Snorkelling and Beyond: A Magical 15-Day Trip to North Brazil for Travelers on a Shoestring Budget

  • Day 1: Natal
    Arrive in Natal in the morning

    Natal is known for its beautiful beaches, with warm, clear waters that make it perfect for snorkelling. Spend your first day exploring the city and getting to know the local culture. We recommend visiting the Forte dos Reis Magos, a sixteenth-century military fort that offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.

  • Day 2-3: Jericoacoara
    Travel time: 11 hours (by bus)

    The charming village of Jericoacoara, or "Jeri" for short, is wildly popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Its stunning beaches and the opportunity to relax in a hammock all day make it a must-visit destination. Spend your time exploring Jeri's sand dunes, take a snorkelling trip or go kite surfing if you're up for a challenge.

  • Day 4-5: Lençóis Maranhenses
    Travel time: 9 hours (by bus)

    This national park boasts breathtaking sand dunes and freshwater lagoons. We recommend taking a jeep tour to explore the park and stopping by the Lagoa Azul to go swimming.

  • Day 6-7: São Luís
    Travel time: 3 hours (by bus)

    São Luís is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the capital city of Maranhão. Known for its beautiful colonial architecture, São Luís is a great place to learn about Brazil's history. Be sure to visit the Palácio dos Leões, a former government palace that is now a museum, and the nearby Centro Histórico for some breathtaking views of the city.

  • Day 8-9: Alter do Chão
    Travel time: 7 hours (by bus)

    A laid-back, car-free town located on the banks of the Tapajós River, Alter do Chão is a hidden gem. Take a boat trip to see local Amazonian wildlife, relax on the nearby beaches, or hike to some nearby waterfalls.

  • Day 10-11: Santarém
    Travel time: 40 minutes (by bus from Alter do Chão)

    Santarém is a bustling city located in the Amazon region of Brazil. Take a day trip to the nearby Floresta Nacional do Tapajós to hike and see local wildlife.

  • Day 12-13: Belém
    Travel time: 2 hours (by plane from Santarém)

    Belém is the capital of the Pará state and is located in the northeast of Brazil. Be sure to visit the famous Estação das Docas, a waterfront complex that features restaurants, bars and live music. While in Belém, you can also take a day trip to the nearby Ilha de Marajó, known for its beautiful beaches and water buffalo farms.

  • Day 14: Fortaleza
    Travel time: 2 hours (by plane from Belém)

    Fortaleza is a coastal city in Northeastern Brazil. Visit the Praia de Iracema, one of Fortaleza's oldest neighborhoods, for live music and delicious food.

  • Day 15: Depart from Fortaleza
    Departure time is flexible

    After exploring the Northeastern coast of Brazil for two weeks, it's time to say goodbye to this beautiful place. Depart from the Fortaleza airport at your convenience.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Snorkelling (1-2 hours, free if you have your own equipment)
  • Forte dos Reis Magos (1-2 hours, R$ 15)
  • Jeep tour of Lençóis Maranhenses (4-6 hours, R$ 90)
  • Palácio dos Leões (1-2 hours, free)
  • Boat trip in Alter do Chão (3-4 hours, R$ 60)
  • Floresta Nacional do Tapajós (1-2 hours, free)
  • Estação das Docas (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Day trip to Ilha de Marajó from Belém (8-10 hours, R$ 200 - R$ 300)
  • Praia de Iracema (1-2 hours, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: R$ 365 - R$ 475

Transportation

Traveling in North Brazil is best done by bus or plane. Most cities have bus terminals where you can purchase tickets in advance. An alternate transportation method would be to rent a car. For example, a car rental from Natal to Fortaleza costs around R$ 800-R$ 1,000 for 15 days. Keep in mind that traveling by bus is much cheaper than renting a car, and flights are faster than buses but more expensive.

Useful Tips

If you have more time to spend in the region, consider adding in a visit to Fernando de Noronha, which is known for its incredible diving spots.

If you have less time, consider cutting out Alter do Chão and Santarém and instead heading straight to Belém for a shorter trip.

Airports

The main airports in the North Brazil region are Natal's Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport (NAT), Fortaleza's Pinto Martins - Fortaleza International Airport (FOR), and Belém's Val de Cans/Júlio Cezar Ribeiro International Airport (BEL).

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