Snorkel Adventures in North Brazil

  • Day 1: Natal
    Estimate: 1 hour flight from Recife. Car rental available

    Ponta Negra Beach: Start your adventure on this picturesque beach that is popularly known for its activities such as surfing and sandboarding. The beach features restaurants, bars, and live music to keep visitors entertained.

  • Day 2: Praia da Pipa
    Estimate: 2 hours (50 miles) drive from Natal

    Chapadao Hill: A steep cliff in Pipa that features some of the best views of the region. There is a sunset ritual that gathers many to enjoy the stunning view. Afterward, enjoy the exceptional food, music, and drinks at the Tapas bar which has unbeatable vibes.

  • Day 3: Maracajau
    Estimate: 1 hour and 20 minutes (35 miles) drive from Pipa

    Parrachos de Maracajaú: Visit the Parrachos de Maracajaúat which features crystal-clear water that shows the multi-color of the sunrise. This enough reason to make your way there for recreational diving or snorkeling. The reef looks different due to tides and the moon phase so check the tidal schedule.

  • Day 4-5: Jericoacoara
    Estimate: 8 hours (385 miles) drive from Maracajau

    Duna do Pôr do Sol: This magnificent sand dune is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Find a space to perch with a picnic and some drinks and enjoy the marvelous view. On the following day, go kitesurfing with strong wind if you are experienced or take a lesson if you are not.

  • Day 6-8: Lençóis Maranhenses
    Estimate: 11 hours (450 miles) drive from Jericoacoara

    Lençóis Maranhenses National Park: This landscape made of dunes and lagoons is breathtaking. Explore the magical oasis and jump into the lagoons for a refreshing swim. After a long day, unwind with some cold beers and fresh seafood.

  • Day 9-10: Belém
    Estimate: 12 hours (450 miles) drive from Lençóis Maranhenses

    Ver-o-Peso: This market blends the Amazon rainforest and the Atlantic Ocean to bring together a wealth of regional cultures, beliefs, tastes, and smells. From herbalists to fish vendors, visitors will see that the local culture is a rich form of life.

  • Day 11-13: Alter do Chão
    Estimate: 18 hours (725 miles) drive from Belém

    Ilha do Amor: This small island offers easy access to a pristine beach with calm, clear waters. Kayak along the Arapiuns River and enjoy the view of the mangroves to see a difference perspective on the area. In the evening, check out the boats selling ice cream and crabs.

  • Day 14: Santarém
    Estimate: 4 hours (23 miles) drive from Alter do Chão

    Meeting of the Waters: A natural phenomenon where the Amazon River and the Tapajós River run side by side without mixing for a few miles. The best time to visit is from August to December, when the low waters make the rivers more colorful and appreciable.

  • Day 15: Belem
    Estimate: 22 hours (862 miles) drive or fly from Santarém

    Hangout in the city: Revisit what you liked about the city or explore new areas you missed on day 9 or follow recommendations from the locals you've met along the way. Make sure to try or buy souvenirs from açaí and cupuaçu which is native to Amazonian.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Praia da Pipa Chapadao Hill (1h, $0)
  • Maracajaú Parrachos de Maracajaú (4h, $30)
  • Jericoacoara Duna do Pôr do Sol (1h, $0)
  • Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (3h, $30)
  • Ver-o-Peso Market (3h, $40)
  • Ilha do Amor beach and mangroves (3h, $0)
  • Meeting of the Waters (2h, $15)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $115

Transportation

It is recommended to rent a car in Natal or other major cities because it offers good autonomy and flexibility regarding the itinerary. Short flights are available between chosen destinations, but it is not recommended because of the environmental impact.

Estimated transportation costs are about $600 as fuel prices increase notably in North Brazil. In smaller towns such as Jericoacoara and Alter do Chão expect to park your car and rely on your feet to walk around the town center.

Useful Tips

Extend the trip for a few more days if you want to include São Luis, the Capital of Maranhão, whose architecture in the historic center has been influenced by colonia Portuguese and French, and contains the largest collection of tiles in the Americas.

Consider leaving out Pipa if you want to reduce the number of destinations but skip out on incredible beaches.

Airports

The largest airports that provide access to destinations included in the itinerary are Natal Airports(NAT) for Praia de Pipa and Maracajau, Belem Val de Cans or Julio Cezar Ribeiro (BEL) for Alter do Chão, and São Luís (SLZ) for Lençóis Maranhenses.

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