It is said that Jericoacoara beach was once an incredible place; completely untouched and extraordinarily beautiful. Traveling there was an exhilarating adventure; the locals welcomed visitors with open arms, recounting enthralling stories as the sun disappeared over the horizon in a breathtaking spectacle of nature. In the eighties, however, it started to appear in the media and in the bestselling tourist guides, and people started arriving from all over the world. Then, the small fishing village that had made a living from the sea started to change the direction of its economy and developed tourist infrastructure. And so, adventure turned into comfort. But in 2002, in order to avoid the overpopulation other places have suffered, it was declared a National Park, and now it is a rustic yet accessible place, without luxury but with all the necessary facilities to allow visitors to be comfortable without losing the essence of one of the most peculiar and fascinating beaches in the world.

It is fascinating because of its geography. The beach is made up of endless white sand dunes which shift and change with the wind and tide so that visitors never find themselves in the same place twice. The wind shapes them as it pleases, transporting them from one place to another. The tide makes lagoons here and there, leaving natural swimming pools of crystal clear water, where retreating from the noise and stress of the world is almost compulsory.

But the wind and tide do much more than this. Jericoacara has become a magnet for surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers. This is thanks to its amazing expanses of shallow water and protection from mass tourism.

One of the highlights of visiting this incredible beach is the sunset. Around five in the afternoon (in countries near the Equator the sun sets earlier than at other latitudes), the dunes, as if natural amphitheaters, fill with visitors whiling away the minutes as the sun slips away over the horizon. When it has gone, nature is rapturously applauded for providing such a magnificent spectacle.

What is more, the fishing village with its sandy streets still welcomes its visitors with open arms. The tourist facilities offered by the locals are still those of a small nucleus that has survived for years on what the sea provides, so you will not find the kind of tourist here who is looking for luxury or big developments.

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What stands out most about Caraíva is the absolute peace and tranquility it exudes. Mass tourism has not yet reached this beautiful, remote little town, and less conventional tourism is arriving only very slowly.

Located in the south of Bahía State, this tiny fishing town is a rustic jewel with unpaved streets and where electricity only arrived a few years back. Caraíva is an old indigenous village of the Pataxó tribe whose natural landscape is perfectly preserved, with colorful houses and white sand roads. Cars are prohibited! The only streets are pedestrian and the only transport allowed is donkey-drawn carts. It is a place forgotten by time.

On Caraíva beach the only sounds are those of the sea breeze rustling the surrounding tall trees and the waves rolling in from the turquoise ocean.  The beach lined with palm trees stretches uninterrupted as far as the eye can see. You could easily spend a whole day exploring it on foot. You will find lots of vegetation on the seashore, natural shade, very few people and soul-replenishing peace and beauty. Sunrise is an indescribably special moment on Caraíva beach.

If you visit Caraíva you will discover the breathtaking beauty of simplicity. Come now, while nobody else knows about it!

 

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Founded as a colonial town in 1667, Paraty became famous for the gold discovered in its mines in the Minas Gerais mountains. The ensuing furore lasted until the end of the seventeenth century and left its mark on the city, which subsequently witnessed the coffee boom. However, it was not until the end of the last century that the city was reborn as one of the most beautiful natural and urban areas in the world. Lush vegetation abounds in the surrounding area thanks to its tropical climate, and the region is full of mountains, waterfalls and nature reserves.

Portuguese colonial architecture has been preserved in the old quarter of the city, recalling an era that the modern, industrializing Brazil seems to want to leave behind. Paraty is a small keepsake of the old Brazil that is also well worth a visit for its natural beauty.

With enviably preserved historical buildings, hardly touched for over 250 years, the cobbled streets, fort, Baroque churches and colonial streets, Paraty recalls a Brazil that has long since disappeared in other cities.

The old quarter is without doubt a favorite among tourists, with cars banned and only pedestrians allowed. Paraty has adapted to the times, with stores, bars and restaurants that respect the colonial style. The local government also organizes many cultural events, such as the Paraty Literature Festival.

Paraty also boasts several beaches – far too many reasons not to miss out, don’t you think?

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