My first time in the island paradise of Fernando de Noronha was in 2004, and since my inaugural visit I have returned time and again. It is one of Brazil’s most exclusive destinations. I fell more in love with this untouched island oasis with every day of my stay, and I am sure you will too.

The island and her surrounding territory are a protected national marine conservation park and are designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archipelago is made up of 22 incredible islands and is home to the largest concentration of tropical seabirds to be found in the Western Atlantic. Its rich waters are teeming with marine biodiversity and are vital in their production.

Sustainable tourism is a priority in this ecological sanctuary. The local government agencies only allow 460 people to visit the island at one time. A small environmental preservation tax is charged to all tourists by IBAMA (The Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources). This leads to not only a pristine ambiance, but also an exclusive and romantic getaway.

There is only one paved road on the island extending for 7 kilometers. Most everything in Noronha is accessible via walking or hiking along marked trails. Or you can always take a guided horseback ride to hidden beaches.

I suggest you take a 4×4 island tour on your first morning in Fernando de Noronha. It gives you perspective and information regarding all of its most stunning locations from friendly local guides. My first island tour was in the back of an open air jeep, and I must admit that some of my morning was spent eating the red dust from the dirt roads. Now almost 7 years later, there are many different options from a dune buggy to luxury Land Rover to experience the islands top spots.

The island boasts endless deserted beaches and lagoons. My favorite beach is Baia do Sancho and will literally take your breath away. The sand is like suntanned powder between your toes. The various black volcanic rocks dot the edges of the horizon and link the emerald green waters with open blue sky.

I personally am a scuba diving fanatic, so I spent much of my time on the island underwater. I encountered so many types of colorful fish, manta rays, huge fluorescent moray eels, sharks, sea tortoises, and spinner dolphins galore! It is truly an aquarium for people with pristine and clear waters. Visibility can get up to 125 meters and it is a snorkelers and divers paradise.

There are many options for activities such as horseback riding, renting a dune buggy, sailing trips, historical walking tours including a visit to the historic Fort Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, sea kayaking, or surfing.

In short, Noronha is pure relaxation in a secluded vacation paradise. You can spend your days exploring deserted beaches and relishing a swim in the cool clear waters. In the evening, return to your exclusive eco-friendly hotel and watch the sunset over the ocean from the open air restaurant.

Fernando de Noronha allows you the opportunity to experience some of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches in a pristine environment. It is easy to slip into island time and find yourself not wanting to leave.

With the largest urban rainforest in the world, the Tijuca National Forest, right in the heart of the city, you are literally surrounded by nature.  There are many different hiking trails in the Tijuca forest.  We always recommend that you go with a knowledgeable local guide to make sure you stay on the designated paths.

Waterfalls and incredible vistas of the city abound from various points inside the rainforest.  One of my favorites is the moderate to advanced hike leading from the historical Parque Lage that takes you through lush forest to the Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer statue) overlooking all of Rio.

Rio is also a haven for the more extreme outdoor sports, such as rock climbing.  Whether you are a novice or experienced, Green Roots Travel connects you with expert local guides.  We know the best locations for climbing depending on your skill level.  Whichever peak you end up scaling, you are rewarded with sweeping views of this mountainous city and its beaches.

Seeing Rio from the ocean offers a completely different perspective on the Cidade Maravilhosa. If you are keen on getting out on the water, then try sea kayaking, surfing, or scuba diving. Our professional guides take you to discover Rio’s incredible hidden bays, islands and beaches.

Rio offers not only the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, but also an entire coastline of secluded beaches.  On the outer parts of the city are Grumari and Prainha, which are popular with locals and two of my favorite stretches of sand with excellent waves.

For those travelers seeking a more relaxed version of outdoor fun, you can spend an afternoon exploring Rio’s Royal Botanical Gardens.  Either take a taxi from your hotel, or be a little more adventurous and rent a bike to cruise around the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas to the gardens main entrance.

Majestic royal palms tower above you as you walk through the historical gates that were opened in 1808.  In this quiet haven, you will find a variety of Brazil’s exotic plants, including an extensive orchid garden.  After leisurely capturing photos of brightly colored flowers, you can relax with an espresso and fresh pastry at the Botanical Gardens Café.

What are your favorite outdoor adventures in your home country? Which activities do you want to experience during your vacation in Brazil with Green Roots Travel?

Luckily, Brazil is a year round vacation destination. The seasons in Brazil are reversed from those of the Northern Hemisphere.  So right now it is “winter” in Brazil.  But since the northeast of the country is within 3 degrees of the equator, the weather in this region is always very warm and tropical.

One of my absolute favorite destinations in the northeast of Brazil is called Praia da Pipa, which means “Kite Beach”.  Just a few decades ago, the first visitors here were surfers in search of perfect waves and a simple life.  But, rumors of its paradisiacal location and laid-back atmosphere inevitably lead to Pipa’s discovery by more lovers of authentic travel in Brazil.

Located about an hours drive south of the city of Natal, this once small fishing village has grown into a charming beachside town drawing international tourists from all walks of life.   Natal’s airport receives daily flights from Europe and all of Brazil’s major cities.

While Pipa’s inviting beach vibe is hardly a secret, it is still very much off of the mainstream tourists path.  There are only a few roads that will lead you through the village of Tibau do Sul to get there.  But if you’re not good at reading signs in Portuguese, then I suggest you hire one of the friendly local guides to help you find your way.

Have your camera ready because the scenery here is stunning and will leave you with you mouth temporarily agape. Your first impression of Pipa is from the west looking down from the blazing pink sandstone cliffs topped with lush green vegetation.  Far below you emerald green waves lap against endless soft sandy beaches.  So much adventure and relaxation awaits you while traveling in Brazil!

Pipa is an outdoor lovers paradise boasting great surf conditions, calm pools for snorkeling, perfect winds for kite surfing, tropical nature trails for hiking, and even its very own Ecological Nature Reserve.  Every day presents a new opportunity to discover a different deserted Brazilian beach.

Keep your eyes open for the local dolphins that call this coastline home.  Check the tide tables and take an early morning hike to the Praia dos Golfinhos (Dolphin Beach) where you can swim with the dolphins as they play in the early morning surf.  You can hire a dune buggy to escape on your own over the practically endless supply some of Brazil’s best beaches.  Then take a traditional Brazilian schooner cruise in the evening to watch the sunset melt into the ocean.

Praia da Pipa’s character is both charming and unique.  Its cobblestone streets wind up from the beach passing cafes, inns, and boutique shops.  There is no shortage of great dining options here.  Pipa has drawn such an eclectic group of inhabitants that the restaurant scene is surprisingly good for such a small out of the way town.  You can experience regional Brazilian food, as well as a variety of international cuisine.  Pipa is actually host to the international Gastronomy Festival drawing more than 1,000 participants every October.

Whether you are looking for a luxury boutique hotel for a romantic escape, or if an eco-friendly guesthouse is more your style, Pipa has it all.

I am almost afraid to let the secret of Praia da Pipa out! But alas, a place as special as this must be shared.  Let Green Roots Travel plan your Brazil travel, so that you too can enjoy this enchanting coastal village.

My first visit to Brazil was in 2001 with my co-founder of Green Roots Travel, and Brazilian guide, Erika Cunha.  I was instantly hooked!  Over the last decade, my love for everything Brazilian has grown exponentially with every trip.

It is an enchanting destination and Green Roots Travel is your source for authentic travel experiences in Brazil!  We meticulously plan your holiday, so you can discover Brazil’s culture and natural beauty through tailor made trips and eco-friendly adventures.   We get to know your travel tastes first, and our Brazil travel specialists personally create your unique itinerary.  If you want to experience Brazil like a local and less like a tourist, you have come to the right place!  Let Green Roots Travel design your ideal Brazil vacation.

So, let me introduce myself…Melanie, your Brazil travel specialist!

With our Green Roots Travel Blog, I will share all of the wonders of Brazil through the eyes of an outdoor loving, adventure seeking, luxury hotel and eco-lodge dwelling, experienced and enthusiastic travel expert in Brazil.  I have been there and done that, and cannot wait to share my Brazil travel tips with you!  Our Brazil travel blog gives you the inside scoop on Brazil’s best adventures, off the beaten path places, unique Brazil tours, food, top Brazil hotels, and everything to love about holidays in Brazil!

Stay tuned for more exciting info about Brazil!

Happy Travels!

Melanie

Brazil Travel Specialist