Brazil Tour Operators Offer Deals to Northeast Brazil

Pernambuco, a sleepy state on Brazil’s northeast coast, is starting to attract Americans. Relatively undiscovered until now, Pernambuco has much to interest visitors including 116 miles of pristine coastline, charming 16th century architecture, delicious seafood and terrific toe-tapping music.

So while Rio has been getting the lion’s share of attention up to now, that may change as savvy travelers head for Recife and Porto de Galinhas. Lying on two miles of white sand beach, the capital of Recife has a laidback vibe that recalls the Miami Beach of yesteryear. The city’s restaurants are rated second highest in the country.

The Portuguese settled in Pernambuco in the 1530s and with the riches from sugar cane built beautifully ornate churches. Set on a hill next to Recife is Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage site with dozens of beautiful 16th and 17th century churches and monasteries.

Lining the town’s cobble stone streets are art galleries, restaurants, bars, boutiques and charming pousadas housed in centuries-old mansions. Just down the coast is Porto de Galinhas, its warm crystalline waters drawing surfers, divers and kite surfers.

Brazilians have voted it the country’s most beautiful beach for seven years in a row. Some 200 miles off the coast lies Fernando de Noronha, an island paradise for divers and ecotourists.