“We are carnival! We are revelry…”. Well, for many, the revelry – extolled in one of the most played axé verses at the time of the traditional Brazilian party – will not be present. The most awaited date of the year for partygoers, is also awaited by those who just want to enjoy a long holiday.
With the advancement of Omicron, again the warning light comes on for the care of the Covid-19, and even the most fans of the party are looking for quiet places. If you fit this profile, check it out 10 destinations to spend Carnival away from the revelry, but very close to nature.
1 – Mata de São João – Praia do Forte (BA)
If Salvador’s Carnival is known for being one of the liveliest parties in the world, just a few kilometers away from there, the opposite is found. Praia do Forte is located in the municipality of Mata de São João – about 50 minutes from the capital. The destination is even sought after by many post-carnival revelers, who seek tranquility and days of rest after the hustle and bustle.
The charming village (city center) concentrates restaurants, bars and shops of all kinds for tourists, who can also find good options for Bahian cuisine. The cobblestone street and the low lighting at night give an even more intimate atmosphere. It is also in the village where the Tamar Praia do Forte Project is located, in addition to the traditional church of São Francisco.
There are inns options for all tastes and budgets. The most famous hotels in the region, however, are: the Tivoli EcoResort – for those looking for something more exclusive – and the Ibero Star Bahia and Praia do Forte. Both work on the system all inclusive, best if you are with children.
A very fun team of monitors put together a program with games for all ages, dance classes, themed shows, among other activities. There is the ideal balance for those who want to rest, but also like lively places. As the space is large, you can choose which side you want to spend your day: in the hustle or in peace.
2 – Curumuxatiba (BA)
Still in the land of Carnival, Curumuxatiba, in the extreme south of Bahia, is also synonymous with rest. Still little explored – like Caraíva a decade ago -, the biggest attraction of the fishing village is precisely the tranquility and its landscape, composed of shallow and calm beaches, white sands and water at the ideal temperature. Cliffs, coconut groves and coral strips (at low tide) sparkle the tourists’ eyes.
The biggest tour is to enjoy nature. There is not much luxury and boutique hotels have not yet gained space there. However, there are good options for charming inns and restaurants in its center. One of the best known hotels is the Hotel Cumuruxatiba.
Located in the Prado district, the most common way to get there is to disembark in Porto Seguro – as the municipality does not have an airport. From there, take a transfer (or rent a car) to Cumuru – as it was affectionately nicknamed. There are 230 km, with the last 30 km on a dirt road. The journey takes about four hours.
3 – Viscount Mauá (RJ)
Surrounded by greenery everywhere, Visconde de Mauá is a district in the municipality of Resende (RJ), located in Serra da Mantiqueira, between Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. At approximately 1,200 meters of altitude, it is a true refuge for those who want tranquility at any time of the year.
The city’s main attraction is its set of waterfalls – such as Escorrega and Poção da Maromba -, known for its 7-meter rock. The most adventurous risk jumping into its deep waters.
In Mauá, nature is the guide for your stay and the tip is: prepare your legs. For those who like it, the trails are highlighted, such as Pedra Selada. A very important recommendation is to avoid these types of tours on rainy days. The other and valuable tip is to look for a tour company in the region and always do these guided tours.
The center is also an attraction in the city, which is prepared to receive tourists. There are several restaurants, cafes and shops and a hotel chain with numerous options of hotels and inns for accommodation.
4 – Santo Antônio do Pinhal (SP)
Neighboring Campos do Jordão, the city of Santo Antônio do Pinhal is located about 172 km from São Paulo, in the heart of Serra da Mantiqueira.
For athletes, trails with different degrees of difficulty, climbing and places for hang gliding and paragliding flights. The traditional Pedra do Baú is also very close to the city and guarantees a spectacular view.
In Santo Antônio there is still the Igreja Matriz, viewpoints and the Santo Antônio fountain, with a fresh water spout that comes down from the mountains. Another option is the many shops in the city center with souvenirs, local handicrafts, clothes, among others.
For lodging, Pousada Quatro Estações de Pinhal is one of the options. Focused on couples, it offers attractive rates, in addition to being pet friendly.
5 – São Miguel dos Milagres (AL)
São Miguel dos Milagres is about two hours from Maceió, in Alagoas. The destination offers an air of exclusivity, peace and tranquility at all times of the year – even in the most popular, such as Carnival and New Year’s Eve. The long stretch of its beaches means that you can walk for many kilometers without encountering absolutely anyone – even if the city is full.
Paradisiacal, the destination brings crystal clear waters, natural pools, coral reefs and the remarkable coconut trees surrounding its entire route. The tours offered are precisely to explore the beauties of the place, whether on a bicycle or the traditional rafts.
There is no shopping mall. The main restaurants are located inside hotels, such as Paru Boutique Hotel and Pousada Quadrado. If the goal is to be served like a true king, the recommendation is to stay at Casa Acayu, highlighted by many who have been there as the best service in the region. Check this link for a practical mini-guide of São Miguel dos Milagres.
6 – Patacho Beach (Alagoas)
Very close to Milagres – about 30 minutes away -, a paradise still little explored by tourists: Praia do Patacho, located in the municipality of Porto das Pedras. Its landscape continues to live up to the reputation of true oases that the beaches of the state carry.
For those looking for tranquility, just take the canga, spread it out on the white sand and admire the crystalline waters and coconut trees worthy of a canvas that fate presents. The ebb and flow of the tide can provide possible natural pools. The inns provide information on the “tide tables” to plan the visit.
There are no bars or restaurants on the beach, it is almost deserted. Meals can be made inside the inns in the city. The tip is to bring your own umbrella and something to snack on during the day, enjoying this moment of peace.
7 – Chapada dos Guimarães (MT)
Ecotourism is a trend that is here to stay – and in itself it brings a more peaceful proposal, away from big parties and hustle. And one of the options for this type of trip is Chapada dos Guimarães. The National Park, located just over an hour from the capital, Cuiabá, has attractions such as caves, lagoons and waterfalls.
Its red-orange sandstone walls – trademarks of the region – are more than 150 km long. The small town that bears the same name as the reserve is a typical municipality in the interior, with old buildings and a bucolic church with a square where, on weekends, there is a handicraft fair during the day.
One of the accommodation options is the Malai Manso Resort, which has a wide structure to ensure comfort and moments of rest, but also has many activities available.
8 – Grande Sertão Veredas (MG)
Those looking to spend a totally different Carnival, but still in the ecotourism footprint and free of any luxury, this trip can be special. An expedition organized by the company Vivalá is destined for the north of Minas Gerais, between the states of Goiás and Bahia, more precisely in the municipality of Chapada Gaúcha (MG).
It is a great option for those looking to immerse themselves in the country and quilombola culture, which is often forgotten by Brazilians. The expedition allows for a dip in the hinterland of Minas Gerais, getting to know its beautiful culture, biodiversity and natural riches, such as canyons, waterfalls, rivers and mountains.
The meeting point to start the tour is in Brasília (DF), where the traveler can visit the National Congress, Praça dos Três Poderes, Pontão do Lago Sul, among other available attractions. Soon after everyone has gathered, they will head to the municipality of Chapada Gaúcha, where the Grande Sertão Veredas National Park is located and where the expedition takes place.
Retracing the steps of the writer João Guimarães Rosa, the traveler will feel inside the classic “Grande Sertão Veredas”. The destination will fill your memory with sounds and tastes, through percussion lessons, traditional songs, circle dancing with the Maria Di Pintado group and typical meals from the local communities. Another highlight of the itinerary are the nights inside the geodesics in the quilombola communities.
Vivalá provides expeditions in conservation units with deep interaction with nature in Brazil, always via community-based tourism, staying very close to local residents. Check the packages at this link.
9 – Seridó Geopark (RN)
Another expedition organized by the company during Carnival is to the Seridó Geopark. With a territory of 2,800 square kilometers in the northeastern semi-arid region, which covers the municipalities of Acari, Carnaúba dos Dantas, Cerro Corá, Currais Novos, Lagoa Nova and Parelhas, in Rio Grande do Norte (RN), whoever chooses the Seridó Geopark as a destination will experience a deep immersion in the northeastern country culture, being able to taste typical sweets of the region, go hiking, meet local artists such as cordelistas and sculptors, in addition to meditation on the mountain and even a kung fu class for beginners in a very special environment .
10 – Foz do Iguaçu (PR)
Foz do Iguaçu is a world-renowned destination and enchants for its trademark: its waterfalls, elected one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2011. Of course, it is a very popular place in high season, but even so remains a good option for those who want to escape the revelry, for having nature as its main attraction.
There are many tours to take – on foot, by bike or even by helicopter. The most famous of them is the Macuco Safari, which mixes a trail through the forest and a fun boat ride, rafting and waterfalls, to see the power of the falls up close. The tours have been taking place for over 30 years within the Iguaçu National Park.
As it is a very touristy city, there are many accommodation options. The highlight goes to the Belmold Hotel das Cataratas. Under the command of the renowned Belmond group since 2007, it underwent a beautiful renovation without leaving tradition aside. Its guests have some perks, which make the stay even more worthwhile.
Everyone has access to the National Park at exclusive times, before and after it closes. Anyone who has visited the falls knows that finding it empty is almost impossible. With this benefit, the beautiful photo with these wonders, the “free bath” with the water jets coming directly from the falls, and the convenience of not having to face agglomerations are guaranteed.
Reference: CNN Brasil
