North coast: Natal, Fortaleza and Sao Luis holidays
North coast: Natal, Fortaleza and Sao Luis holidays at a glance
This is a region largely untouched by international tourism. The standout is São Luís, the city Brazil’s north coast is best known for: a UNESCO World Heritage city of colonial and art nouveau buildings decorated with delicate European ceramic tiles.
Just beyond the city, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is one of Brazil’s most extraordinary landscapes, a wrinkled sheet of rolling white dunes pitted with jade and aquamarine freshwater lagoons that appear after the rains. Further along the coast, the river Preguiças feeds into the mangrove-rich Parnaíba Delta, where bird-filled islets support traditional fishing communities.
The region is also home to some of Brazil’s most attractive beach destinations. Jericoacoara holidays run through the July to January dry season, which doubles as kitesurfing season, while Canoa Quebrada and the award-winning Pipa, near Natal, offer barefoot beaches visited by turtles and, in Pipa’s case, dolphins in the bay. Fortaleza holidays tend to be livelier still, with a lively nightlife scene and broad, skyscraper-fringed city beaches reminiscent of Copacabana.
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Brazil’s little-visited north coast offers World Heritage Site cities, national parks of rippling sand dunes and wild sloping beaches peppered with laid-back resorts.
When to visit North coast: Natal, Fortaleza and Sao Luis
The northern coast can be visited year-round, although rainfall patterns influence the appearance of the famous lagoons.
December is the last month of the drier low season when cloudy days abound. From January the rainy season begins to ramp up, with rain falling on most days until April / May, filling the lagoons of Lencois Maranhenses National Park.
The rains of the wettest season draw to a close in April, or at the latest May. May – August is the driest period, with plentiful sun and spectacular full lagoons in the national park.
Avoid travel to São Luís at this time as it may still be wet, you’ll get better weather between July and September.
These are the driest months, particularly between July and September. This is a great time to visit São Luís, and is also the peak season for the lagoons as they are spectacularly full.
While September is still a good time to visit, with hot sunny weather and fuller lagoons, by October the low season begins. There is minimal rain and increasingly cloudy weather conditions. The lagoons have less water and do not look as impressive, but with fewer visitors this may be a good time to visit for some peace and quiet.
Top Things to do in North coast: Natal, Fortaleza and Sao Luis
Between dune-crossing, colonial cities and coastline, there are plenty of things to do in Lençóis Maranhenses and the wider region.
Explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Lençois Maranhenses, where a vast sheet of sand dunes harbours freshwater lakes.
Take a guided tour round the historic heart of remote São Luis, in Brazil’s far north.
Accommodation in North coast: Natal, Fortaleza and Sao Luis
Accommodation ranges from boutique beach hotels and guesthouses to stylish lodges positioned close to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and the region’s coastal highlights.
A modest colonial pousada brimming with character in the heart of Sao Luis.
Comfortable and practical base for trips into the spectacular dune landscapes of the Lençois Maranhenses.
Wonderfully romantic hotel at exquisite Praia da Pipa offering the chance to step into a magical little world of tropical gardens dotted with pools, sculpture and secluded individual bungalows.
A charming boutique-style, upmarket pousada immersed in a garden bursting with bouganvillea, hibiscus and cashew-nut bushes. It’s one of the few in this remote region which is on the beach.
Vila Kalango is a charming beach hotel right on the sands of Jericoacoara on Brazil’s less developed northeast coast.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Tailor-Made North coast: Natal, Fortaleza and Sao Luis Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Off the beaten track Brazil: Dunes and lagoons of Lencois Maranhenses
Places visited: North coast: Natal, Fortaleza and Sao Luis · Recife, Olinda and Fernando de Noronha
10 days from £2,775
FAQs about visiting North coast: Natal, Fortaleza and Sao Luis
North coast: Natal, Fortaleza and Sao Luis is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit north coast of Brazil?
São Luís, Natal and Fortaleza, along with the northern beaches, can be visited all year round; June to January are the driest months. The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is at its best Jul-Sep, when the fish-filled pools lie like a scattering of jewels on a cushion of soft white sand.
- What's the official language of north coast of Brazil?
Brazilian Portuguese, a more languid and musical version of Portugal’s mother tongue.
- How do I get local currency on north coast of Brazil?
Brazilian Real. Notes can be withdrawn from the ATMs in central São Luís and the other large towns. Limits may be lower than your UK bank allows. ATMs close at 10pm.
- What's the time difference between north coast of Brazil and UK/
UTC -3 hours. Daylight saving Oct-end Feb was discontinued in 2019.
- What places combine well with north coast of Brazil?
The volcanic island of Fernando de Noronha (flights from Natal); the colonial port of Olinda, close to Recife.
- How do I get to north coast of Brazil?
São Luís is reached by a 3.5 hour flight from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo from where it is 30mins less flying time to Fortaleza and Natal. Natal, São Luís and Fortaleza are all around 2.5 hours by air from Brasilia.
- What are the cultural and sporting events in the north coast of Brazil?
Carnival (Feb-Mar, variable).
Bumba-meu-Boi: São Luis, 24 Jun. Throughout June and especially several days running up to 24th, there are parades, dances and street music, reflecting a mix of African, Portuguese and indigenous culture.
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