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. 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.

  

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  • 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.

    

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• 8 Day Northeast Brazil Itinerary, incl. Sao Luis and Jericoacoara

  

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  • Day 1

    Sao Luis

    Your journey starts in Sao Luis, a historic coastal city. Stay near the UNESCO-listed historic center to be close to the beautiful Portuguese colonial architecture. Book your accommodation well ahead if visiting during July-August when the Bumba Meu Boi festival fills the city.

    
  • Day 2

    Sao Luis to Barreirinhas & Lencois Maranhenses

    Leave early at 8 AM for the 4-hour drive to Barreirinhas through native palm forests. You'll want water shoes for exploring Lencois Maranhenses National Park's dunes. The sand gets very hot. Plan your visit between July-September when the lagoons are full and temperatures are better. Late afternoon visits give you the best photo opportunities without harsh shadows on the dunes.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Atins & Surroundings

    Take a morning speedboat to Atins along the Preguicas River. The trip takes about 1.5 hours. Buy your supplies in Barreirinhas since Atins has limited stores. The afternoon winds make it great for kitesurfing. Book lessons early if you're a beginner as instructors are limited. Pack extra water for the Canto do Atins trip since there are no facilities there.

    
  • Day 5

    Parnaiba Delta

    Plan for 4-5 hours exploring the delta's waterways. Wear clothes that dry quickly since the speedboat rides can get you wet. The Sao Bernardo viewpoint offers great spots to see red ibis and other wildlife. Bring cash for food as island restaurants typically don't take cards.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Jericoacoara National Park

    The 4x4 ride to "Jeri" includes several ferry crossings and beach driving. Consider motion sickness pills if needed. Pack sandals or beach shoes since Jericoacoara's streets are all sand. Visit Lagoa do Paraiso in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during July-August. Get to Duna do Por do Sol 30 minutes before sunset to find a good viewing spot.

    
  • Day 8

    Transfer to Fortaleza

    The 5-hour drive to Fortaleza covers diverse terrain. Book later flights to avoid morning traffic delays into the city. Consider staying an extra night in Fortaleza if you have an early flight as the coastal drive can be tiring.

    

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• 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.

  

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  • 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.

    

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