Recife, Olinda & Chapada Diamantina
★★ Recife & Olinda
Recife, the capital of Pernambuco, is a vibrant metropolis often overlooked in favor of Salvador — unjustly so. The Recife Antigo (Old Town) on an island in the river boasts beautiful colonial buildings, lively squares, and the famous "Marco Zero" (Zero Point), where the carnival celebration takes place. Recife's carnival is the largest street carnival in the world (unlike Rio's Sambódromo): Millions of people dance Frevo in the streets.
Olinda, just 6 km north, is the UNESCO World Heritage jewel of the northeast: A colonial town on hills overlooking the sea, with pastel-colored churches, studios, live music, and a famous carnival with giant puppets (Bonecos Gigantes) dancing through the streets. Olinda is quieter, more charming, and more artistic than Recife — many travelers stay here and visit Recife as a day trip.
★★★ Chapada Diamantina
In the hinterland of Bahia, 400 km west of Salvador, lies the Chapada Diamantina — one of the most spectacular hiking areas in Brazil. Table mountains, deep canyons, waterfalls, caves with blue water, and breathtaking vegetation reminiscent of the American Southwest.
- Cachoeira da Fumaça: At 340 meters, the second-highest waterfall in Brazil. The hike to the upper viewpoint (6 km, 2h) offers a spectacular view into the depths.
- Gruta da Pratinha & Gruta Azul: Caves with crystal-clear, deep blue water. In Pratinha, you can snorkel through the cave — surreal beauty.
- Vale do Paty: Multi-day trekking tour (3–5 days) through a remote valley with overnight stays with local families. Brazil's best multi-day trek.
- Poço Encantado & Poço Azul: Underground lakes where sunbeams fall through rock crevices, making the water glow magically blue (Apr–Sep).
Lençóis (not to be confused with the Lençóis Maranhenses!) is the gateway to the Chapada. Bus from Salvador (6h, 80–120 BRL). Accommodations: Pousadas in Lençóis from 100 BRL/night. Tours and guides: essential for remote trails, from 150 BRL/day.