Northern Brazil and beyond with TAP airlines

When in the 'inspiration phase' of planning a trip to Brazil, look no further than Salvador da Bahía in the northeast. It's the country's Afro-Brazilian jewel, a multi-coloured Portuguese colonial heart that throbs with drum and dance.

There are lots of exciting things to do in and around the city of Salvador, from a walking tour through its well-preserved historic district, to catching an Afro-Brazilian dance show or delving into the neighbouring Chapada Diamantina - where table mountains erupt from the flat sertão, waterfalls plummet into black lagoons and the area’s many intriguing caves and grottoes shelter dazzlingly vivid turquoise pools.

The best way to reach Salvador is to fly with TAP airlines from London direct via a quick and easy connection in Lisbon, Portugal. Alternative flight routes go via Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo in the south of Brazil which is more expensive and adds an extra day of travel to any holiday. Flying with TAP to the northern parts of Brazil mean your time and money will go further.

Below is our 'TAP map' that shows all the destinations in Latin America that you can fly to with TAP:

Here are some of our favourite places to visit in and around the northern parts of Brazil that you can fly to with TAP.

Salvador:

Chapada Diamantina National Park is home to the most distinctive table-like mountains which define its topography, Morro de São Paulo a relaxed, laid back fishing village on the northern tip of the tropical island of Ilha de Tinhare and of course the charming, colourful city of Salvador itself. We feature these three highlights on our Value Brazil: Salvador and Bahía holiday (11 days from £1,101pp). Another hot spot is the upmarket and attractive Praia de Forte beach village brim with stylish restaurants and shops which can be added as an extension to any of our Brazil holidays.

Natal:
Praia da Pipa is a truly magical destination combining white sand beaches backed by tall, dramatic cliffs, crystal lagoons and a real lively buzz and only a mere two hour’s drive from Natal. It is a great place for those on their honeymoon. Our favourite place to stay would be Toca da Coruja positioned just on the edge of town, creating a little world of its own enveloped in lush vegetation, exuding rustic luxury with an emphasis on harmony with nature.

“Praia da Pipa is one of the most romantic barefoot beaches in Brazil, if not the world!” says Brazilian, Laura Rendell-Dunn our Press Manager.

Fortaleza:
Given how far north Fortaleza is located, is it naturally lesser-known and therefore has a real sense of adventure. Famous for its beaches, namely the remote (reached only by unpaved tracks and through dunes) Jericoacara beach which offers stunning coastal scenery, exciting activities and good value wine and dining – only a four to five hour drive further north from Fortaleza. Fortaleza is also the perfect way to round off a trip, such as our newly created one-off for 2015 North East Brazil small, escorted Group Journey.

“This exotic holiday begins in the African-influenced city of Salvador. Visit the colonial river port Cachoeira and graceful Olinda, relax in Portuguese São Luis and on the exquisite barefoot beach at Pipa. Travel through the dunes and lagoons of Lençois Maranhenses National Park to laid-back fishing village Jericoacoara, with its staggering sunsets. Then head to Fortaleza for your flight home. This journey is a perfect blend of culture and natural beauty, adventure and relaxation”. Alexandra Walker, Travel Consultant.

Recife:
From Recife drive thirty minutes to colonial Olinda and absorb the maze of sleepy cobbled streets, pastel coloured houses, baroque fountains and elegant squares blankets the hills. Porto de Galinhas, south of Recife is spectacular beach known for its bright-water beaches and rippling natural pools. Our hot tip would be to stay at the lovely, authentic Nannai Resort and Spa. Maragogi is the easternmost city of the Brazilian state of Alagoas from where you can fly (flights is just over an hour) to Fernando de Noronha – a dream destination almost off the map. It is the only populated island in a protected volcanic archipelago way out in the Atlantic Ocean, those who go there (and numbers are restricted), especially divers and surfers, are well rewarded. If this takes your fancy then take a look at our Active Brazil: Remote Bahia and Fernando de Noronha holiday which includes Salvador, Lençóis Maranhenses, Recife, Olinda before relaxing on Fernando de Noronha.

Manaus:
Although Manaus is located in the depths of the Brazilian Amazon, it can be easily reached and fully explored – we recommend an Amazon cruise - in under two weeks. The Tucano Amazon cruise would be our number one option for those visiting the Amazon, it offers 5, 7 & 8 day cruises and is a real once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is a marvellous nautical atmosphere aboard the wooden river boat, which was constructed locally by indigenous craftsmen and inspired by the traditional three-decked design of vessel that have navigated the Amazon for centuries. We include a week’s cruise on the traditional-style wooden craft, the Tucano in our Brazil Wildlife: Iguazú, Pantanal & Amazon holiday. The holiday begins at the Iguazú Falls, and then flies to the Pantanal wetlands before a week long cruise on the Tucano departing from Manaus. It lasts for 15-days and costs from £4,984pp.