Samba, Caipirinha, Rio Carnival, Copacabana and Christ the Redeemer: these are some of the automatic responses that come to mind when thinking of Brazil as a tourist destination. And it is that the association is inevitable when the largest country in Latin America is synonymous with joy, party and sun, thanks to its famous beaches in Rio de Janeiro, Buzios or Salvador de Bahía.
For these same reasons, Brazil is one of the favorite countries for local travelers when thinking about vacations. According to the Intelligence Directorate of the Brazilian Agency for the International Promotion of Tourism, Embratur, this summer the visit of almost 60,000 Chileans is expected, placing Chile as the fourth country in the world that will bring the most tourists to Brazil, preceded by the United States. United States, Argentina and Portugal.
Based on data collected by COCHA, taking advantage of the proximity -between 4 to 5 flight hours- and the affordable prices, families, and also those who are just beginning their trips abroad, choose Brazil for their vacations during January and February. Of the total number of travelers this summer, 15% chose Brazil as their destination, with Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Florianopolis, Buzios and Salvador being the cities they will visit the most.
Northeast Brazil, the “Caribbean” of the Atlantic
But Brazil is much more than its iconic beaches. With a land area of more than 8.5 million square kilometers, this country has many unknown corners, with different alternatives for those travelers who like water sports and who seek to connect with the local environment and nature.
The northeast of Brazil is the true "hidden paradise" of this South American giant and an ideal option for trips of 5 nights or more, with a great variety of places still unexplored by Chileans. Here, towns such as Porto de Galinhas, Maceió, Natal, Pipa and Fernando de Noronha stand out, spas with many tourist attractions and hotels for all tastes, especially the "pousadas" which, in addition to offering lower-cost accommodation -which makes them highly demanded-, many of them include access to beaches and amenities that are highly appreciated by tourists.
If you still do not have your next vacation planned and you are encouraged to unleash your adventurous spirit, COCHA gives you some tips to discover these hidden Brazilian paradises:
Porto de Galinhas
Located in the state of Pernambuco, Porto de Galinhas is a seaside resort famous for its warm turquoise waters, natural pools, and ecological trails. The city has had an important development, which has positioned it as the main tourist pole in the state with more than 150 resorts, several hotels and inns.
Diving, paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, horseback riding or buggy riding, and tours to the paradisiacal beaches of Maragogi, are just some of the activities that can be done in this coastal paradise.
maceio
Cataloged as the “Brazilian Caribbean”, Maceió boasts great natural beauty and pleasant average temperatures that range between 25 and 29 degrees throughout the year. Its beaches are famous for their surroundings with white sands, reefs and palm trees; Praia Ponta Verde is well known, a beach located in the heart of the city of Maceió and which, in addition to its fine sand, has a large number of coconut palms where the reefs form calm natural pools. In Praia Jatiúca, meanwhile, its big waves stand out along with the rough sea, ideal for surfing.
Natal
Capital of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal is considered the safest capital in the country and is a city with great urban, architectural and tourist development. Famous is its Via Costeira, a large avenue in the middle of the dunes and the area where the main hotels and restaurants of the city are located.
Natal is also known for offering one of the biggest parties of the carnival season in Brazil, called Carnatal, a very different celebration from the samba school parade in Rio de Janeiro; smaller, but famous for gathering people on the beach where everyone eats, drinks and dances.
Other noteworthy activities are the Junina Festival or Festival of San Juan in which the summer solstice is celebrated, and a visit to Genipabu Beach, a spa with dunes that end directly in the sea and where you can go on excursions on dromedaries.
Pipe
Tropical climate, extensive white sand beaches and waves ideal for surfing are just some of the characteristics that make Pipa a destination to discover whether as a couple, with friends or with family. Relatively far from urban centers, Pipa remains a somewhat rustic place, but with excellent gastronomic and lodging accommodations with inns for all tastes. In short, it is a place to disconnect from the world and rest.
Fernando de Noronha
If you are looking for the true “hidden gem” of Brazil, Fernando de Noronha is your place. It is a volcanic archipelago made up of 21 islands and islets that was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Located about 350 kilometers off the northeast coast of Brazil, it is named after its largest island, a protected marine national park and ecological sanctuary with a rugged coastline and diverse ecosystems.
It is known for its beautiful rustic beaches with golden sands (much to the taste of Chilean tourists), clear and warm waters, ideal for diving and snorkeling, and where various species such as corals, sea turtles, rays and dolphins inhabit. Bahía do Sancho is an example of the above and ranks as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, according to TripAdvisor's Traveler's Choice Awards. In addition, and depending on the time of year, surfing is also an activity for which Fernando de Noronha stands out, especially between December and February.
It is important to keep in mind that being a small island, planning is required to access accommodation and transportation. In this case, COCHA recommends having the advice of a travel agent who will help tourists organize their trip, looking for the best flight or package deals, as well as adequate travel assistance to have a worry-free experience.