Hidden Brazil

Brazil

Culture

Colonial towns, vibrant culture and incredible landscapes

13 days Ask us for pricing This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Discover a different side of Brazil in the fascinating and diverse north-east, away from the tourist trail. Begin in picturesque Olinda, one of Brazil's best preserved colonial towns, where you will have the chance to visit local artists at their studios and get a taste for the fascinating mix of cultures that makes this region unique. Explore the buzzing city of Recife before heading to the sleepy town of Igarassu and the island of Itaramarcá, home to a former Dutch fort. Leave the tropical coast behind as you head to Cabaceiras, seeing first-hand the spectacular boulders of this otherworldly landscape. Fly to Salvador and head inland to visit Brazil's most highly regarded tobacco region. Next, head to the former diamond mining town of Lençois, gateway to the incredible Chapada Diamantina National Park, where you will explore caves and enjoy panoramic views. Finally, return to Salvador to discover the African heritage of the region.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • The sprawling coastal city of Recife
  • Picturesque colonial town of Olinda
  • Igarassu, site of Brazil's oldest church
  • Former Dutch fort and beautiful beaches on the island of Itamaracá
  • Spectacular, giant rock formations of Cabaceiras
  • Culture and cuisine of Salvador
  • Rugged and scenic Chapada Diamantina National Park
  • Striking caves and grottos of Bahia's cave region

Places Visited

Olinda - Recife - Igarassu - Pai Mateus - Cabaceiras - Salvador - Cachoeira - Lençóis - Chapada Diamantina National Park

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Domestic flight from Recife to Salvador
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrival in Recife and transfer to Olinda

On arrival in Recife, you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel in Olinda. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Olinda.

Overnight in Sete Colinas, Olinda

Meal plan: n/a

The picturesque town of Olinda is located just 6 km north of Recife, and is the perfect antidote to the noise and busyness of the big city. Set against a backdrop of coconut groves, lush hanging gardens and the vast Atlantic Ocean, Olinda is one of Brazil's best preserved colonial towns. With brightly painted houses, a UNESCO-listed historical centre and twisting tree-lined streets, Olinda has become a hub for local artists. Around every corner, you will find galleries, artists' workshops, fascinating museums and music in the streets.

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Day 2 : Full-day tour of Recife: People of the North-east and Brennand

The first part of this tour combines a visit to the Museum of North-eastern Culture with the innovative Cais do Sertão Museum and the Paço do Frevo in Old Recife. The combination of the two museums will give you an anthropological view of the life and origins of the North-east Brazilians over the centuries, from the times of slavery on the sugarcane plantations to present-day life in the arid backlands. The morning finishes with an insight into the region's Carnival, whose features reflect the unique folklore of this part of Brazil.

After lunch at a typical North-eastern restaurant, dive into the city’s art scene by visiting the works of two illustrious members of the Brennand family, the descendants of 19th century English immigrants. Francisco Brennand, the celebrated sculptor, ceramicist and painter, reinvented his father's brickworks to create a unique range of decorative ceramic tiles, whilst transforming a huge area into a studio within a lush forest reservation. Influenced by artists like Picasso, Miró and Gaudí, Brennand has created his own exotic world through a vast collection of unusual sculptures. The tour continues to the Ricardo Brennand Institute, built by entrepreneur and art collector Ricardo Brennand. Voted the best museum in South America by Trip Advisor's Traveler's Choice, the Institute is set in opulent grounds with fine sculptures. Complemented by a library and an extraordinary Arms Museum, the Art Gallery has the largest collection of Frans Post paintings in the world, as well as works by Debret, Taunay and Rugendas.

After the tour, return to Olinda and overnight at your hotel in Olinda.

Overnight in Sete Colinas, Olinda

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Capital of the north-eastern state of Pernambuco, the coastal city of Recife is a sprawling, vibrant metropolis. Founded in 1537 during the early Portuguese colonisation of Brazil, the city is known as the 'Venice of Brazil' due to the many rivers and small islands that are found across Recife. Its name refers to the beautiful coral reefs that line the city's shores.

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Day 3 : Half-day walking tour of Olinda and art studios

This walking tour through Olinda's historical town centre offers the opportunity to meet some of the local artists who best represent the town. Take a pleasant stroll to their studios, with time for you to engage in conversation, with the help of the guide, and find out about the local art scene and North-eastern culture. Among the artists you may meet are Ze Som (who uses his fingers to paint), Tarcisio Andrade (a wood sculptor) and Sergio Villanova (a painter).

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Olinda at leisure. Overnight in Olinda.

Please note: The aforementioned artists are only examples. There will be the opportunity to visit several studios, but the names of the artists cannot be guaranteed beforehand. 

Overnight in Sete Colinas, Olinda

Meal plan: Breakfast

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Day 4 : Full-day tour of Igarassu and Itamaracá

The first stop on this fascinating tour is in Igarassu, one of Brazil's oldest colonial settlements, to visit the Convent of St Anthony, built in 1588, and the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, built in 1535. Then, head 25 kilometres north to cross the bridge from the mainland onto the island of Itamaracá, where sites of interest include the Fort Orange. After a seafood lunch at one of the beach stalls, you may choose to make an optional short crossing by sailing boat or motorboat (not included) to Coroa do Aviao, a sandbar across the seaway known as Ilha do Amor (Love Island).

Return to Olinda and overnight at your hotel.

Overnight in Sete Colinas, Olinda

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Igarassu is one of Brazil's oldest colonial settlements and is the site of the oldest church in the country - the Church of Saints Cosme and Damião, built in 1535. The town's name means 'Great Canoe' in the Tupi-Guaraní language, which is an indicator of the town's origins; it was first inhabited by the indigenous Caeté people before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century.

The island of Itamaracá lies off the coast of mainland Brazil in the north-eastern state of Pernambuco. It is home to the Fort of Santa Cruz de Itamaracá, popularly known as the Forte Orange, a 17th century Dutch fort that fell to the Portuguese in 1654 and is now a fascinating visitor site. Itamaracá is also a popular snorkelling spot and has some beautiful beaches.

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Day 5 : Olinda - Pai Mateus

This morning, leave the tropical coast behind as you head towards the semi-arid interior, known as sertão. During the approximately 6-hour drive you will see the scenery and vegetation change quickly, revealing a lesser-known side of North-eastern Brazil - completely different from the palm-fringed beaches and cities you have encountered so far. Along the way, stop at the rock formation of Pedra do Ingá. On arrival in Pai Mateus, the rest of the day is free for you to discover your surroundings at your own pace. Overnight at Fazenda Pai Mateus.

Overnight in Fazenda Pai Mateus, Pai Mateus

Meal plan: Breakfast

The Pedra do Ingá is a gneiss rock formation covering an area of approximately 250 m². The stones are covered with symbols and glyphs which remain undeciphered to this day. Scholars believe the inscriptions were created by native people who lived in the area until the 18th century. Several figures are carved in low relief, thought to represent animals, fruits and human constellations including Orion and the Milky Way.

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Day 6 : Full-day tour around Pai Mateus

Today, you will explore the surroundings of Fazenda Pai Mateus in Paraíba's Cabaceiras region. The first stop is a rock formation known as Sacas de Lã, located just 1.5 km from the Fazenda. Before you return to the Fazenda for lunch (not included), you will visit one of the region’s best preserved archaeological and geological sites, Lajedo Manoel de Sousa, where a combination of unique rock formations and ancient rock paintings will illustrate the fascinating history of the area.

In the afternoon, head out to visit the Lajedo de Pai Mateus. Surrounded by sparse Cariri vegetation, enormous boulders of varied shapes are laid out on the slightly convex ground, giving the place an almost lunar appearance. Legend has it that Pai Mateus was a hermit shaman who, in the 18th century, received and healed people from all over the region at this mystical place.

Return to the fazenda, and the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. Overnight at Fazenda Pai Mateus.

Overnight in Fazenda Pai Mateus, Pai Mateus

Meal plan: Breakfast

The site of Sacas de Lã (Sacks of Wool) is located on the shores of the Tapera River, where huge boulders form a stone wall of approximately 30 metres in height. The rocks were so named as their shape resembles the large bags used to transport cotton, produced in the area until the early 20th century, to the closest railway station.

Located in the remote, rocky 'Cariri' landscape of Paraíba state, Cabaceiras is known for its spectacular concentration of huge boulders resting on a massive granite base: Pai Mateus. There are hundreds of giant, round rocks spread across the landscape as if dropped there by an otherworldly force. As well as this unique scenery, the region’s many archeological sites and ecological trails make the dry but fascinating region of Cabaceiras well worth a visit.

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Day 7 : Transfer to Recife and flight to Salvador

Transfer to the airport in Recife for your flight to Salvador. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel on the outskirts of Salvador to check in. Overnight in your hotel near Salvador. 

Overnight in Iara Beach, Salvador

Meal plan: Breakfast

Salvador is the fourth-largest city in Brazil, and the capital of the state of Bahia. First founded in 1549 by Portuguese explorers as Brazil's first capital, it contains several significant historical sites from Portuguese colonisation, and as a result contains sections that have been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is renowned for its culture, including cuisine and music.

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Day 8 : Full-day Santo Amaro, Cachoeira and Dannemann tobacco plantation

Before exploring the city of Salvador itself, head inland again to discover the Bahian countryside in the hinterland of Salvador, the so-called Recôncavo Baiano. The first stop is Santo Amaro, where the town’s beautifully maintained colonial buildings will take you back to the era of the Brazilian Empire. This journey through time continues as we head on to Cachoeira, a National Historical Monument sometimes called the 'Ouro Preto of Bahia'.

After lunch at a typical fazenda, cross the impressive Dom Pedro II Bridge to São Felix, where you will visit the Centro Cultural Danneman, home of the country’s most exquisite cigars. The production of tobacco remains one of the region’s most important economic activities. During a guided tour through the Fazenda Santo Antônio tobacco plantation, learn everything about this process, from the seed to the ready-made cigar. The Adopt a Tree project will give you the opportunity to actively participate in the preservation of Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest by planting your own tree. In the late afternoon, you will be dropped off in Cachoeira, where you will spend the night.

Overnight in Pousada do Convento, Cachoeira

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

The colonial town of Santo Amaro is located on the outskirts of Salvador de Bahia. Originally a hub for sugar production, the main source of income in the town is now paper production, visible on the hillsides surrounding Santo Amaro, where bamboo trees now flourish where sugarcane once did. Evidence of the town's former prosperity can be seen in the crumbling façades of former sugar-baron mansions along the old commercial street, Rua General Câmara, as well as in Santo Amaro's numerous churches.

The town of Cachoeira ('Waterfall' in Portuguese) is affectionately known as the jewel of the Recôncavo region. A National Historical Monument, the town is particularly renowned for its well-preserved, colourful colonial architecture and idyllic location on the shores of the Paraguaçu River.

Connected to Cachoeira by a 19th century British-built bridge, the town of São Félix is renowned for its tobacco production; the town is widely considered to produce the most exquisite cigars in Brazil. The town also has a proud reputation as a hub for followers of the Afro-American religious tradition, Candomblé.

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Day 9 : Cachoeira - Lençóis and surrounds

Depart Cachoeira and transfer to the mining town of Lençóis, the gateway to Chapada Diamantina National Park. In the afternoon, you will be picked up from your hotel to walk along the Serrano River, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural rock pools. Continue to the so-called Areias Coloridas (Coloured Sands), a patch of rocks that reveals an astonishing diversity of colours in a tiny area of sandstone. After another swim at the Cachoeirinha, continue to Primavera waterfall, which flows into the Lençóis River beside the highest point of the mountain, the rock of Pedra do Mirante. Here you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the town of Lençóis. 

After the tour, return to Lençois, where the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Overnight in Lençois.

Difficulty level: 4 km of walking, mostly on easy terrain, with one descent of approximately 20 minutes.

Overnight in Hotel de Lençois, Lençóis

Meal plan: Breakfast

The town of Lençóis lies in eastern Brazil, bordering Chapada Diamantina National Park. The colonial town is a former diamond-mining town, which houses quaint cobbled streets and brightly painted buildings, typical of the 19th century.

The Chapada Diamantina National Park is a rugged and beautiful national park in Brazil's north-eastern state of Bahia. The scenery of the park comprises vast mountain ranges, deep valleys, monoliths, caves, rivers and waterfalls. The area was designated a national park in 1985 to protect the unique ecosystem and encourage more visitors to this lesser known part of Brazil.

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Day 10 : Full-day tour of Chapada Diamantina's cave region

After breakfast, drive out to the Mucugezinho River, then walk about 20 minutes to reach the Poço do Diabo waterfall, with time to take a swim in its clear waters. Then it’s on to the cave region, situated around 75 km from Lençóis. Starting at Lapa Doce cave, with its beautiful stalagmites and stalactites, continue via Pratinha cave, where an underground river with crystalline water provides an opportunity for a refreshing bathe. Sunbeams shining into the Gruta Azul cave refract into a spectrum of colours, a unique natural phenomenon. In the afternoon, climb to the summit of Morro de Pai Inácio, one of Chapada Diamantina's landmarks, to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Return to Lençois and overnight.

Please note: A lunch box is provided. This tour includes a visit to a lagoon, so we recommend bringing swimwear.
Journey terrain: 150 km by car (40 km off-road and 110 km on asphalted roads).
Difficulty: 6 km of walking on mixed terrain (rocks, short ascents and descents).

Overnight in Hotel de Lençois, Lençóis

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

There are many beautiful caves and grottos to be explored at Chapada Diamantina National Park, including the huge Gruta da Lapa Doce and its interesting natural formations, Gruta Azul ('Blue Cave’) and Gruta da Pratinha, a crystal-clear natural pool perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Morro de Pai Inácio, or Mount of Pal Inácio, stands at 1,120 metres high in a Chapada Diamantina National Park. Those who reach the peak of the mountain can enjoy a panoramic view over the nature reserve.

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Day 11 : Lençois - Salvador

Meet and greet with your local guide in Lençóis, to be transferred in approximately 5 hours to Salvador, in an air-conditioned vehicle.

In the afternoon, embark on an historical walking tour around the old town of Salvador, known as Pelourinho. This is a great opportunity to feel the unique energy of this magical place and its people. Pelourinho offers visitors a number of churches, museums, local artists' studios, galleries, shops and restaurants. Pelourinho's main attractions include the house of the famous writer, Jorge Amado, the cultural group Olodum, São Francisco Church and the Cathedral Basílica, as well as the traditional Cravinho Bar (where you might want to go for an optional caipirinha - not included). After exploring Pelourinho, your next stop is Elevador Lacerda, originally built in 1873 and nowadays connecting the Upper City and the Lower City as an important means of transport both for locals and visitors. From there, enjoy panoramic views of the All Saints Bay and Mercado Modelo.

The evening is free for you to relax or explore Salvador at your own pace. Overnight in Salvador.

Overnight in Convento do Carmo, Salvador

Meal plan: Breakfast

Pelourinho is the historic centre of the city of Salvador, and has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Located in the western area of the city, it is renowned for its adherence to its original 16th century building plan, with architecture and historical remnants from the 17th to 19th centuries.

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Day 12 : Half-day African heritage of Salvador tour, evening folklore show

The Afro-Brazilian community is one of the most prominent throughout Bahia, and with this in mind, a visit to the region is enhanced by an enjoyable introduction to the Afro-culture, religion and customs. Some may be familiar with well-known Afro-Brazilian traditions such as capoeira, a popular sport in Bahia that you will have the chance to experience on this half-day tour. Begin by learning the intricacies of Candomblé, a popular religion that derived from Africa, and now has many followers in Bahia; in fact, the first Candomblé temple was built in Salvador. Get under the skin of this fascinating religion by meeting a Babalorixá, or 'supreme' religious leader of Candomblé, discovering the day-to-day practices which make this religion so unique.  Next, witness the legendary spectacle of capoeira at a local class, as a master of this iconic martial art shows us some key moves, before the students put on a memorable performance. You will have time to chat with them about the history and meaning of capoeira, as it boasts an authentic heritage of survival, playing an important part in Bahian culture and history. From here, head to the intoxicating San Joaquin Market, the largest of its type in Salvador. A riot of colour, music and flavours, this is the perfect place to interact with the community, taste the spices and secrets of Afro-culture while discovering the incredible array of regional religious cults.

The afternoon is free for you to explore at leisure.

In the evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner and a spectacular folklore show. The show features some of the major Afro-Bahian cultural traditions, such as samba de roda, maculelê, hauling of the fishnets, Candomblé and capoeira.  Dinner will be served in a charming restaurant in Pelourinho, where you will be able to savour delicious Bahian cuisine. Overnight in Salvador.

Please note: Seating at the theatre is on steps (not chairs). Please let us know in advance if you will require a cushion to sit on.

Overnight in Convento do Carmo, Salvador

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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Day 13 : Departure

At a suitable time, you will be collected from the hotel and transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Many international flights from Salvador will require a connection in another Brazilian city, such as Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. Please speak to your Travel Specialist if you would like to add on a private extension to one of these exciting destinations.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Sete Colinas

Olinda (4 nights)

Situated in the heart of Olinda in close proximity to the city’s many historic sites, and just a short distance from a beautiful stretch of South Atlantic coastline, Hotel Sete Colinas provides a comfortable stay in an unparalleled location. The hotel’s 44 rooms feature simple designs with touches of colonial influence, and an en-suite, a balcony and all modern amenities as standard. Guests may also enjoy a spacious pool area, on-site dining, gym & spa facilities, and a modest library & museum.

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Fazenda Pai Mateus

Pai Mateus (2 nights)

Set amongst a rural desert landscape with immediate access to the intriguing phenomenon of Lajedo de Pai Mateus, Hotel Fazenda offers a unique stay. As a converted cattle ranch, the hotel grounds maintain a charming, rugged look and feel in fitting with their history. The hotel’s 29 apartments feature simple, rustic designs with some modern amenities excluding Wi-Fi. Other hotel features include a modest pool area and a restaurant serving traditional local cuisine.

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Iara Beach

Salvador (1 night)

Located directly on a paradisiacal stretch of beach, with the charming fishing village of Ituapa and vibrant Salvador just a short walk and drive away respectively, Iara Beach Hotel offers comfortable, boutique-style accommodation with surrounding interests to suit any taste. The hotel’s rooms feature modern designs with traditional inspiration, as well as all modern amenities as standard. The Iara also features a beachfront pool and a restaurant serving a range of traditional Brazilian & international dishes.

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Pousada do Convento

Cachoeira (1 night)

Located on the banks of the Paraguaçu River in historic Cachoeira, the Pousada do Convento provides simple and comfortable accommodation. The town has remained virtually unchanged for centuries, and walking amongst the colourful colonial buildings that surround the hotel is like taking a step back in time. The hotel’s rooms feature stripped-back designs and dark timber furnishings to give an authentic old-world feel, with en-suite bathrooms and all modern amenities provided as a contemporary touch. Guests may also enjoy a modest pool area and on-site dining.

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Hotel de Lençois

Lençóis (2 nights)

Found on the outskirts of Lençois, a quaint former diamond-mining town, surrounded by the expansive Chapada Diamantina National Park, Hotel de Lençois provides a comfortable stay in a truly enchanting location. Guests have access to both the cobbled streets and 19th-century architecture of the town, and the natural beauty of the park, which includes forested mountains, crystalline pools, waterfalls & cave systems, and diverse plant and animal life. The hotel’s 50 rooms feature rustic, nature-inspired designs, en-suites, verandas and most modern amenities. Guest may also enjoy on-site fine dining and a small museum featuring relics of the town’s history.

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Convento do Carmo

Salvador (2 nights)

Located in the heart of Salvador’s historic Pelourinho neighbourhood, the Pestana Convento do Carmo was built as a convent in 1585 by Carmelite Monks, and as such, offers a truly unique living experience. The hotel’s range of 79 rooms features colonial architecture and furnishings, with varying degrees of luxury per room type, and all modern amenities as standard. Guests may also enjoy a charming courtyard pool area, a historic library, and a restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisine.

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