Highlights of northeast Brazil - 11 night itinerary
Visit the colonial city of Salvador, the tablelands of Chapada Diamantina, then relax on a palm-fringed beach
Itinerary
Day 1 Fly with Air Portugal via Lisbon to Salvador, arriving in the evening. Transfer to your hotel, a small pousada in the Pelhourinho district of Salvador.
Day 2 A day at leisure to explore Salvador, the most colourful and exotic of Brazil’s cities with flavours of Africa in its food, music and culture. The 18th century Pelhourinho district has some of the best preserved colonial architecture in the world.
Day 3 Travel by public bus inland to the small town of Lencois. Situated in the heart of the Chapada Diamantina, 425km from Salvador, it was once a thriving mining town thanks to the wealth of diamonds in the area. It is a land of extreme beauty, offering the visitor natural pools, impressive waterfalls and caves, set in the middle of the dusty sertão. You will stay for 3 nights in a hotel in Lencois.
Day 4 Drive from Lencois to Mucugezinho River, and trek to the black lake of Poço do Diablo. Visit Lapa Doce Cave as well as Pratinha Cave, a beautiful subterranean river and lake. Later, walk to the top of Pai Inacio plateau for stunning views over the tableland.
Day 5 An active, full day trip to Sossego waterfall, including a strenuous 3 hr trek in each direction. After lunch, return towards Lencois.
Day 6 Depart early by private car to Vale do Capao in the heart of the national park, and check in to the Pousada Verde. Here, begin a trail up a top mountain and hike to the second highest waterfall in Brazil - Cachoeira da Fumaça (340m). Lunch box is included. Later, return to Pousada Verde. There is an optional night walk to the centre of Capao to meet the local community.
Day 7 Return to Salvador on the public bus with the rest of the day to continue exploring the city. Overnight hotel.
Day 8 Transfer to the port in Salvador for a 2 hr catamaran ride to the island of Tinhare and stay at the small village/beach community of Morro de Sao Paulo. Stay for 3 nights in one of the secluded beachfront hotels. The island is a great place to unwind - the beaches are fabulous. Tractors and wheelbarrows (for luggage) are the main modes of transport around the island.
Days 9-10 Days at leisure, relaxing on the island.
Day 11 Return to Salvador for a final night.
Day 12 Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK via Lisbon, arriving in the afternoon on Day 13. | 
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