Beach-hopping Along the Brazilian Coast

Fun, sun and adventure on the north coast of Brazil

If the beaches of Rio have whetted your appetite for sun, sea and skimpy swimwear, it’s well worth making the most of your time in this sun-kissed country and exploring the stunning beaches of Northeastern Brazil.

While flights to the Northeast are the best bet for time-pressed vacationers, those lucky enough to be enjoying a longer break in Brazil would be wise to strap on the backpacks and take the scenic route from Rio all the way up the endless beaches of the Northeast.

As it is currently low season in Brazil, budget travelers can take advantage of some good value deals on the cost of trips up the coast, many of which include stop-offs to explore secluded beaches and take part in activities ranging from swimming and snorkelling to dance and capoeira classes.

My personal pick of the bunch is Cruz the Coast – a 12-day trip organised by an Australian/Irish couple who have a decade of experience as tour guides and backpackers. For less than R$600, the trip whisks passengers along the coast to Arraial do Cabo and beautiful Buzios, and from there winds its way up to Salvador da Bahia, via the beautiful, as-yet sunspoiled Northeastern beach town of Itacare, stopping en-route at Santa Teresa, Itauna and Arraial de Ajuda. The tour takes in everything from lush nature reserves to stunning colonial architecture, and with fun extras like caiprinha-making classes, capoeira lessons on the beach, really delivers a whole lot of bang for your tourist buck.

While the English-speaking tour guides offer assisitance in everything from booking hostels to finding cheap places to eat, there’s also plenty of opportunity to set your own agenda, and it’s possible to get as far off the beaten track as you choose, knowing that there’s a comfortable tour bus waiting to jet you off to your next destination.

Sound tempting? Email Jane or Jonathan at cruzthecoast@gmail.com, or visit http://www.cruzthecoast.blogspot.com/