Destination: Brazil

Itinerary: Bahia & the NorthEast

SIX WEEKS

This 4500km trip takes you to gorgeous tropical beaches and colorful, music-filled cities. The journey begins in Porto Seguro and ends in Sao Luis, both of which have airport connections to major cities. Those with time to spare can easily spend three to six months absorbing the cultural and natural beauty of this fantastic region.

Those looking for the soul of Brazil often begin (and end) their search in the Northeast. Historic towns, vibrant festivals and a gorgeous 2700km-long coastline are among the attractions, but it's the people you'll meet that make traveling here so unforgettable. Start your journey in Porto Seguro, a celebratory town near dozens of mesmerizing beaches. Soak up the youthful exuberance of Arraial d'Ajuda and charming Trancoso before continuing to Itacare, a colonial fishing town with great surf. North lies Salvador, Bahia's most vibrant and colorful city, where Candomble, capoeira, and axe (Northeastern music with a strong African beat) are just a small part of the city's cultural heritage.

Detour west to the Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina for crisp mountain streams, panoramic views and a large network of trails. Back on the coast Olinda is one of Brazil's largest and best-preserved colonial cities and it holds an outstanding Carnaval. From Recife, Olinda's sister city, fly out to Fernando de Noronha, an exquisite island that boasts amazing marine life and breathtaking beaches.

Back on the mainland, visit the nude beach of Praia de Tambaba, or continue on to Praia da Pipa, another sun-filled spot. In Natal you can hitch a ride on a dune buggy to explore the nearby Genipabu dunes.

In Ceara, Jericoacoara is a gorgeous beach village with fantastic nightlife. West of there, the Parque Nacional dos Lencois Maranhenses has one of the most striking landscapes in Brazil, with impressive fauna living among the dunes and lagoons. The final stop is Sao Luis, a historic town of rugged beauty, with a burgeoning music scene.