A journey through Alagoas, visiting artisan communities, dramatic canyons and pristine tropical beaches.
Discover the diverse landscapes, communities and cultural traditions of Alagoas on a journey from the São Francisco Delta to the beaches of the Costa dos Corais. Begin on the private Ilha de Arambipe, exploring the river delta by boat, white dunes and a Quilombola community, before travelling inland to historic Piranhas.
Cruise through the dramatic Xingó Canyons by private speedboat, swim in secluded river beaches and explore the emerald waters of Gruta do Talhado. Continue downstream along the São Francisco, following the history of the cangaço and visiting riverside villages before reaching Ilha do Ferro, a remarkable centre of Brazilian popular art. Meet local artisans in their homes and ateliers, discover traditional woodcarving and embroidery, and experience the region’s distinctive food and hospitality.
From the river, travel towards the coast, stopping at local homes and communities along the way. Relax at Kenoa Exclusive Beach Spa before discovering oyster farming and traditional livelihoods at Vila Palateia. Continue north to Praia do Patacho, with time to explore its coral reefs, mangroves and fishing villages, before ending in São Miguel dos Milagres. Here, spend your final days enjoying the beach, natural pools and laid-back coastal atmosphere.
Trip Highlights
Explore the São Francisco Delta by private boat, visiting white dunes, the river mouth and a Quilombola community.
Cruise the Xingó Canyons by private speedboat, with a swim, lunch on a secluded river beach and sunset among the Golden Canyons.
Discover Ilha do Ferro and meet local artisans specialising in woodcarving and embroidery, with visits to their homes and ateliers.
Relax along the Alagoas coast, with time for coral reefs, natural pools, mangroves, traditional fishing villages and beautiful beaches.
When to go
This coastal journey can be enjoyed year-round, although September to March offers the best conditions, with more sunshine and lower rainfall. April to August is wetter, especially May to July, so beach and boat activities can be less predictable.
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We have just returned from a wonderful 23 night trip to Brazil. All the arrangements went perfectly to plan to make it an exciting and stress-free holiday. We have been really impressed with Simon’s local knowledge, expertise and the level of service given throughout the process.
– Humboldt Client
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrive in Aracaju and transfer by private vehicle to Saramém, followed by a short boat crossing to Ilha de Arambipe in the São Francisco delta for the next two nights. Spend your first night already on the water, far from any city, with a simple, generous dinner, the sound of the river and an early night(!)
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Spend a full day exploring the São Francisco delta by boat. Visit the river mouth where the Velho Chico meets the Atlantic, discover the white dunes of Piaçabuçu and visit a Quilombola community. Enjoy the opportunity to go fishing or crabbing with local fishermen, with the day's catch becoming dinner.
Cross the river to Piaçabuçu and travel inland by private vehicle through the changing landscapes of Alagoas to Piranhas. Explore this historic town with a local guide, discovering its cobbled streets, riverside villages and viewpoints over the São Francisco. Enjoy a tasting of regional products at a traditional bodega.
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Enjoy a full day exploring the spectacular Xingó Canyons by private speedboat. Cruise through the dramatic landscape of the São Francisco, stop at an exclusive river beach for lunch and a swim, and navigate into the emerald waters of Gruta do Talhado by private canoe. In the late afternoon, head to the Golden Canyons for sunset, when the rock walls take on a golden glow.
Travel downstream by private boat along the São Francisco River. Discover the story of Lampião, a famous bandit leader who operated in Brazil's backlands during the early twentieth century. Continue to Entremontes, a riverside village renowned for its embroidery. Finish at Ilha do Ferro, one of Brazil's great centres of popular art.
© Dani Gama Fotografia
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Explore the artisans' homes and ateliers of Ilha do Ferro, meeting woodcarvers and embroiderers and discovering the traditions behind their work. Visit the memory space dedicated to master woodcarver Fernando Rodrigues before enjoying a swim in the river and a trip in a traditional wooden canoe to riverside communities. End the day with dinner in an art gallery.
© Dani Gama Fotografia
Spend the morning visiting more of Ilha do Ferro's ateliers or relaxing at Casa Pitomba. Later, travel to the village of Alemar to visit the Lajedo of Zé Ricardo and Dona Jeuza, a striking rocky outcrop. Enjoy a traditional regional coffee, with homemade cakes, tapioca and cheese, before a farewell dinner at the house.
© Dani Gama Fotografia
Travel by private vehicle from Ilha do Ferro to the coast, passing through the changing landscapes of Alagoas. Enjoy lunch at Daniela's home, Casa Macaw, before continuing to Kenoa Exclusive Beach Spa. Spend the afternoon at leisure by the beach or pool, or opt for a private boat trip along the coast and the Rio São Miguel.
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Spend the morning at leisure at Kenoa or opt for a visit to Vila Palateia, a community known for its oyster farming and production of honey and red propolis. Explore the lagoon by traditional canoe, visit the oyster beds and enjoy a tasting of fresh oysters with lime and local honey.
Travel north along the Alagoas coast towards Praia do Patacho, stopping in Maceió for lunch. Continue along the Costa dos Corais, passing coconut groves, beaches and coral reefs before arriving at Pedras do Patacho. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
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Continue south along the coast with a short private transfer to São Miguel dos Milagres. Check in at Nannai Milagres and spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the hotel's facilities and the surrounding beach.
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Where to stay
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