Explore the Brazilian Amazon, Coral Coast & Bahia - 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Manaus, Half-Day City Tour

Welcome to Brazil and the bustling city of Manaus, the gateway to the Amazon. Meet your driver outside Eduardo Gomes International Airport and transfer to your hotel. After refreshing, venture out on a half-day city tour, starting at the famous Teatro Amazonas. Built in the 19th century, this neoclassical structure is a symbol of opulence and sophistication. Step into the grand foyer to see the luxurious furnishings, marble staircases, and ornate chandeliers before continuing to the main auditorium with its domed ceiling and plush seating.

On the way to your next stop, Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market, pass by the Río Negro Palace, a historic mansion reflecting the grandeur and elegance of the late 19th century. When you arrive at the market, a replica of the Les Halles market in Paris, browse the stalls full of exotic fruits, regional spices, and handmade crafts. End the tour at the Arena da Amazônia, a football stadium built for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Admire the distinct design inspired by Indigenous baskets to reflect the country's cultural richness.

Day 2: Transfer to the Amazon, Paddle Down the River in a Canoe

Leave the city behind as you venture 3.5 hours into the Amazon rainforest this morning. Start your journey at the Port of Ceasa, where you can jump in a speedboat and cruise to the Encontro das Águas, the point where the Negro and Solimões rivers converge to form the Rio Amazonas. On the way, look out for the pink river dolphins that like to play in the waves the boat creates. When you arrive, watch as the Rio Negro's dark waters flow along the sandy hues of the Solimões without mixing. Continue down the river for another 30 minutes until you reach Vila do Careiro.

Disembark and browse the local fruit market for snacks to try on your 50-minute minibus transfer to the Amazon Turtle Lodge. Check in, leave your bags behind, and set off on a canoe ride through the tranquil waters surrounding the lodge. As you paddle, your knowledgeable guide will teach you about the local flora and fauna, helping you fully appreciate the lush environment. Listen for the calls of exotic birds or the rustling of creatures like monkeys or sloths in the trees. Following the canoe ride, return to the lodge to rest and sit down to a delicious dinner. 

Day 3: Watch the Sunrise Over the Amazon, Jungle Trek, Fish for Piranhas

Get ready for an early wake-up call this morning to see the sunrise over the Amazon. Watch as the first light of dawn paints the sky in hues of pink and gold, transforming the lush landscape, and listen as the jungle awakens with a chorus of exotic birds. After enjoying the natural spectacle, return to the lodge for breakfast, then set off on a trek through the jungle. Follow your guide into the dense foliage, looking out for colorful birds in the trees or playful monkeys swinging from branch to branch. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the many insects that call the jungle home, like vibrant butterflies or praying mantises.

After the trek, head back to the lodge for lunch and a well-deserved nap. In the afternoon, grab your fishing gear and jump in a boat to search for piranhas. Take your catch back to the lodge, then sit down to a local feast for dinner, refueling you for the day's final adventure—a nighttime canoe ride. Paddle along the glassy waters guided only by your flashlight, looking out for the glowing eyes of alligators in the water or along the shores. Once you've seen these predators up close, return to the lodge for the night. 

Day 4: Visit a Caboclo Community, Igapós Boat Tour

After breakfast, head to a nearby village to meet the Caboclo community, a group of people with mixed Indigenous Brazilian and European ancestry. Tour the village and learn about their traditional customs and culture. Pass by cassava plantations and discover the importance of this plant, a staple in many Caboclo dishes. Sit down for lunch with the villagers, then set off on a boat tour through the Igapós, a flooded forest that only appears during the flood period from January to September. 

Glide through labyrinthine waterways, flanked by towering trees submerged in the water, creating an otherworldly landscape. Look out for caimans sunning on fallen logs or the elusive river dolphins when you get to deeper waters. Thank the Caboclo people for their time before returning to the lodge to savor your final night in the Amazon. Take in the stars glittering above the river while you sample local drinks, like chicha, a fermented alcohol made from cassava.

Day 5: Final Boat Cruise in the Amazon, Fly to Olinda

Make the most of your final morning in the Amazon with a boat tour along the river for one last chance to spot the playful pink dolphins. Then, visit the Caboclo community again, this time to see the school that aims to teach and empower the younger generation. After touring the property and meeting some of the dedicated teachers, return to Manaus to catch a four-hour flight to Olinda, a colorful colonial town on Brazil's Coral Coast. Meet your driver outside the airport to transfer to your hotel, where you can stay in and rest for the night.

Day 6: City Tour of Olinda & Recife, Transfer to Porto de Galinhas

Set off on a full-day tour of Olinda this morning, starting at Alto da Sé, for panoramic views of the quaint town and the glittering Atlantic Ocean. Head back down the hill to Catedral da Sé, a Baroque masterpiece adorned with delicate azulejo tiles and intricate carvings. Enter to discover the detailed woodwork, religious artifacts, and golden altars before continuing to the House of the Giant Dolls to see the meticulously crafted dolls spread across the museum. Continue to another iconic church, the Church of Mercy, housing more of the azulejo tiles brought over by the Portuguese.

Day 7: Enjoy a Free Day in Porto de Galinhas or Tour Cabo de Santo Agostino

If you're too tired after yesterday's full-day city tour, you can spend today relaxing on the powdery sands of Porto de Galinhas. Swim in the crystal-clear waters or rent snorkeling gear to discover the vibrant coral reefs. Those who want to explore the area can join a tour of the beaches of Cabo de Santo Agostino, starting at Praia de Suape. Take in the peaceful ambience and the surrounding greenery, then jump into a catamaran to tour the Port of Suape. Depending on the tide, the itinerary may include an exploration of the local mangroves or a refreshing dip in natural pools.

Cruise to a nearby island to swim in the surrounding turquoise waters before sitting down for lunch at Bar do Doido. Step back in time in Vila de Nazaré, a charming Brazilian village with centuries-old churches, quaint squares, and colorful facades. End the tour at Praia de Calhetas, a heart-shaped bay full of attractions, like a thrilling zipline above the pristine waters and lush greenery. If you're not feeling adventurous, you can just bask in the sun or take a leisurely swim. After the six-hour tour, return to your hotel in Porto de Galinhas to relax.

Day 8: Catamaran Tour to Praia dos Carneiros

Put your bathing suit on and jump in a catamaran to cruise down the coast to Praia dos Carneiros this morning. Disembark and admire the golden sands and swaying palm trees as you walk to Bora Bora Carneiros, a luxurious beachfront resort, and enjoy the amenities. Lounge by the infinity pools, treat yourself to a spa treatment or savor gourmet food at the restaurant. If you want to explore the area, walk over to Capela de São Benedito, an elegant church overlooking the water. Step inside to discover the religious artifacts and ornate details before returning to Porto de Galinhas by catamaran in the afternoon.

Day 9: Boat Tour in Maragogi, Transfer to Maceio 

Trade one coastal city for another as this morning, you transfer three hours south to Maceió, the capital of the state of Alagoas. Break up the drive with a stop in the coastal town of Maragogi for a boat tour of the natural pools the area is renowned for. Jump into the crystalline water for a refreshing swim and glimpse the vibrant coral reefs below. If it's low tide, the captain will make a stop at the Moses Trail, a scenic coastal stretch named for its picturesque rock formations resembling the biblical tale of Moses parting the Red Sea.

Walk along the sandy trail surrounded by turquoise water, then return to land to relax on Praia de Antunes. Lay on the powdery white sand under the palm trees or go for a refreshing swim before completing the transfer to your hotel in Maceió. After settling in, venture out to the neighborhood of Jatiúca to discover its upscale dining options. Browse the array of Brazilian and international restaurants to find somewhere for a delicious dinner. When you're full, return to the hotel to rest for the night. 

Day 10: Relax on Praia de Paripueira, Explore Parque Municipal de Maceio

Start your morning with a visit to Praia de Paripueira, a tranquil escape nestled in the town of Paripueira along the Alagoas coastline. Walk along the golden sand and swim in the shallow, emerald-green waters of the southern Atlantic. If the sun is too much, lay under the shade of the coconut palms, listening to the rhythmic sound of the waves. After a relaxing morning, head to Parque Municipal de Maceió, a protected area encompassing a rich mosaic of ecosystems, including reefs, mangroves, and sandbanks.

As you enter the park, you'll be greeted by crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral formations and tropical fish. If you want to see them up close, join a snorkeling tour to witness the underwater spectacle. The park also serves as a critical habitat for marine turtles and a resting place for migratory birds, so keep an eye on the skies and the sand for these majestic creatures. Once you've explored the park, return to your hotel in Maceió.

Day 11: Transfer to Salvador, Half-Day Tour of the City

After breakfast, meet your driver outside to transfer to the airport for a one-hour flight north to Salvador, a city nestled on Brazil's northeastern coast and renowned for its vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture. After checking into your new hotel, venture out for a historical tour of the city, starting at the Fort of Santo Antonio da Barra, built in the 16th century. Discover the well-preserved architecture, cannons, and the museum within. Don't miss the Farol de Barra, a lighthouse that still guides ships into the bay. After exploring the fort, head to Pelourinho, Salvador's historic center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walk along the cobblestone streets past pastel-colored colonial buildings and intricate facades. Listen for the beats of Afro-Brazilian music coming from the lively squares as you pop in and out of historic churches and artisan markets. Stop at Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado, a cultural institution paying homage to the life and works of Jorge Amado, a beloved Brazilian writer. Browse Amado's personal belongings, manuscripts, and photographs to learn about his rich life and creative process before ending the tour at the Lacerda Elevator to take in panoramic views of the city and All Saints Bay.

Day 12: Relax on Praia de Guarajuba, Explore Praia Do Forte

Spend your day discovering the pristine beaches of Brazil's northern coast, starting at Praia de Guarajuba. Admire the shoreline and the azure sea before jumping in for a swim in the warm waters. If you want to take part in watersports, you can surf, kayak, or snorkel amid the dazzling marine life. When you get hungry, visit one of the beachfront kiosks serving fresh and flavorful seafood, traditional Brazilian dishes, and refreshing tropical drinks. 

In the afternoon, continue to the coastal town of Praia do Forte to discover the boutique shops, cafés, and the famous Tamar Project, a sea turtle conservation initiative where you can learn about the rehabilitation efforts to save these marine creatures from extinction. After strolling along the town's cobblestone streets, head to the palm-fringed beaches along the shore. Spend the rest of your day relaxing on the sand or swimming in the ocean before returning to your hotel in Salvador. 

Day 13: City Tour of Salvador, Transfer to Morro de Sao Paulo

Explore more of Salvador this morning on a guided tour, starting at the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim, perched atop a hill overlooking the city. Admire the yellow facade of the 18th-century church, then enter to see the religious art lining the walls. Continue to Monte Serrat Fort, a 17th-century fort built to protect against Dutch invasions. Discover the fort's cannons, stone walls, and panoramic views of All Saints Bay before ending your tour with a visit to some of the city's best markets. Browse the array of fruits, vegetables, and handmade goods to find the perfect souvenir to take home.

In the afternoon, grab your bags and head to the port for a two-hour ferry ride to Morro de São Paulo, a car-free village on the tip of Ilha de Tinharé. After settling into your hotel, venture out to Forte de Morro de São Paul, another 17th-century fort. Pass the iconic lighthouse and wander through the well-preserved ruins to find the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the water. While the sky transforms into hues of pink and orange, look out for the playful dolphins that frequent the surrounding waters. When darkness falls, wander into the village to find a restaurant for dinner. 

Day 14: Walk from Morro de Sao Paulo to Gamboa, Transfer to Salvador

Stretch your legs this morning on a leisurely walk from Morro de São Paulo's pier to Praia da Gamboa, passing the serene beaches of Porto de Cima and Ponta da Pedra on the way. Look out at the clear waters, powdery sand, and the surrounding Mata Atlântica forest. When you arrive, stop at the clay slope on Praia da Gamboa to cover yourself in the clay locals claim is a natural exfoliant for the skin. Wash the clay away in the water before continuing to one of the beachside eateries. 

Enjoy fresh seafood paired with refreshing fruit drinks overlooking the extensive stretch of white sand and turquoise waters. After lunch, return to Morro de São Paulo by boat, looking out for dolphins playing in the waves or turtles swimming alongside you. Return to the hotel to grab your bags, then head to the pier for a catamaran ride back to Salvador. A driver will meet you at the pier to take you to your hotel. When you get hungry, venture out to the neighborhood of Rio Vermelho to browse the mix of seafood eateries, Bahian restaurants, and bars to try local dishes with a modern twist.

Day 15: Relax on Praia do Porto da Barra, Depart

Spend your last day in Brazil relaxing on one of Salvador's pristine beaches. There are plenty to choose from, but one of the most famous in the area is Praia do Porto da Barra. Admire the golden sands and crystal-clear waters of the bay before jumping in for a swim. If you have time, rent a paddleboard or kayak to paddle across the calm water. Those who want a little more adventure can go jet skiing or windsurfing. Just keep an eye on the clock, as a driver will be meeting you back at the hotel to take you to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!

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