Porto de Galinhas, a treasure to discover in the northeast of Brazil

The Porto de Galinhas region is located 60 kilometers south of downtown Recife and 50 km from the Dos Guararpes International Airport. It emerges from a fishing village and has more than 18km of beaches of clear sand and emerald waters, away from the hubbub of the city. It also has a hotel infrastructure of international level and a diverse gastronomy. On the other hand it has several sugar mills for those interested in industrial activities.
Nowadays, it is consolidated as one of the most attractive destinations and offers wide options of accommodation, gastronomy, commerce and entertainment during the day and at night.
In just one week you can visit not only Porto de Galinhas, but also other nearby destinations such as Praia dos Carneiros and Maragogi (Alagoas). Then we share with you the most outstanding attractions when it comes to organizing a tour of the region.

Buggi pass
One of the most requested excursions is the Ponta a Ponta excursion that runs through Porto de Galinhas. It starts at Muro Alto, continues through Cupe, downtown beaches, Maracaípe and ends at the Pontal de Maracaípe.

Pools of natural water of Porto de Galinhas
They are located on the central beach and are the clearest example of why this beach is chosen since 2001 as the best beach in Brazil. They are formed by the position of the sea and the great reef that faces its coasts of approximately 700 meters. Within this space there are holes or "pools" in which it is possible to enter (keeping in mind the tide schedule) and swim surrounded by thousands of fish.
For those who are not lucky enough to spend many days wanting to get to know the natural pools of Porto de Galinhas, you should take into account some important facts: learn how the tides work and the tide table since whoever gets to these beaches during high tide will not find anything special since the great recife will be covered with water and it is impossible to see. On the other hand, to enter the pools should expect the tide to rise at least one meter high. In addition it is only possible to step on the recife in the parts indicated by ropes or by people who take care of them. The reefs are covered with very sensitive corals which we must take care of together. There are two swimming pools enabled and controlled for visitors. In both it becomes almost impossible to move because of the large number of fish that swim around it.

Walk through the Vila de Porto de Galinhas
The center of Porto de Galinhas offers a diverse gastronomy and entertainment experience throughout the day. Thousands of tourists visiting the destination can enjoy a walk that is a must stop for visitors. The gastronomy is first class and highlights the local flavors that can be seen in famous restaurants such as Peixe na Tela and La Creperie. In the Vila you can also visit ecological projects that mark much of the commitment for the destination with the environment. Such is the case of Proyecto Hipocampus and Eco Asociados.

Muro Alto
The Muro Alto Beach is perhaps its greatest exponent of Porto de Galinhas, about 10 kilometers north of the city center is located this paradisiacal beach that gets its name due to a high-rise reef that generates a natural pool of an incredible size . The perspective that is obtained from the sea entering through the corals is simply paradisiacal, it looks like a waterfall that emerges from the sea, making it look like a surreal landscape. It has about two kilometers and means of extension where are formed cliffs of sand that can reach up to three meters high and is what build this kind of wall facing the sea. Together with the reefs they form natural pools of crystalline and warm water, where you can see hundreds of colorful fish and one can enjoy from the tranquility of taking a bath to practice jet skiing.

Jangada in Maracaipe
Located just a half hour walk or 5 minutes in a buggy the Pontal offers a unique experience for those who decide to meet him. Ideal to visit as a family or as a couple, this incredible place will offer you the possibility to see up close the Seahorses that live in the mangrove swamp. It is an ecosystem with a flora and fauna very different from that of the marine region. That is why this area becomes unique as it is the union between the river and the sea. The salt water that comes from the sea "invades" the domains of the river when the tide is high. The environment of the mangrove or "mangue" is of a unique calm, a very comforting silence.

Visiting the Mangrove can not only see seahorses but also small and medium crabs. These harmless and friendly friends walk freely on the beaches of Pontal de Maracaipe, attracting the attention of visitors.
One of the best ways to visit the Pontal de Maracaipe and cross the mangrove is to rent a Jangada. A Jangada is a small boat with the characteristics of a wooden raft guided by a Jangadero (driver) maneuvering it with a large oar in the back of the small boat.
During the walk the Jangadero (driver of the jangada and guide) will search for you the seahorses that you can hold inside a container in your own hands and take some pictures with this little animal. The ride lasts half an hour, enough to see a few sea horses. Then, if you wish, you can stay in the quiet beaches of Pontal, both in the part where the river runs or if you like more of the waves, close to the marine coast. The Pontal de Maracaipe offers incredible landscapes, warm waters, tranquility, nature and a fauna very different from what is known. In addition, there you will find a series of gastronomic offerings in the small restaurants of the area as well as the possibility of drinking a caipirinha or coconut water on the shore of the beach. Once the sun sets you can return to your accommodation in Porto de Galinhas to later enjoy a dinner at local restaurants where there will be live music and lots of fun. There you can also take a break and enjoy exquisite dishes at Joao Restaurant and relax at the beaches of Maracaipe, a true surfer's paradise in the Brazilian northeast.

Visit to Gilberto Carcará's Atelier
If there is something that also distinguishes Porto de Galinhas are the friendly Galinhas that can be appreciated at every step in the destination. The main person responsible for the project is Carcará. We visit his studio / residence and share pleasant moments talking about the origin of the chickens built by him and now considered icons of this important destination in the Brazilian northeast.

Visit to Praia dos Carneiros
At approximately 5 km from the municipality of Tamandaré, coconut trees and white sand surround the entire stretch of the lovely beach. Its landscape is still modeled by the estuary of the Formoso River and by walls of reefs that turn into natural pools at low tide. With placid sea and warm and clean water, the atmosphere of Praia dos Carneiros is pure tranquility, ideal for a relaxing sea bath and a day of recreation with the family. This place still conserves wild characteristics, but it has a good structure with restaurants that offer tasty options of food and drinks.
On the beach there is a charming eighteenth century construction on the sand, which is frequently bathed by the gentle contact of the waves. The Church of São Benedito, or Igrejinha dos Carneiros, has a simple architecture, but it is an additional charm in this little paradise.
This paradise can be appreciated with a catamaran that departs from the Bora Bora Parador, a place that in addition to excellent gastronomy offers a wide structure of entertainment and relaxation.

Visit to Maragogi
Maragogi is a city with about 30 thousand inhabitants that is located between Maceió and Recife. It is an area of ​​protection of the Brazilian environment and became the second most visited destination in Alagoas. The success is due mainly to its waters. Although thousands of coconut palms, tranquility and cuisine with many fish and seafood are enough reasons to captivate people from different parts of the world, it is due to the crystalline waters and coral that form natural pools in a place where tourists they are ecstatic. When the tide descends you have to be prepared: it is the best moment to enjoy the sea. It is in the period of low tide that natural pools can be observed better and, with strong sunlight, even more transparent. In the pools there are fish and corals that give life to an underwater world of color and charm. Just walk to the sea, so it's easy to observe several fish.
On land at low tide is also very nice. Sandbanks are formed that allow access to beaches and pools and earn a good long stretch of sand, marked by the movement of the sea. The beaches of Maragogi, when used in the right period, are ideal for those who enjoy a worthy sea of ​​the Caribbean waters and with a tranquility outside series. Walks in buggies, boat trips, deserted beaches, tranquility and delicious cuisine like the one offered by Pontal de Maragogi, one of the best paradores in the Brazilian northeast.

Visit to Recife
Those who visit Pernambuco can not miss visiting Recife, Brazilian Venezia and Olinda. declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The two cities are full of culture and stories to tell.
Recife delights in the peaceful coexistence between modern and ancient architecture. Among many attractions you can visit the beautiful beaches of Boa Viagem, the old town where Ground Zero is located, the Francisco Brennand Sculpture Park, the first synagogue in America and two cultural attractions such as the Cais do Sertão Museum and the Paço do Frevo
Arriving at Olinda, the first capital of Pernambuco, there are many hills and narrow streets, animated by the old houses of colors, centenary churches like the Monastery of San Benito, the Cathedral and the Mercy, craft workshops, artists and enchanting view of the viewpoint Alto da Sé while enjoying a traditional coconut and delicious tapioca and cheese.
To conclude the tour there is no better closure than to sail the city on a catamaran that offers a historical tour and incredible landscapes of the city.