Brazil's Ultimate Hidden Gems From Belém to Lençóis - 21 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Belém, Explore the City at Leisure

Welcome to Belém, the state capital of Pará and the gateway to the Amazon. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can stay in to relax and fight off your jet lag or venture out to explore the city on your own. A good place to start is the Basílica de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré, renowned for hosting one of the largest religious festivals in the country, the Círio de Nazaré pilgrimage. Admire the intricate neo-Gothic architecture, then enter to discover the ornate interior and the revered image of Our Lady of Nazareth.

Continue to Fortaleza do Castelo, a well-preserved fortress perched on the banks of Guajará Bay. Built in the 17th century to defend the region against invasions, the fort now serves as a museum so visitors can step back in time and learn about Brazil's colonial history. Wander around the fort to see its well-preserved architecture and cannons, then browse the museum's artifacts, weaponry, and exhibits narrating stories of past battles and conquests. Climb to the top of the fort for panoramic views of the city and the bay to end your self-guided city tour. 

Day 2: Full-Day City Tour of Belém 

If you don't mind an early wake-up call, you can start your day at 5:00 am at the Feira do Açaí, an open-air market dedicated to the Amazonian fruit. Continue your culinary journey at Mercado Ver-o-Peso, one of the largest open-air markets in the world. Enter and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, aromas, and flavors of the Amazon. Then, head to Espaço São José Liberto, a cultural center housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building. Browse the stalls full of Amazonian jewelry, Pará handicrafts, and Marajoara ceramics and learn about the cultural significance behind these intricate creations. 

Before you leave, visit the Museu das Gemas to admire the exhibits showcasing an array of locally sourced gemstones, such as topazes, tourmalines, and amethysts. End your tour of the city at Estação das Docas, an old warehouse turned into a cultural and entertainment center. Wander around the waterfront complex on the banks of Guajará Bay to discover the restaurants, shops, bars, and cultural event spaces within. Grab an Amazonian craft beer and something to eat, then sit down to enjoy a view of the bay to end your day.

Day 3: Meet the Ribeirinhos in Baixo Acara

Leave the city behind for the day as you head into the Amazon this morning to visit the Ribeirinhos, also known as "river people," in Baixo Acará. Jump in a boat and cruise down the Amazon's waterways for an hour to reach the village. Meet the Ribeirinhos and witness their traditional fishing techniques, artisanal crafts, and agricultural practices that are all entwined with the surrounding rainforest.

Explore the village to see the kapok trees, Brazil nut trees, and açaí palm trees the Ribeirinhos use to create local delicacies. Sit down to enjoy some of these delicacies with the villagers and listen as they share stories about their way of life and how they earn a living selling their produce and handcrafted goods to vendors in Belém. After a full day with the Ribeirinhos, return to your hotel in the city.

Day 4: Visit Ilha do Combu, Fly to Santarem

Start your day with a boat across the Rio Guamá to Ilha do Combú in the Brazilian Amazon. Wander around the island, looking out for tropical birds flying ahead, until you reach the Filha do Combu chocolate plantation. Witness the cultivation and harvesting of the cacao beans unique to the region and listen as your guide teaches you about the company's traditional methods of chocolate production, from fermenting and drying the beans to the meticulous process of transforming them into high-quality chocolate that's sold across the country.

After a walk through the plantation, join a workshop and learn how to prepare your own chocolate bar. Try not to let the sweet treat spoil your appetite, as you'll then sit down for lunch before returning to your hotel in Belém. Grab your bags and meet your driver outside to transfer to the airport for a 1.5-hour domestic flight to Santarém, a quaint town located at the confluence of the Amazon River and the Rio Tapajós. Transfer to your new hotel and refresh, then venture out to Praça do Pescado (Fisherman's Square) to dine on fresh seafood overlooking the river. 

Day 5: City Tour, Boat to the Meeting of the Waters, Transfer to Alter do Chao

Join your guide on a tour of the town, starting at Orla de Santarém, a picturesque riverfront area lined with palm trees, charming cafés, and lush green spaces. Watch as boats come in from every angle, delivering agricultural products and fresh fish. Wander down the scenic promenade until you reach the observation deck offering panoramic views of the "Meeting of the Waters," the spot where the distinct colors of the Amazon and Tapajós rivers merge but don't immediately mix.

Continue to the historic center to admire centuries-old churches and colonial-era architecture. Stop at Mercado Modelo to sample local snacks, engage with friendly vendors, and take in the lively atmosphere. Return to the riverfront to board a speedboat to see the so-called Meeting of the Waters while looking for pink dolphins swimming alongside you. After witnessing this natural phenomenon, return to your hotel to grab your bags. Meet your driver outside and transfer 40 minutes to Alter do Chão, a charming village known as the "Caribbean of the Amazon."

Day 6: Visit Lago Verde & Cruise to the Surrounding Flooded Forests

Today, you'll explore Alter do Chão's natural surroundings, starting at Lago Verde (Green Lake), aptly named for its vivid green hue that reflects the surrounding rainforest and blue skies. If it's the right time of year, jump in a boat and cruise to one of the surrounding flooded forests, Igapó do Macaco Basin. Traverse the waterways that only appear during the rainy season between March and August, looking out at the diverse array of flora and fauna. Continue the cruise until you reach Floresta Encantada, teeming with towering trees, vibrant flora, and the sounds of tropical birds.

Disembark to enjoy a delicious lunch, then settle in for a nap in one of the many hammocks lining the river. When you wake up, return to the boat to cruise through another flooded forest until you reach the Pindobal community. Learn about the villagers' daily lives, from fishing and farming to creating artisanal crafts, then explore the village to gain a deeper understanding of their lifestyle. Thank the Pindobal people for their time, then hop back in the boat for a final cruise to Ponta do Muretá or Ponta do Cururu to watch the sunset over the water. 

Day 7: Visit Urucurea, Ponta Grande Beach, Carocas & Tucuma

Spend another day discovering Alter do Chão's diverse landscapes, starting with a boat cruise across Rio Tapajós toward Rio Arapiuns to reach the village of Urucureá, renowned for its commitment to preserving the traditional ways of life of the Ribeirinhos people. Explore the community and watch as villagers make handicrafts from locally sourced materials like straw and seeds. Participate in cultural exchanges, share stories with the villagers, and support the community's efforts toward sustainable living before continuing to Ponta Grande, a white-sand beach surrounded by lush greenery. 

Then, jump into the clear water for a refreshing swim and take in the rhythmic sounds of the jungle, creating an atmosphere of tranquility. After relaxing on the sand, continue to Carocas, a nesting ground for endangered freshwater turtles. Learn about the conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable species. If you're lucky, you'll witness female turtles emerging to lay their eggs or the hatchlings making their way to the river. End your tour in the village of Tucumã for a short walk through the forest to learn about medicinal plants and their purpose in the community. 

Day 8: Fly to Salvador, Join a Bahian Percussion Workshop

Trade the natural beauty of Alter do Chão for the bustling streets of Salvador, the state capital of Bahia, this morning. Start with a 45-minute transfer back to Santarém to catch a one-hour flight to the country's northeastern coast. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can stay in and relax until the afternoon's Bahian percussion workshop. Since the city is renowned for its Afro-Brazilian culture and vibrant music scene, it's the perfect place to learn the intricate beats and rhythms intrinsic to Bahian percussion.

When it's time, meet the skilled percussionist who will teach you about traditional instruments, such as the berimbau or atabaque, and the cultural significance of every beat. You may not be an expert percussionist by the end of the workshop, but you're sure to have a good time connecting to Salvador's rhythmic soul. After the class, head to Pelourinho, the city's UNESCO-listed historic center, and choose from one of the many restaurants and cafés serving local dishes and international cuisine for dinner. 

Day 9: African Heritage City Tour, Performance by the Bahia Folklore Company

Learn about Salvador's African roots on this morning's heritage city tour, starting at Museu Afro-Brasileiro in Pelourinho. Browse the museum's vast collection of artifacts, art, and historical documents narrating the journey of African people to Brazil and their enduring influence on the country's art, music, and religion. Continue to Pelourinho Square and the 18th-century Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos to admire the church's ornate Baroque architecture. Enter to see the intricate woodwork, sacred imagery, and religious artifacts blending Catholicism and African spiritual traditions.

Then, visit another museum, the Museu da Gastronomia Baiana, to learn about the rich tapestry of Bahian cuisine, known for its vibrant flavors influenced by African, Indigenous, and Portuguese culinary traditions. View the exhibits showcasing traditional utensils, cooking techniques, and the evolution of iconic dishes, then return to the square for lunch overlooking the 18th-century Igreja e Convento de São Francisco.

After eating, return to the hotel to rest before this evening's performance by the Bahia Folklore Company. When it's time, head to the Miguel Santana Theatre in Pelourinho and sit down to watch the dancers, adorned in vibrant costumes, move to the infectious rhythms of samba, capoeira, and candomblé. Each dance step and drumbeat tells a story, so immerse yourself in the sensory journey. After the show, stroll the historic district's cobblestone streets to find somewhere to eat, then end the night with Brazil's national cocktail, a caipirinha, made with a sugar cane spirit, sugar, and lime. 

Day 10: Visit the São Joaquim Fair, Jorge Amado's House & Sao Diogo Fort

Save your appetite this morning as you set off on a market tour and cooking demonstration. Start at the São Joaquim Fair, one of the largest and most vibrant open-air markets in the country. As soon as you enter, you'll be surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors, aromas, and sounds. Browse the stalls full of fresh produce, seafood, spices, and handmade crafts. Your guide will help you pick up the necessary ingredients to prepare Bahia's signature dish, moqueca, a rich seafood stew made with cilantro, lime, garlic, coconut milk, and dendê oil.

Next, head to a local restaurant to watch the chef prepare the delicious dish right in front of you. After enjoying the authentic meal, visit Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado, the former home of Jorge Amado, a beloved Brazilian writer. Enter to view Amado's personal belongings, photographs, and manuscripts to learn more about his life and work. Continue to the 17th-century São Diogo Fort to see the Argentine-Brazilian artist Carybé's paintings. End the cultural tour at Porto da Barra Beach to admire Carybé and photographer Verger's work projected on the fort's facade.

Day 11: Full-Day Cachoeira Cultural Tour

Bid farewell to the coast for the day as you head one hour inland to the UNESCO-listed town of Cachoeira on the banks of the Rio Paraguaçu. Along the way, stop at a traditional fruit and vegetable market on the side of the highway to pick up snacks. When you arrive, follow your guide down the cobblestone streets to the historic center, where colonial-era mansions and architectural gems, like the São Bartolomeu Church, await you. Learn about the town's pivotal role in the sugar cane and tobacco industries and watch as artisans craft intricate goods on the side of the road. 

After lunch, cross the iconic Dom Pedro II Bridge, a symbol of Brazil's fight for independence, to reach the Dannemann Cigar Company in São Félix. Learn about the entire cigar production process, from the cultivation of tobacco leaves to the meticulous hand-rolling of cigars. Tour the property to see the curing barns, fermentation rooms, and aging cellars, revealing the time-honored techniques that produce Dannemann's high-quality cigars. Enjoy a tasting session to savor the flavors of these Brazilian cigars before returning to your hotel in Salvador for the night. 

Day 12: Cruise to Ilha dos Frades & Ilha de Itaparica 

Soak up the sun on today's boat tour to two of the nearby islands in All Saint's Bay. Transfer to the pier, jump into a typical Brazilian schooner, and enjoy a two-hour cruise to your first stop, Ponta da Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe, on Ilha dos Frades. Don your snorkeling gear and jump into the crystal-clear water to see the colorful fish and vibrant coral below the surface. Relax on the sand or climb up the nearby steps to the small chapel at the top of the hill dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe.

Enjoy panoramic views of the water, then head back to the boat to cruise 45 minutes to the larger Ilha de Itaparica for lunch. After refueling, walk along the island's palm-fringed shores to discover hidden coves and grottoes before returning to the schooner to set sail for Salvador's eastern shore in the late afternoon. Return to the hotel to refresh, then venture back out for dinner in the beachfront neighborhood of Barra, which offers a mix of casual and more upscale restaurants.

Day 13: Fly to Trancoso in Porto Seguro, Explore at Your Own Pace

Discover more of Brazil's eastern coast today as you catch a one-hour flight to the charming town of Trancoso, renowned for its pristine beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Meet your driver outside the airport for a one-hour transfer into town. Settle in at your pousada (inn) in the UNESCO-listed Quadrado Square, then venture out to explore the area on your own. Pop into the artisanal shops and boutiques lining the square and take in the brightly colored facades.

Head to the end of the square to visit the Igreja de São João Batista, a small white church built in the 17th century. Enter to see the traditional religious artifacts and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. When night falls, the square comes alive, featuring open-air cafés, live music, and the warm glove of ambient light. Stay to enjoy dinner and a drink before returning to the inn.

Day 14: Enjoy a Free Day in Trancoso

Today, you're free to make your own plans, so after a delicious breakfast at the inn, you can set off to the white sands of Praia dos Coqueiros. Bask in the sun, take refreshing dips in the Atlantic Ocean, and relax under the coconut palms. If you're up for it, you can rent a kayak to paddle down the coast and explore secluded coves and grottoes. You could also rent a standup paddleboard to glide over the gentle waves. When you get hungry, visit one of the beachfront restaurants and savor fresh seafood and tropical drinks while listening to the rhythmic sounds of the waves. 

Those who want to learn more about the area can head to the Casa da Cultura instead. This cultural center, housed in a colonial-era building, showcases local art, crafts, and photography. It also hosts workshops, cultural events, and performances, so check what's on the schedule during your visit. When the sun goes down, make your way to one of the beach bars or clubs to grab a drink and immerse yourself in Trancoso's lively nightlife.

Day 15: Relax on Praia das Tartarugas

Change into your bathing suit and get ready to visit the most secluded beach in Trancoso, Praia das Tartarugas, as it's only accessible through a private complex. This serene beach, named for the sea turtles that often nest along its shores, offers a tranquil escape and a VIP experience. Spend the day swimming in the crystal-clear water and relaxing on the golden sands.

When you get hungry, make your way to Terravista Restaurant & Bar to indulge in local dishes prepared using the freshest ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. With only 12 tables that must be pre-booked, dining here adds to the exclusiveness of the beach. Grab a drink at the bar before returning to the beach for another swim. Stay until sunset to watch the sky transform into hues of red and orange reflected in the shimmering ocean.

Day 16: Day Trip to Praia do Espelho, Fly to Salvador

Enjoy another day in the sun, this time at Praia do Espelho, also known as "Mirror Beach," since natural pools form when the tide is low, reflecting the blue sky. Take in the lush Atlantic rainforest and dramatic cliffs surrounding the beach before jumping into the water for a refreshing swim. If you want to unwind, visit Espelho Beach Club to lay on the plush loungers under the swaying palm trees and indulge in Bahian specialties. When it's time, meet your driver and transfer to the airport for a one-hour flight up the coast back to Salvador.

Day 17: Transfer to Lençóis, Free Time in the Chapada Diamantina National Park

Say goodbye to Salvador this morning as you meet your driver for a six-hour transfer to Lençóis, home to the lush Chapada Diamantina National Park. When you arrive, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day discovering the town's brightly-colored 19th-century colonial architecture, colorful houses, and quaint shops selling local crafts and souvenirs. If you want to explore the national park, you could book a tour to Gruta da Lapa Doce, an impressive limestone cave full of stalactites and stalagmites that's just one hour outside of town.

Follow your guide down the well-lit pathways into the cave to see highlights like the Cathedral Chamber, where concerts have been held to take advantage of the acoustics, and the Crystal Chamber, adorned with sparkling rock formations. Those who want a more active adventure can hike to the top of Morro do Pai Inácio. Though the trek only takes 20-30 minutes, going uphill along the rugged terrain can be moderately challenging. Thankfully, your effort will be well worth it as you enjoy panoramic views of the national park's lush valleys, dramatic cliffs, and unique rock formations from the top. 

Day 18: Transfer to Guiné, Trek Through Vale do Pati to Mucugê

After a restful night in Lençóis, get ready to explore more of Chapada Diamantina National Park, as over the next few days you'll venture out on day hikes to discover lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, and natural pools. Start with a two-hour transfer to Guiné, where you'll begin today's 11-mile (18 km) trek through Vale do Pati, a remote valley with a network of trails winding through diverse landscapes, from dense jungle to open plateaus. 

As you walk, your guide will teach you about the region's flora and fauna, stopping to point out wildlife like monkeys, coatis, and even jaguars if you're lucky. You'll also have the chance to see the 1,115-foot-tall (340 m) Cachoeira da Fumacinha plunging dramatically into the deep pool below. Admire the waterfall from its shores or go for a refreshing dip to cool off before continuing your trek. At the end of the hike, you'll arrive in Mucugê, where you can check into your hotel and enjoy dinner and some much-deserved rest. 

Day 19: Day Trek to Cachoeira dos Funis

Today, you'll join your guide on a shorter 4-mile (8 km) hike to Cachoeira dos Funis, named for its funnel-like cascades that gracefully descend into a tranquil pool below. Follow your guide through the forest, along rocky paths, and over rivers, looking out for colorful birds and endemic plant species. When you arrive at the waterfall, admire the multitiered structure, then go for a swim in the cool water surrounded by towering cliffs. Dry off in the sun before returning to your hotel in Mucugê, where you can spend the afternoon resting and learning about the local culture from your hosts.

Day 20: Trek to Palmeiras via Gerais do Vieira & Vale do Capão

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast at the hotel to prepare for today's 13-mile (22 km) hike, starting with an uphill trek to the peak of Gerais do Vieira. Enjoy panoramic views of the undulating hills and valleys, then go for a swim in the natural pools formed by streams and waterfalls that cascade down from the mountains. After your swim, continue the trek to Vale do Capão, a lush valley where you can meet your driver for a transfer to your hotel in the charming village of Palmeiras. If you're not too tired, you can wander through the village to admire the colorful colonial architecture and grab dinner.

Day 21: Hike to Morro do Pai Inácio, Depart Lençóis

Your last day in Brazil starts with a visit to the nearby village of Capão to discover its colorful markets, organic cafés, and vibrant community of artists. Then, you'll lace up your hiking boots for the last time and trek to Morro do Pai Inácio, an iconic hill overlooking the national park. You'll walk past crystalline rivers, towering cliffs, and lush valleys to get there. Climb to the top of the hill for one last look at the Chapada Diamantina region before returning to Lençóis, where you can catch your flight home, typically with a layover in Salvador. Safe travels!