Virginie Pacassi-Glardon
Travel diary author
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After a long flight via São Paulo, I arrive in São Luis to explore the northeast of Brazil. Start the next day: A journey of about 4 hours through a verdant landscape, passing through small villages, takes me to Barreirinhas, the starting point for visiting the Lençois Maranhenses National Park. The “sheets of Maranhaõ”, as Lençois Maranhenses means in German, was declared a national park in 1981.
In the afternoon I can already make a first excursion in 4×4 through the dunes. Wellington, a guide from Fortaleza who speaks excellent French, accompanies me and gives me a lot of interesting information about the region and the small communities found in the national park.
Sand as far as the eye can see! I walk in this vast dune landscape and bathe in lagoons with crystal clear rainwater. The sunset in this surreal landscape is spectacular! Back in Barreirinhas and a little hungry, I eat some “Crepiocas” in a small street kiosk. Tapioca is made with cassava flour and is prepared like a crepe and stuffed with ingredients like cheese or Nutella. The “Crepiocas” are found everywhere, very tasty and filling.
The next day I drive through the national park in a 4×4, past other blue lagoons, to the small sleepy village of Atins. Return to Barreirinhas by boat on the Rio Preguiças, passing through small villages and mangroves.
From Barreirinhas the journey continues along the coast to Jericoacoara and Prea. Tonight I stay in Prea, about 30 minutes from Jericoacoara. The cozy Hotel Rancho do Peixe with its wooden bungalows is located directly on a long sandy beach where hundreds of kite surfers can be observed. Prea is very popular with kitesurfers due to the safety of the wind and warm waters. The next day we continue to Jericoacoara. The former fishing village is surrounded by large dunes. There is a relaxed atmosphere, especially in the evening in the many restaurants and bars with live music.
A 4 hour transfer now takes me to Fortaleza. The next day I arrive in Natal on a domestic flight. With Filipe, who picks me up at the airport, I take a short tour to Natal and continue to Praia da Pipa. The former fishing village offers beautiful beaches and bays, such as Praia do Amor or Praia do Madeiro. In the evening Praia da Pipa comes alive with its many boutiques, restaurants and bars with live music. Stay at the Hotel Toca da Coruja. The little gem in the middle of Praia da Pipa is an oasis of calm. The beautiful and spacious colonial-style bungalows are surrounded by tropical greenery.
The next day I leave Praia da Pipa and fly from Natal to Recife and continue to Olinda which is only 30 minutes from Recife.
Olinda, the first capital of Brazil, means “O linda” (= oh how beautiful) and is one of the most beautiful and best preserved colonial cities in Brazil. Walking through the narrow streets I admire the beautiful and colorful colonial houses and the numerous churches. In front of the cathedral you can enjoy a beautiful view of Recife and the sea.
The last stop on my trip is Porto de Galinhas (= chicken port). The town is about an hour from Recife and offers beautiful beaches with natural pools of water. I enjoy one last caïpirinha on the beach at sunset. Tomorrow is the time to say goodbye to Brazil. Northeast Brazil will remain in my memory for a long time.
Are you dreaming of a trip to the north-east of Brazil? Then call me! I look forward to hearing from you at [email protected].
