Destinations
A classic self drive from Recife to Salvador. After a couple of days in Rio (recommended, although not obligatory) – you will take a classic coastal route - this one explores the coastline further south from that of our Sand & Sea route. Think coconuts, white sandy beaches, boat trips, seafood, colonial towns. An itinerary designed for total relaxation with world class beaches mixed with the open road! What a combo.
You will be met and privately transferred to the Santa Teresa Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing after your long journey. Enjoy a full day city tour including Corcovado & Sugar Loaf with lunch. The first part of the tour takes in various places of interest in downtown Rio de Janeiro. The tour then proceeds through the old neighborhood of Urca towards the base of Sugarloaf, where you take a cable-car for the exhilarating, steep, 215m climb up Morro da Urca.
Fly to Recife where you will be met on arrival and transferred to Olinda, about 1 hr away. Founded in 1535, Olinda is one of Brazil's largest and best preserved colonial towns, recently becoming the country's first Culture Capital. With its steep cobbled streets and colourful houses sitting majestically on the hillside overlooking Recife and the emerald sea, Olinda is surely one of Brazil's most charming and picturesque attractions. Your accommodation for the next 2 nights is Sete Colinas.
Right in the historic heart of Olinda, this hotel occupies a vast area that features all kinds of exuberant tropical vegetation. There are 44 basic rooms, a pleasant colonial-style bar, and a restaurant, making it an excellent choice for anyone who likes to relax at the poolside and enjoy the surrounding gardens.
Also enjoy a half day guided walking tour of Olinda which will reveal unique sights, such as the Mosteiro de Sao Bento, built in 1582. Lavishly decorated with gold and fine woodcarvings, the monastery was for 24 years the home of Brazil's first law school.
Today you will collect your car and drive to Porto de Galinhas. Originally a fishing village, Porto de Galinhas (“Chicken Port”) lies 70km from Recife along a road that passes through sugarcane fields, small towns and marshlands. Pousada Tabapitanga - with more than 40 bungalows spaced out in a beautiful garden on a fine stretch of Porto de Galinhas Beach five and a half kilometres outside town, the property is screened from the road by coconut groves. All rooms have king-size beds and are tastefully decorated, with all the facilities you could want. There's a pleasant swimming pool and good restaurant.
Drive to Sao Miguel dos Milagres. São Miguel dos Milagres is located on the Coral Coast, about 100 km north of Maceió, capital of Alagoas State. It is surrounded by lush coconut groves, pristine white sand beaches and an emerald green ocean. During low tide natural tide pools form, providing excellent conditions for snorkelling and scuba diving. Manatees can be observed on the nearby Tatuamunha Beach. The cosy and tiny fishing village is home to only 6500 inhabitants and it is one of the eldest towns of the state. The town’s history is closely related to the battle between the Dutch and the Portuguese. It holds many fine colonial mansions, churches and old sugarcane mills dating from the beginning of the 20 th century. Offering a terrace and views of the sea, Pousada Samba Pa Ti is situated 22 km from Maragogi.
Continue southwards along the coast to 35 kms south of Maceio. This hotel is set on top of a cliff with stunning views of Gunga Beach and Barra de Sao Miguel.
A short boat trip across the Rio Real enables visitors to reach Mangue Seco, a small village with splendid beaches at the northernmost point of the Bahian coast. Stay tonight in the Radisson Aracaju.
Praia do Forte is a peaceful paradise with a strong emphasis on the preservation of local flora and fauna. Comprising of 12 kms of untouched beaches, coconut palms, rivers, lagoons, colourful reefs and crystal-clear tide pools, the name 'Brazilian Polynesia' is well deserved. This is an excellent diving location or as a base for sailing or windsurfing.
Your hotel is located on the beachfront, but also just a 10 minute walk from the town centre. This pousada has 11 apartments and 4 cottages combining the same elegance and simplicity and decorated in the rustic style that is typical of Praia do Forte.
Located right in the heart of Salvador's historical Pelourinho district beside San Francisco church, this luxurious hotel stays true to the aesthetic of the old colonial architecture that won this neighbourhood its UNESCO World Heritage title. Housed across two restored 17th and 18th century buildings the hotel's 17 rooms are furnished with antiques such as four poster beds and coloured shutters
Enjoy a guided walking tour of the old town which is an eminent example of colonial history and symbol of the black movement in Bahia. Here you will find churches, museums, local artist's studios, galleries, shops and restaurants.
Drive to the airport where you will drop off your rental car and fly back to Rio and home or for some further in the city here before heading back or perhaps continue on your travels with a flight to either the Pantanal or the Amazon jungle.
Having a good, quality vehicle is key to every self-drive journey. We work carefully with our local team to source you the best vehicle available for your self-drive journey.
All our itineraries are tailor made, but here are some of our favourite routes and camp combinations.
Simply, because we care. Whether you have travelled in Africa with Safari Drive or whether this is your first journey with us, we will be working hard behind the scenes to support your trip and ensure sure you have a fantastic self drive adventure.
Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements. We will create the perfect trip, at your own pace, to your budget.
All our team in Latin America live in-country and have travelled extensively. Their knowledge and input is key to a successful self-drive safari.
We don’t mark up for our services, we only take commissions from the suppliers we use. Tailor-made does not have to mean expensive.
All our holidays are 100% financially protected.
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