alison

HI,<BR>My husband and i are going to brazil for 3 1/2 weeks. we are leaving next week and have still not planned what we are doing! we desparately need help and info on the northern beaches. <BR><BR>We are flying early in the trip from Rio to Manaus. after we are done in the amazon we are confused as to whether we should go to Fortaleza and head over to Jericoacoara and spend 6 days there and then fly to Salvador. or should we skip Fortaleza and fly from Manaus to Recife and work our way down to Salvador. the second option obviously makes more practical sense but we here Jericoacoara is amazing. has anyone been? <BR><BR> Also, we were thinking of doing a hike outside of Salvador (6 hours) in the National Park Diamande (sp?). has anyone been? is it worth it? <BR><BR>please, any advice will do! <BR>thanks in advance,<BR>A-

dick

Hi Alison.<BR><BR>I've traveled to the NE of Brasil a fair amount, especially the areas of Natal and Maceio. I guess it depends on what you want to do, how much time, having an airpass, etc. I would suggest a smaller place like Ponta Negra or the beaches north of Maceio to explore. Car rental in advance is fairly cheap and a good way to see some fun places. I know a great little beach that serves a lobster dinner big enough for 4 for $7.00 usd. <BR><BR>Email me if you'd like specific information about locations, hotels, etc.<BR><BR>

Helena

Alison,<BR><BR> I think that 3 days is enough to Jericoacoara. I heard it is realy amazing but I am not pretty sure if you will have so many things to do and see in six days. I suggest you 3 days in Jericoacoara, 3-4 days in Natal ( don't miss it!!) and 4 days in Salvador!! <BR><BR>If you want to ask me sometnhing, e-mail me! Good Luck!!

wendy

Alison.<BR><BR>Hilarious!! I couldn't not respond. I was looking at this thinking that it might be on Costa Rica. I'm glad you're looking into Foraleza (I guess, not Fortazela). Have an amazing trip! Happy New Year!!!!! Wendy.E

Gustavo

Dear Alison<BR><BR> By this time you are probably arriving in Brazil, anyway I think this advice still can be good to you. I was born in Brasilia (Brazil's capital) and now I live in Fortaleza wich is the place I have always wanted to be since my teenage years(I'm 30). Not only the world-famous Jericoacoara but many other beaches near Fortaleza could surprise you for their beauty. I would recommend you a beach named Lagoinha (about 100 Km from Fortaleza) with its dunes and little lakes nearby. "Jeri" (the way we call it)is really a once in a life beach experience, but for sightseeing only. I really think you need only two days to see everything, as there is nothing else to do there. The best thing for you guys should be a two days expedition on Land Rovers from Fortaleza to Jeri, an off-road experience (over the dunes)all included(food and accomodations). Emailme if you want the reference of the tour company.<BR>Recife and Salvador are also good northeast cities to visit. They combine historical(colonial) and modern architecture and also have many costal resorts.<BR>The National Park of Diamantina (Chapada Diamantina as we call) is about three or four hours driving from Salvador. There are many companies that sell guided tours. the views are amazing and the multicolor sunsets over the vast plateaus are to be remembered forever.<BR> I sometimes don't undrestand why international tourists always spend some days in Amazon Forest, wich is a place that we Brazilians don't like to go in general...but the amazing views should pay the price for the lack of confort. There meny other tips and advices. If you still see this advice, don't hesitate to contact me.<BR>I love to visit and travel through your lovely country USA.<BR>Best regards Gustavo