the city of Fortaleza or in São Luiz. Ideally, add a few more days in Atins and Jericoacoara. The Route of Emotions is an excellent choice for family travelling with children, a group of friends or couples who like active trips, as well as for senior travellers. The program includes accommodation at small boutique hotels with a lot of comfort and charm.
2. Ceara Buggy Safari
Itinerary: Fortaleza, Cumbuco, Taiba, Paracuru, Trairi, Guajiru, Flecheiras, Mundau, Icarai, Prea, Jericoacoara, Tatajuba
Length / Price: 8 days / from £1,700 per person
Best Boutique Hotels: Carmel Cumbuco, Zorah Beach, Casana, Rancho do Peixe, Villa Mandi
When to visit: June to late September. Best in August
This 8-day dune and beaches buggy safari along endless stretches of sandy beaches is an unforgettable experience that will give you a flavour of Ceara’s coastline in Brazil. Starting in Fortaleza, the tour heads towards the north-west, all the way to Jericoacoara National Park. If you are looking for a mix of calm deserted beaches, this trip is for you. Stop in Taíba with its long peaceful beaches, then move to the idyllic Trairi, known for its picturesque white sands. Arrive in the castaway village of Jericoacoara with its vibrant nightlife and laid-back vibe. Discover picturesque dunes, crystalline lagoons, lazy fishing villages, rivers, palm groves and a community of wave-riders. This is an off-road adventure trip which would be a great choice for active travellers, including kitesurfers and surfers, who want to move along different beaches and practice watersports. The itinerary can be adjusted and changed in many ways. Stay in charming beach villas and indulge in the relaxed beach lifestyle of the Brazil’s north-east.
3. Fortaleza to Natal
Itinerary: Fortaleza, Canoa Quebrada, Ponta do Mel, Galinhos, Sao Miguel do Gostoso, Pititinga, Maracaju, Natal
Length / Price: 8 days / from £1,900 per person
Best Boutique Hotels: Vila Selvagem, Mi Secreto Pousada & Spa
When to visit: June to February, best in July-August
On this 8-day guided beach hopping trip you with travel from Fortaleza to Natal, discovering the north-eastern beaches of Brazil in the states of Ceara and Rio Grande do Norte. Visit Canoa Quebrada, Ponta do Mel, Galinhos, São Miguel do Gostoso, Pititinga, Maracajau and more. Red and orange beach cliffs, long deserted beaches, crystalline natural pools formed at low tide, sleeping fishermen villages at the end of the world, large sand dunes – this trip is perfect for those who like off the beaten track destinations, with an authentic local flavour and lots of authenticity. Practice water sports, go snorkelling near wonderful coral reefs at low tide, try succulent seafood, watch beautiful sunsets and spend a week relaxing on different castaway beaches. The itinerary is balanced, giving you time to get a good feeling of each place. The itinerary can be adapted and changed, if needed. You can start either in Fortaleza or in Natal. There is a mix of high-end and rustic hotels on the itinerary. This trip is a great option for all adventure seekers, kitesurfers, nature lovers and travellers who are looking for beautiful non-touristy destinations.
4. Natal to Recife
Itinerary: Natal, Pipa, Pedra da Bocaina, Cariri, Baia de Traicao, Joao Pessoa, Olinda, Recife
Length / Price: 12 days / from £2,480per person
Best Boutique Hotels: Madeiro Beach Hotel, Filha da Lua, Toca do Coruja
When to visit: August to February, best in October-November
This 12-day guided beach hopping tour will take you from Natal to Recife, along three Brazilian states: Rio Grande do Norte, Paraiba and Pernambuco. This itinerary combines a mixture of adventure, relaxation, gastronomy, history and culture, including famous sites and surprising hidden gems. You will discover an array of different beaches, from popular surf spots to quieter coves with calm waters. Take a boat trip in Pipa to spot dolphins and further south in Baia da Traicao go searching for turtles and manatees. Learn about the culture of Potiguara indigenous community and visit the small picturesque colonial towns of Areia and Olinda. In the cities of Natal, Joao Pessoa and Recife discover the north-eastern urban vibes. Apart from beautiful tropical beaches, the Northeast of Brazil holds many wonderful secrets in its little-known interior, in the midst of wild landscapes shaped along millions of years. Visit the wonderful sites of Cariri, Pedra da Boca and Pedra do Inga. This is a fantastic and mystical experience for those who have interest in geology and paleontology. The itinerary can start both in Natal and in Recife. The program can be adapted in many ways.
5. Fernando de Noronha
Itinerary: Olinda, Fernando de Noronha, Recife
Length / Price: 8 days / from £1,220per person
Best Boutique Hotels: Pousada Maravilha, Nannai Noronha
When to visit: August to December
The Fernando de Noronha Tour is a private guided itinerary in Brazil. This is a 8-day beach holiday which will also appeal to culturally curious travellers. The state of Pernambuco is colorful, has a rich history and stunning natural sites. Starting on the mainland, visit the picturesque colonial town of Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Placed on a hill overlooking the city of Recife and the ocean, it is one of the best preserved historic places in Brazil. After a short flight, land in the spectacular archipelago of Fernando de Noronha. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, this remote island is a protected marine park, unique in South America. Virgin white sand beaches, counting among the best in the world, turquoise crystal-clear waters, rich marine life – a heaven, truly. The island offers plenty of opportunities to keep active, if you choose to. Take scenic hikes to enjoy the countless panoramic views, go snorkeling or diving, take surfing lessons or explore the island on a quad-bike. You will stay at a small charming property. This tour is a great option for a romantic honeymoon holiday. We give you the freedom to explore the island and dine out, however, on request, an all inclusive basis is possible as well.
6. Salvador to Recife
Itinerary: Salvador, Praia do Forte, Aracaju, Penedo, Maceio, Sao Miguel dos Milagres, Porto de Galinhas, Recife, Olinda
Length / Price: 11 days / from £2,600per person
Best Boutique Hotels: Pontal dos Carneiros, Pedras do Patacho, Pousada da Amendoeira
When to visit: year round, avoid June-July because of rain, best September to February
This 11-day guided beach hopping tour in Brazil, will take you from Salvador to Recife, along the magical north eastern coastline through the four states: Bahia, Sergipe (the smallest state of Brazil), Pernambuco and Alagoas. The last two are often called the ‘Caribbean of Brazil’ due to their stunning clear waters and a relaxed vibe. This trip is packed with fun activities for every day. Discover beautiful tropical beaches sheltered by tall coconut palm trees, cross rivers which run into the ocean, swim in natural pools created at low tide, snorkel or dive with colourful fish, learn about sea turtle and manatees conservation projects, marvel at the colonial heritage of Brazil and much more. This itinerary is a perfect plan for beach lovers who also like to put a bit of culture in their holiday. This program is a great choice for an active family getaway as well as for couples who like to combine relaxation with discovering new places. Stay in charming small inns and soak in the beach culture of Brazil. This trip can also be done the other way around, starting in Recife and finishing in Salvador. We can adapt the program in many ways.
Boutique Travel Experts is a small independent tour operator specializing in Brazil. All our trips are tailor-made. We work with small hotels and local guides, encouraging a sustainable tourism and supporting responsible practises. We have travelled extensively in Brazil, and we know the country inside-out. There are many safe national parks and we want to show you the beauty of Brazil through our beach hopping itineraries.
Boutique Travel Experts