Pernambuco Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and how to get around in Pernambuco, Brazil's Northeast region. This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights into the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the state.


Introduction to Pernambuco

Pernambuco is a northeastern state of Brazil, located in the South American continent. Known for its beautiful coastline, vibrant culture, bustling cities, and natural wonders, Pernambuco is a must-visit destination for avid travelers. With a rich historical legacy dating back to the Portuguese colonization, Pernambuco is a hub of culture, arts, and music. The state’s capital, Recife, is a melting pot of different ethnicities, religions, and traditions, making Pernambuco an exciting and diverse place to explore.

List of Places to Visit in Pernambuco

Pernambuco has a wide range of tourist attractions to cater to all kinds of travelers. Here are some of the must-visit places in Pernambuco:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The historic town of Olinda: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Olinda is a colonial-era town with colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and numerous churches and museums.
  2. Recife Antigo: A historic district in Recife, Recife Antigo, is known for its colonial architecture, national monuments, art galleries, and museums.
  3. Instituto Ricardo Brennand: A museum complex that showcases the history and culture of Pernambuco through art, artifacts, and exhibitions.
  4. Oficina Francisco Brennand: A magnificent art and sculpture museum that showcases the work of one of Brazil’s most renowned artists, Francisco Brennand.

Natural Attractions of Pernambuco: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Porto de Galinhas: A picturesque beach town known for its natural pools, coral reefs, and stunning coastline.
  2. Fernando de Noronha: A remote and exotic archipelago located off the northeastern coast of Brazil, known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and diverse marine life.
  3. Serra Talhada: A mountain range located near the border of Pernambuco and Paraiba, Serra Talhada, is home to diverse wildlife and flora and offers breathtaking views of the countryside.
  4. Rio São Francisco: The longest river of Northeastern Brazil, Rio São Francisco, runs through the heart of Pernambuco, providing opportunities for boating and kayaking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pernambuco

Pernambuco has plenty of hiking and biking routes for adventure enthusiasts. Here are some of the popular ones:

  1. Chapada Diamantina: A national park with several trails and trekking routes that lead to stunning waterfalls, sweeping vistas, and natural pools.
  2. Pedra do Ingá: A rock formation near João Pessoa that features prehistoric rock art and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
  3. Parque Estadual de Itaparica: A state park with several hiking and biking trails that lead to waterfalls and natural springs.

Best Things to Do in Pernambuco: Activities and Tours

Pernambuco offers a plethora of activities and tours to keep travelers engaged throughout their stay. Here are some of the best things to do in Pernambuco:

  1. Attend a Frevo dance performance: A popular form of dance in Pernambuco, Frevo, is a mix of music, dance, and martial arts that originated in Recife.
  2. Visit a Maracatu Nação: A unique musical tradition of the state, Maracatu Nação, is a carnival art form characterized by elaborate costumes, percussion music, and dance.
  3. Explore the nightlife of Recife: Recife is a vibrant city with a bustling nightlife, offering a plethora of bars, restaurants, and music venues.
  4. Take a boat trip to see dolphins and sea turtles: Several tour operators offer boat trips to see marine life in the waters around Pernambuco.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pernambuco

Here’s a week-long itinerary for a trip to Pernambuco:

Day 1: Arrival in Recife, explore Recife Antigo, and visit the São Francisco de Assis Church. Day 2: Visit the historic town of Olinda and explore the various museums and art galleries. Day 3: Take a day trip to Porto de Galinhas, explore the natural pools, and relax on the beach. Day 4: Explore the fauna and flora of Serra Talhada Day 5: Take a day trip to Fernando de Noronha and enjoy the stunning beaches and clear waters. Day 6: Embark on a boat tour to see dolphins and sea turtles. Day 7: Attend a local carnival or try out one of the many bars, restaurants, and cafes in Recife.

Food and Drink Scene of Pernambuco

Pernambuco is known for its diverse culinary scene, rooted in its indigenous, African, and European heritage. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages of Pernambuco:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Baião de Dois: A popular traditional dish made with rice, beans, cheese, and meat.
  2. Carne de Sol: Dried salted beef, served with fried cassava, rice, and beans.
  3. Tapioca: A popular snack made with cassava flour, cheese, or coconut.
  4. Caldo de Cana: Freshly squeezed sugarcane juice, served with lemon and ice.

Local Beverages

  1. Cachaça: An alcoholic beverage made from fermented sugarcane juice, enjoyed in various forms throughout Brazil.
  2. Caipirinha: A traditional Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar.
  3. Guaraná: A popular soda made from the guaraná fruit.
  4. Café do Sertão: A strong coffee blend unique to the region, typically served with milk and sweeteners.

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

Pernambuco has several accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  1. Mar Hotel Recife: A luxurious hotel located in the Boa Viagem area, close to the beach and several tourist attractions.
  2. Arrecifes Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel located in Recife’s historic district, offering dormitory and private rooms.
  3. Villa Hípica: A boutique hotel located in Gravatá, known for its equestrian facilities and scenic views.
  4. Pousada dos Quatro Cantos: A charming guesthouse located in the heart of Olinda, with a lovely courtyard and comfortable rooms.

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

Pernambuco is a hub of arts and crafts, and several souvenirs and local products make for great mementos of your trip. Here are some of the best things to buy in Pernambuco:

  1. Handmade ceramics and pottery
  2. Embroidery and lacework
  3. Leather goods and shoes
  4. Cachecol de Tricô: Traditional hand-knitted woolen scarves from the region

Local Culture and Customs of Pernambuco

Pernambuco’s culture and customs are a blend of its indigenous, African, and Portuguese heritage. The region is known for its vibrant and diverse music, dance, and folk traditions. The people of Pernambuco are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are encouraged to participate in the local culture and customs.

Best Time to Visit Pernambuco

The best time to visit Pernambuco is between June and September, when temperatures are mild, and rainfall is low. However, as the region has a tropical climate, it is warm and humid year-round, so travelers should be prepared for hot and humid weather.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pernambuco

Do:

  1. Try local cuisine and drink the local beverages.
  2. Carry cash, as several places may not accept credit cards.
  3. Respect local customs and traditions.
  4. Learn some basic Portuguese phrases to communicate with locals.

Don’t:

  1. Venture out alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.
  2. Leave your belongings unattended in public places.
  3. Disrespect religious or cultural symbols and objects.
  4. Politely decline offers of drugs or other illegal substances.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pernambuco

Pernambuco is generally a safe destination for travelers, but visitors should exercise caution and take the necessary precautions to avoid petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft. It is advisable not to visit certain areas of Recife at night. It is also essential to have photocopies of important documents and to carry them with you at all times.

Health in Pernambuco

It is advisable for visitors to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses like Dengue fever, especially during the rainy season. Visitors should also be careful while swimming or participating in water activities, as the waters can be unpredictable and have strong currents or rip tides.

Getting to Pernambuco: Transportation Options and Logistics

Pernambuco is well-connected to other parts of Brazil and the world, with several transportation options available.

Airports Near Pernambuco

  1. Recife/Guararapes-Gilberto Freyre International Airport: Located in Recife, this is the primary airport of Pernambuco and handles domestic and international flights.
  2. Fernando de Noronha Airport: Located in Fernando de Noronha, this airport handles domestic flights to and from several destinations.

Bus Stations Near Pernambuco

  1. Recife Bus Terminal: The primary bus station of Recife, serving several destinations across Brazil.
  2. Caruaru Bus Terminal: Located near Caruaru, this station serves several cities in the interior of the state.

Other Options

  1. Car Rentals: Several car rental services are available at airports and major cities, allowing visitors to explore the region at their pace.
  2. Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Pernambuco, but visitors are advised to use authorized taxis and negotiate prices beforehand.

How to Get Around in Pernambuco

Pernambuco has several transportation options to get around, including:

  1. Buses: Local buses operate in most cities, and intercity buses connect different parts of the state.
  2. Taxis: Taxis are widely available in major cities and tourist areas.
  3. Car rentals: Several car rental services are available at airports and major cities.
  4. Boats: Boat tours are available to explore the waters around Pernambuco.

Where to Go Next from Pernambuco: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Pernambuco is a gateway to several other destinations in the Northeast region of Brazil. Here are some of the recommended places to visit:

  1. Natal: Located in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal is known for its stunning beaches and sand dunes.
  2. João Pessoa: The capital city of Paraíba, João Pessoa, is known for its historic buildings, colorful streets, and traditional handicrafts.
  3. Salvador: The capital city of the state of Bahia, Salvador, is a hub of Afro-Brazilian culture and is known for its music, cuisine, and colorful architecture.

Conclusion

Pernambuco is a vibrant and diverse state in northeastern Brazil, offering visitors a range of attractions and experiences. From colonial-era towns and museums to exotic beaches and natural wonders, Pernambuco has something for everyone. With this comprehensive guide, travelers will be well-equipped to explore the state’s culture, history, and natural beauty, making unforgettable memories along the way.

Olinda, one of the state's most important historic towns Olinda, one of the state's most important historic towns Old Town of Recife Old Town of Recife Vale do Catimbau Vale do Catimbau Limestone rocks in Fernando de Noronha Limestone rocks in Fernando de Noronha Natural pools formed during low tide in Porto de Galinhas Natural pools formed during low tide in Porto de Galinhas The XVI century ''Convento de Santo Antônio'' (Saint Anthony monastery) in Igarassu The XVI century ''Convento de Santo Antônio'' (Saint Anthony monastery) in Igarassu Frevo dancers in Olinda Frevo dancers in Olinda São João festivities in Caruaru São João festivities in Caruaru Local handcraft in Caruaru Local handcraft in Caruaru ''Bolo de Rolo'' (roll cake) a typical dessert from Pernambuco ''Bolo de Rolo'' (roll cake) a typical dessert from Pernambuco Wines from the São Francisco Valley (Pernambuco) Wines from the São Francisco Valley (Pernambuco)


    Agreste
    Fernando de Noronha
    Grande Recife
    Sertão
    São Francisco Valley
    Zona da Mata