Northeast Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food to try, where to stay and how to get around in Northeast Brazil with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Northeast

Northeast region in Brazil consists of nine states and has some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in Brazil. The rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes promise an unforgettable travel experience. There are plenty of attractions and activities for everyone, from history and culture enthusiasts to nature lovers.

List of Places to Visit in Northeast

The Northeast region of Brazil is home to various tourist destinations, which offer a unique experience to travelers. Some of the popular tourist attractions of Northeast, Brazil are:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Northeast Brazil is a cultural hotspot with a diverse mix of customs, cuisines, and traditions. You can explore the history and culture of Northeast by visiting museums, historic sites, and landmarks. Here are some of the top cultural attractions:

Natural Attractions of Northeast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Northeast Brazil boasts some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. Along with gorgeous beaches and blue waters, you can also find waterfalls, caves, and unique wildlife. Here are a few stunning natural attractions to add to your itinerary:

  • Chapada Diamantina National Park, located in the state of Bahia, is a breathtaking national park with towering waterfalls, underground rivers, and unique rock formations.
  • Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, located in the state of Maranhão, is home to an otherworldly landscape with sand dunes and crystal-clear lagoons.
  • Fernando de Noronha, located off the coast of Pernambuco, is a stunning archipelago with sparkling blue waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northeast

Northeast Brazil is a perfect destination for trekking and hiking lovers. You can explore natural trails, overland roads, and ecological reserves all over the region. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes:

Best Things to Do in Northeast: Activities and Tours

Northeast Brazil has something for everyone. There are plenty of things to do for those who want to relax or have an adventure. Here are some of the best activities and tours to try out:

  • Explore Fernando de Noronha National Park, one of the most beautiful marine parks in the world.
  • Head to Pipa, in Rio Grande do Norte, and watch dolphins jump and play via a sea kayak tour.
  • Visit Canion do Xingo, in Sergipe, and take in the beautiful canyon view via a river cruise.

Week-Long Itinerary for Northeast

With so many places to visit and things to do, planning a trip to Northeast can be challenging. Here is a suggested one-week itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Explore the colorful historic district of Pelourinho in Salvador, Bahia
2 Visit the unique rock formations and towering waterfalls of Chapada Diamantina National Park in Bahia
3 Relax on the beaches of Porto de Galinhas in Pernambuco
4 Discover the beautiful underwater world of Fernando de Noronha
5 Take a boat ride to explore the indigenous communities and wildlife along the Amazon river in Manaus
6 Visit the mesmerizing Lençóis Maranhenses in Barreirinhas
7 End your trip in the state of Ceará and explore Fortaleza and nearby Beach Park

Food and Drink Scene of Northeast

Northeast Brazil also has a rich culinary heritage. The unique blend of indigenous, African, and Portuguese culture offers tourists a diverse range of delicious food and drink options.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Moqueca de camarão is a classic shrimp dish from Bahia cooked with vegetables and coconut milk.
  • Tapioca is a popular snack made from cassava flour and served with a variety of toppings.
  • Escondidinho de carne-de-sol is a delicious regional dish from Pernambuco made with sun-dried meat, mashed potatoes, and queijo coalho, a salty cheese similar to halloumi.

Local Beverages

  • Cachaça is a distilled spirit made from sugarcane, which is the base ingredient for famous Brazilian cocktails, such as the caipirinha.
  • Cajuína is a non-alcoholic beverage made from cashew juice, a drink that is specific to Northeast Brazil.
  • Coco gelado is a refreshing drink made from the juice of a freshly picked coconut. The drink is served in the coconut shell with a straw.

Where to Stay in Northeast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Northeast Brazil offers an array of accommodations options to cater to everyone’s budget. Rustic pousadas, upscale resorts, and unique eco-hotels are some of the popular options. Here are some suggested places to stay:

  • Kembali Hotel Porto de Galinhas, located in Pernambuco, is a breathtaking luxury hotel with world-class amenities.
  • Pousada do Boqueirão, located in Alagoas, offers an authentic background for those who want to experience the region’s culture and history.
  • Vila Kalango, located in Ceará, offers an eco-friendly resort-style experience with rustic charm that integrates with the surrounding landscape.

What to Buy in Northeast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When traveling to Northeast, Brazil, there are plenty of souvenirs and local products you can purchase to take home. Some popular ones include:

  • Ceramics made by the indigenous tribes of the Amazon rainforest.
  • Handmade hammocks from Ceará are colorful, comfortable, and perfect for a tropical feel in your home.
  • Leather goods such as bags and belts made by local artisans in Rio Grande do Norte.

Local Culture and Customs of Northeast

Northeast Brazil’s culture and customs are fascinating and unique, differentiating the region from other parts of Brazil. Music, dance, and festivals play a significant role in Northeast culture. Here are some interesting customs to keep an eye out for:

  • “Forró” is a popular dance and music genre in Northeast Brazil that originated in the rural areas of the region. It’s a lively dance that looks like a mix of salsa and square dancing.
  • “Lavagem do Bonfim”, held every year, is a religious festival held in Salvador, Bahia, where participants cleanse the church steps with water as an offering to Saint Bonfim.
  • In Olinda, Pernambuco, a traditional folk art called “Bonecos Gigantes” attracts visitors to mind-blowing parades where tall puppets painted in vibrant colors dance on the street.

Best Time to Visit Northeast

Northeast Brazil is a warm and sunny region that makes for a fantastic destination to visit throughout the year. However, the rainy season might affect some of the touristic attractions of such region. The best time to visit Northeast Brazil is from July to December when it is less rainy and hot. But the peak tourist season starts in December and lasts through February, coinciding with summer and holiday season in Brazil.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northeast

Here are some of the essential Do’s and Don’ts of Northeast Brazil:

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions when visiting religious sites
  • Wear sunscreen and a hat when going to the beach or hiking trails.
  • Try out local delicacies and drinks.

Don’t:

  • Do not leave your belongings unattended on the beach or carry valuables and cash with you.
  • Do not consume tap water. Only drink bottled or filtered water.
  • Do not go swimming in prohibited areas or after consuming alcoholic drinks.

Safety and Health

Safety and health are essential when traveling to Northeast Brazil. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Northeast

  • Avoid flaunting your valuables, especially in public areas.
  • Be cautious when taking public transportation and use authorized taxi services or ride-share apps.
  • Be wary of scams when exchanging currency or credit cards.

Health in Northeast

  • You should get vaccines against yellow fever, typhoid, measles before visiting Northeast Brazil.
  • Drink bottled or filtered water only and avoid street food.
  • Bring ample sunscreen, mosquito repellents, and protective clothing/masks when going outdoors or participating in outdoor activities.

Getting to Northeast: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are various transportation options to reach the Northeast region of Brazil:

  • By air: The main international airport in Northeast Brazil is Aeroporto Internacional de Recife in Pernambuco. There are also several regional airports located throughout the region.
  • By bus: There are long-distance bus services connecting major cities of Northeast Brazil with the rest of the country.
  • By car: You can also rent a car and drive from other major cities in Brazil to the Northeast.

Airports Near Northeast

  • Aeroporto Internacional de Recife/Guararapes – Gilberto Freyre - Pernambuco
  • Aeroporto Internacional de Salvador - Bahia
  • Aeroporto Internacional Zumbi dos Palmares - Alagoas
  • Aeroporto Marechal Rondon - Mato Grosso

Bus Stations Near Northeast

  • Terminal Rodoviário do Tietê - São Paulo
  • Terminal Rodoviário Novo Rio - Rio de Janeiro
  • Terminal Rodoviário de Brasília - Distrito Federal
  • Terminal Rodoviário de Salvador - Bahia

Other Options

  • Train: If you’re interested in scenic train journeys, the Vitoria-Minas Railroad from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais to Vitoria, Espírito Santo will give you a great view of the Atlantic rainforest.
  • Boat and ferry services connect the major islands and coastal cities in Northeast Brazil.

How to Get Around in Northeast

The best way to explore the Northeast region of Brazil is by a combination of bus and private transportation. Renting a car is a popular way to explore the area, but it can get expensive. It is also possible to use ride-sharing services or private taxis to get around. However, ensure to use authorized or verified services only.

Where to Go Next from Northeast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring the Northeast, you might want to discover the rest of Brazil. Some interesting destinations to visit next are:

  • The Amazon rainforest and the city of Manaus in the northern part of Brazil.
  • The Iguazu Falls located on the border of Brazil and Argentina.
  • The bustling metropolis of São Paulo in southern Brazil.

Conclusion

Northeast Brazil is a culturally diverse region filled with breathtaking natural landscapes, vibrant music, dance, and delicious food. This comprehensive travel guide offers you a list of things to do and places to visit while discovering Northeast Brazil, as well as tips for transportation, accommodation, and local customs. Remember to respect the local culture and take the necessary precautions to make your trip to Northeast Brazil a fascinating and memorable one!

Rooftops in historic Olinda Rooftops in historic Olinda The Pati Valley, in Chapada Diamantina National Park The Pati Valley, in Chapada Diamantina National Park Fernando de Noronha Fernando de Noronha


    Alagoas
    Bahia
    Ceará
    Maranhão
    Paraíba
    Pernambuco
    Piauí
    Rio Grande do Norte
    Sergipe