Highlights
- Tour Recife by catamaran to see significant sights and enjoy its coastline
- Hop in a 4WD and visit beaches and viewpoints around Fernando de Noronha
- Take a boat to Sancho Bay and then hike the Emerald Coast (with swim stops)
- Learn the history of Olinda as you discover its 16th-century colonial landmarks
- Explore the natural pools of the Coral Coast near Carneiros and Maragogi
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Recife, Catamaran Tour | Recife |
| Day 2 | Fly to Fernando de Noronha, Explore | Fernando de Noronha |
| Day 3 | 4WD Island Tour | Fernando de Noronha |
| Day 4 | Sancho Bay Boat Tour, Hike the Emerald Coast | Fernando de Noronha |
| Day 5 | Fly to Recife, Transfer to Olinda, City Tour | Olinda |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Porto de Galinhas, Buggy Tour | Porto de Galinhas |
| Day 7 | Day Trip to Carneiros Beach | Porto de Galinhas |
| Day 8 | Maragogi Boat Tour | Porto de Galinhas |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Recife, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Recife, Catamaran Tour
Welcome to northeast Brazil and the city of Recife! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll meet your driver for a transfer to your hotel. Once settled, meet your guide for a boat tour through this picturesque city traversed by rivers and adorned with numerous bridges, hence its nickname, "Venice of Brazil." Your journey takes place on a comfortable catamaran, the perfect vessel for exploring the Recife's landscape as you float along the Capibaribe and Beberibe rivers. Your first stop is the bustling port, followed by Parque de Esculturas Brennand, a park with sculptures by the artist Francisco Brennand.
Day 2: Fly to Fernando de Noronha, Explore
It's time to leave Recife for now, as a driver will be waiting in the hotel lobby to take you to the airport to catch your flight to the island of Fernando de Noronha. Upon arrival on the island, meet another driver, who will transfer you to your hotel. You won't want to spend too much time here, as Fernando de Noronha is a stunning volcanic archipelago off Brazil's northeast coast and has recently opened to visitors. Once you have settled in, you're free to explore this national marine park at your own pace.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: 4WD Island Tour
Rise and shine early this morning as you get ready for a complete tour of the main island. Once you meet your guide, you'll hop in a sturdy 4WD vehicle taking you along dirt roads and beaches. As you go beachcombing along the sand, your driver will stop at the main beaches, such as Porto, Bay of Pigs, Cacimba do Padre, Sueste, and Leao.
There will be a lunch break around midday, and from there, you'll head out for great lookout points such as Mirante dos Golfinhos, Two Brothers, and Buraco da Raquel. Finish the day watching the sunset at Boldró Lookout before returning to your hotel.
Day 4: Sancho Bay Boat Tour, Hike the Emerald Coast
Make your way to the pier this morning and board a boat to visit Sancho Bay. As you navigate past secondary islands, you'll see lagoon oases and exotic marine life. Disembark and climb to Sapata Point, with a privileged view of its rock formations. Besides traveling across the Dolphins' Bay, you'll also have time for swimming at some of the most beautiful areas along the coast. As you sail, look for playful dolphins swimming next to the boat. When you return, you'll have time to relax before your next adventure, which takes place on land.
Day 5: Fly to Recife, Transfer to Olinda, City Tour
Say goodbye to Fernando de Noronha this morning, as a driver will be waiting to take you to the airport to catch the one-hour flight back to Recife. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your driver for a quick trip south to one of Brazil's oldest cities, Olinda, founded in 1535. When you reach the city, take a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed historic center and explore its irregular cobblestones streets adorned by colorful houses and secular churches. You'll also climb up to the Sé to enjoy beautiful views of colonial architecture, green palm trees, and the ocean beyond.
Day 6: Transfer to Porto de Galinhas, Buggy Tour
Check out of your hotel this morning, and meet your driver, who will take you to Porto de Galinhas, located 36 miles (65 km) south of Olinda. Enjoy the views along the way, as Porto de Galinhas is the central tourist hub of Brazil's state of Pernambuco's southern coast. Considered one of Brazil's three most beautiful beaches, Porto de Galinhas combines an attractive landscape of palm trees and blue sea with a year-round party vibe.
Check in to your hotel, drop off your bags, and hop in a buggy to venture out along 9 miles (16km) of beaches, getting to know the best of the state's south coast. Along the route, you'll stop at beaches such as Muro Alto, Cupe, and Maracaípe. In Maracaípe, visit the famous Pontal de Maracaípe, where the river meets the sea, and opt for a rafting ride through the mangroves to observe seahorses. After the tour, return to your hotel and have the remainder of the evening to explore the local nightlife.Day 7: Day Trip to Carneiros Beach
Rise early today for an excursion to Praia dos Carneiros, known for its shallow and crystalline waters, perfect for snorkeling. You'll first be picked up at your hotel for the one-hour drive to Carneiros. When you arrive, you'll board a catamaran to explore the coast. Relax as you boat through mangroves and exotic marine life before witnessing San Benito Chapel. Later, there will be a stop to enjoy mudbaths in naturally formed pools. When you return to Carneiros, there will be free time to go snorkeling before returning to Porto de Galinhas.
Day 8: Maragogi Boat Tour
Get ready for another paradisiac journey this morning as you meet your driver in the hotel lobby for the 1.5-hour drive to Maragogi. Observe swaying palm trees and the tropical landscape before stopping at the beautiful Barra Grande Beach, where a restaurant is nearby. After breakfast, board a motorboat and head to the natural pools of the coral coast just 2.5 miles (4 km) away to enjoy swimming and snorkeling in warm, clear water. Later, you can walk the Moses Trail, a sand bar that emerges from the sea at low tide and is about 1 mile (2km) long.
From here, you'll return to Maragogi, where there will be plenty of time to laze on the beach or visit Antunes Beach, which is a close walk and less crowded. Finally, you'll return to Porto de Galinhas at the agreed time with your driver. Savor your last evening with cocktails as you watch the sunset.Day 9: Transfer to Recife, Depart
Today your island adventure comes to an end. At the appointed time, a driver will transfer you to the Recife airport, where you'll catch your flight home. Adeus!
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