Situated in northeastern Brazil, the town of Sao Luis is separated into two areas by the waters of the Rio Anil. While several beautiful beaches and modern tourist attractions can be found on the northern side of the river, the town’s highlight – its historic centre – lies south of the Rio Anil. Encompassing numerous examples of finely preserved colonial Portuguese architecture, this World Heritage Site is particularly well known for its unusual tiled buildings. Sao Luis also boasts a rich culture; Afro-Brazilian influences can be found in the local cuisine, the reggae music scene and, most interesting of all, the Bumba Meu Boi traditions that are celebrated during the colourful local festivals.
Located in the northeastern coastal state of Maranhao, the Brazilian town of Barreirinhas serves as an excellent base for visitors to explore the spectacular surrounding area. This riverside town has a selection of agencies offering guided trips to Lagoa Bonita and Lagoa Azul as well as trips down the beautiful Preguica River. The undeniable highlight of this area is the breathtaking Lencois Maranhenses National Park, which is home to thousands of seasonal clear blue lagoons dotting a vast blanket of dunes stretching on for kilometres and kilometres. Visitors can also look forward to spending a relaxing day on the popular Cabure Beach lapped by calm waters or for the more adventurous, a 4x4 trip around the magnificent Lagoa da Esperanca.
Situated in the northeastern Brazilian state of Piaui, the city of Parnaíba serves as an excellent stopover and base from which to explore the spectacular surrounding area. This city boasts a picturesque colonial city centre overlooking the Parnaiba river and offers a wide range of fun activities. Visit the beautiful Parnaíba Delta, which is interspersed with 73 river islands, lush vegetation, dunes, and wetlands; relax on the palm-tree-lined Pedra do Sal beach; and explore the beautiful Portinho Lagoon, an ideal spot for adventurous visitors to enjoy some thrilling watersports. Don’t miss the Porto das Barcas on the Rio Igaracu waterfront, which features 19th-century warehouses converted to restaurants, tour operators and craft shops.
Situated in the eastern Brazilian state of Ceara, the beach resort town of Jericoacoara is known for its spectacular palm-lined beach, lively restaurants, cafes and bars. Renowned as a kitesurfing and windsurfing mecca, this laidback hippie village is surrounded by idyllic natural features including expansive freshwater lagoons, vast dune areas and the magnificent Jericoacoara National Park. Visitors can look forward to a myriad of thrilling watersports; explore the Pedra Furada, an arched rock surrounded by sensational beach and ocean vistas; and watch a breathtaking sunset from the popular ‘Sunset Dune’. Other popular activities include: horse riding, authentic local village visits, beach buggy tours, and Capoeira lessons.
The growing appeal of the sprawling capital of the northeastern state of Ceará can be attributed to its thriving economy, sunny beaches, a colourful and safe nightlife, delicious local fare, and rich and engaging Brazilian culture. Despite being the smallest state in the country, Ceará has one of the longest coastlines, with Fortaleza providing a number of urban beaches for tourists to enjoy. Sightseeing includes the Centro de Turismo, an atmospheric, converted 19th-century jail housing a museum that showcases the best of Ceará arts and craft, and the impressive Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura, a complex offering two museums, a planetarium, quaint cafés, and performance areas.
