Northeast Brazil Travel Guide

The Northeast is one of Brazil’s poorest areas, but has perhaps the most stunning coastline in South America. Despite its thriving beach scene, the area, divided politically into eight separate states, has not been spoilt by tourism. 

There are major cities along the coast: some, such as Recife, Olinda, São Luís and Fortaleza, have deep colonial heritage; others, such as Maceió and Natal, have developed mostly in recent decades. 

All have their own city beaches plus more idyllic and deserted resorts hidden up and down the coast (though generally accessible by bus or taxi). For a true escape, head to Ilha de Fernando de Noronha, a remote oceanic wildlife reserve hundreds of kilometers off the coast from Natal. 

It’s pricey but a dream for ecotourism. If you're using this as part of your trip planning guide to Brazil, consider including this untouched paradise in your itinerary.

The semi-arid region inland, with sparse leafy vegetation but abundant cacti, is known as the sertão. It suffers periods of intense drought, yet in the wet season it transforms for a few glorious months into a vivid green expanse. 

Few people include the interior on their Brazil trips, except perhaps en route to Belém at the mouth of the Amazon. But if you do head this way, there are a number of isolated, windswept market towns – like Campina Grande in Paraíba state – that are worth a stop.

Piauí offers more than one stunning national park, while the coast of Maranhão is known for its reggae, blisteringly hot beaches, and superb cuisine.