10-Day Northeast Brazil Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Northeast Brazil tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNortheast Brazil travel expert at TourRadar

• 9 Day Northeast Brazil Itinerary, incl. Lençóis Maranhenses and Jericoacoara

  

  View itineraryCompare 8 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    São Luis

    Arrive at Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport to start your adventure. Book an early flight to avoid São Luis's busy afternoon traffic. If you have extra daylight hours, take some time to explore the historic center.

    
  • Day 2

    Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

    Start with a 4-hour 4x4 transfer to Barreirinhas in the morning. Head out in the afternoon to see the Great Lençóis lagoons by 4x4. The sand gets very hot so bring water shoes. Plan your swim for late afternoon when it's cooler. A recent visitor shared: "The contrast between white dunes and blue lagoons is unreal - time your visit for sunset when the colors are most vibrant."

    
  • Day 3

    Preguiças River to Atins

    Take a speedboat ride up the Preguiças River to Caburé Beach. Stop at Vassouras to meet the local monkeys. Visit the 8-floor Mandacaru lighthouse early for the best views. Cross to Atins later in the day. The boat trip takes about 2 hours total with stops. Bring something light to wear as morning river trips can get chilly.

    
  • Day 4

    Canto do Atins

    Visit the lagoons near Atins. Get to Canto do Atins restaurant before 1 PM to try their famous grilled shrimp before the tour groups arrive. Spend your afternoon relaxing on the beach. The weather is best from June through September with clear skies and nice temperatures.

    
  • Day 5

    Delta do Parnaíba

    Start early with a boat to Caburé followed by a 4x4 to Tutoia. The delta route shows off countless islands. Bring binoculars to spot wildlife. Look for bright red ibis birds at sunset between May and October. You'll need to switch transport a few times but the views make it worth it.

    
  • Day 6

    Barra Grande

    Take it easy in this local fishing village. Try kitesurfing if you're interested or just enjoy the beach. The beachfront bars offer great caipirinhas and fresh seafood. Stay close to the main street for easy access to food and services.

    
  • Day 7

    Journey to Jericoacoara

    The 115km drive includes two ferry crossings. Timing depends on the tides so keep your schedule flexible. You'll pass white dunes and palm forests on the way. Try to arrive for the sunset gathering at Duna do Pôr do Sol. Wear good shoes as you'll be walking in deep sand throughout your stay.

    
  • Day 8

    Jericoacoara

    Take a buggy tour to Pedra Furada and Lagoa Azul in the morning. Visit Lagoa Paraíso in the afternoon to try the water hammocks. One visitor noted: "The buggy ride itself is an adventure - hold on tight and bring a bandana to keep the sand out of your face!"

    
  • Day 9

    Departure from Fortaleza

    The trip to Fortaleza airport takes about 4 hours. Book an afternoon flight to avoid leaving too early. You'll see different landscapes from coast to countryside on the way.

  View itinerary

• 9 Day Northeast Brazil Itinerary, incl. Recife and Maceió

  This coastal adventure takes you through Northeast Brazil's finest seaside destinations. Two nights each in Recife, Porto de Galinhas, Maragogi, and Maceió provide ample time to soak in local culture with expert guided support.

  

  View itineraryCompare 9 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Recife & Olinda

    Start in Recife, Pernambuco's capital city. The Sunday city tour is a great way to see Recife Antigo's historic center and UNESCO-listed Olinda. Visit Marco Zero square before 10 AM to avoid the intense tropical heat. When exploring Olinda's colonial streets, wear sturdy shoes since the cobblestone streets are quite steep.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Porto de Galinhas

    Porto de Galinhas is about an hour south. Visit the famous natural pools during low tide when the water is clearest in the morning. For the jangada rides to the reef pools, book through your hotel instead of on the beach to get a licensed operator. The best snorkeling is at Praia dos Carneiros just 30 minutes away.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Maragogi

    It's a 2-hour coastal drive to Maragogi, often called the "Brazilian Caribbean." The highlight here is the Galés, natural pools 6km offshore. Book these tours in advance since they fill up quickly. You can only visit the pools during low tide between 8 AM and 2 PM. Regular sunscreen isn't allowed, so pack reef-safe options.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Maceió

    End your trip in Maceió, the capital of Alagoas. The nicest beaches are north of the city at Praia do Francês and Praia de Ipioca, both with calm morning waters. Take a drive to Praia do Gunga to see its iconic rows of coconut palms. Shop at Pavilhão do Artesanato in the afternoon when prices are better than at beach shops.

    

  View itinerary

• 10 Days in Brazil, incl. Salvador and Chapada Diamantina

  Your Brazilian expedition unfolds across Salvador (2 nights), Chapada Diamantina (4 nights), and Morro de São Paulo (3 nights). Rich daily activities blend city tours, waterfall treks, and leisurely beach time.

  

  View itineraryCompare 10 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Salvador

    Arrive after 3 PM since early check-ins cost an extra night. Start your mornings exploring the UNESCO-listed Pelourinho district before the heat picks up. A recent visitor shared: "The pickups and transfers were perfectly timed, and the guides really brought Salvador's African-influenced culture to life through the food and music."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Chapada Diamantina (Igatu & Buracão Waterfall)

    The 6-hour drive from Salvador to Igatu shows a stunning change from coast to mountains. You'll need sturdy water shoes for the 6km Buracão Waterfall trail and swimming through the canyon with life vests. Visit Igatu's unique rock-carved buildings at sunset for great photos.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Lençóis & Cave Exploration

    Stay in Lençóis to explore nearby caves. Visit Poço Encantado between April and September to see sunlight create stunning blue water effects. Bring water shoes for swimming in Pratinha Cave. The 20-minute climb up Pai Inácio Hill offers excellent sunset views. Remember a flashlight for walking down.

    
  • Day 7

    Transit to Morro de São Paulo

    Take the morning fast boat to Morro. It takes about 2 hours. Pack light or hire a porter since there are no cars on the island. You'll walk to your hotel on sandy paths. Bring cash for the tourist tax.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Morro de São Paulo

    The beaches are numbered First through Fourth. Each gets quieter as you go. Third Beach gives you a nice mix of amenities and peace. The best weather comes November through January but expect higher prices then.

    
  • Day 10

    Return to Salvador

    Give yourself 3 hours to get back to Salvador's airport including the boat ride. Book early morning ferries since afternoon winds can cause delays.

    

  View itinerary