Expan Experience: Fernando de Noronha, the paradise of Brazil

In Northeast Brazil lies Fernando de Noronha . A place where winter doesn't exist, the sea offers picture-perfect natural pools , and every sunset paints the horizon with breathtaking colors. A destination where you can dive with manta rays , watch dolphins leaping just meters away, and, as if that weren't enough, stay in hotels that seem designed for disconnecting from the world.

Rodrigo Acosta , Supervisor of the Latin America area of Expan Tours , returned from the northeast with his suitcase full of photos, anecdotes and, above all, fresh knowledge of a destination that seems tailor-made for travelers looking for more than just sun and beach.

In this new installment of Expan Experience , he recounts his adventure in Porto de Galinhas and, especially, in Fernando de Noronha , an archipelago that many consider the true paradise of Brazil .

Fernando de Noronha and Porto de Galinhas: Dream destinations

Their trip, organized in conjunction with Journeys Special Travel as a familiarization trip to Porto de Galinhas and Fernando de Noronha , was much more than a simple hotel inspection . It was an in-depth immersion into two destinations that, combined, offer a unique and exclusive tourism experience , perfect for travelers seeking to break from routine and create unforgettable memories.

It wasn't Rodrigo's first time visiting the Northeast: " This is my fourth time traveling here, but Fernando de Noronha was still on my to-do list. It's among the top 10 most attractive destinations in the world , and this trip allows us to create a product that we can sell more easily and with full knowledge of the destination ."

Northeast Brazil has been a magnet for travelers seeking warmth, sun, endless beaches , and quality hotels for years. One of the destination's main strengths is its versatility : hotels with breakfast, half board, full board, or all-inclusive options .

" That gives us many tools to boost sales. But the most attractive thing is the combination: Porto de Galinhas , on the mainland, with an extension to Noronha . A trip that becomes a complete and different experience ."

Trendsetting hotels

During his visit, Rodrigo was able to see that Porto de Galinhas has changed a lot since his last trip in 2017.

" I saw great growth, especially in hotels that became all-inclusive . Among them, The Westin stands out, a five-star hotel that we have sold a lot of since the pandemic and that continues to be an excellent option to include in sales programs ."

Meanwhile, in Fernando de Noronha , the offerings are more select. Boutique hotels, charming inns , and luxury options like the Nannai Solar dos Ventos , which could also be combined with the Nannai in Porto de Galinhas , are available.

" For example, three nights in Porto de Galinhas and four in Fernando de Noronha . I think it's an excellent proposal for travelers ."

Postcard-perfect Porto de Galinhas and Fernando de Noronha

Rodrigo's trip was a veritable parade of beaches and landscapes . In Porto de Galinhas , the unique feature is that in the mornings, until around 2 pm, the tide goes out and natural pools form among the reefs, ideal for a calm swim. In the afternoon, the tide comes in, but it doesn't diminish its appeal.

In Fernando de Noronha , on the other hand, nature is even more spectacular: " It has incredible beaches, such as Praia do Conceição , which is considered among the best in the world ."

Other gems include Praia do Cacimba do Padre , famous for the iconic Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers ), and nearby Baía dos Golfinhos (Dolphin Bay), where you can see dolphins. There's also Praia do Cachorro and small, tranquil coves, always uncrowded and with an absolutely idyllic atmosphere.

Tours and unique experiences

One of the great attractions of Porto de Galinhas is the variety of tours . Among the most popular is the " end-to-end " buggy tour, which covers all the beaches and allows stops for photos or a swim: " The buggies can accommodate four people and the photos turn out spectacular, especially in areas with coconut palms ."

There's also the jangada tour, which uses traditional boats to take travelers to natural pools for snorkeling . And for those looking for something more lively, there are excursions on larger boats , with music, a festive atmosphere, and stops for swimming or snorkeling.

In Fernando de Noronha: Sport, nature and relaxation

In Fernando de Noronha , the variety is also surprising. From exploring the best beaches, like Praia do Cacimba do Padre , to climbing to viewpoints that offer spectacular views of the Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers ).

But if there is one star activity, it is diving : " It is a world-class diving destination, where you can see manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins and fish of a thousand colors ."

They also offered a boat tour that included lunch, drinks like beer or caipirinhas , music, and stops for snorkeling , creating a very lively atmosphere. For an additional fee, you can rent complete equipment , including life jackets and fins.

" Furthermore, the number of people jogging or practicing outdoor sports is surprising. Fernando de Noronha is a destination where you can combine relaxation, nature and sport in a spectacular way ."

Air connectivity with Fernando de Noronha

Regarding air connectivity , there are five weekly flights operated by LATAM from Santiago to Fernando de Noronha , departing on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

" These flights make only one stop in São Paulo , avoiding Recife or Natal . It's a great option that I think not many people know about, and that will be a huge plus when planning your itinerary ."

It's also possible to create combined routes to further enrich your trip. For example, you can fly directly from Santiago to Recife , stay there for three nights to explore this coastal city, and then continue on to Fernando de Noronha .

The return flight can even be planned to depart directly from Noronha to Santiago , with only one stop in São Paulo . As Rodrigo points out, this is key information for offering more flexible and attractive itineraries .

Tips and recommendations

Regarding money, Rodrigo explains that currently in Brazil they are only accepting payments in reais or via credit cards . Therefore, his recommendation is clear: " Buy dollars in Chile , bring them with you, and exchange them for reais at your destination. This way, you gain greater flexibility and avoid depending exclusively on credit cards ."

Regarding the exchange rate , it's generally around 5 reais per dollar , although it can reach up to 5.2 or, with some luck, 5.4. In his experience, the best option is to exchange money at local exchange bureaus . He also suggests checking with banks or even hotels , although he notes that exchange bureaus usually offer the best rates.

If your itinerary includes Fernando de Noronha , it is recommended to exchange your reais before leaving Porto de Galinhas : " In Noronha there are almost no places to exchange money, and hotels generally do not exchange currency ."

In addition, Brazil offers PIX , an instant payment system created by the country's Central Bank, which is very popular for making transfers and payments in seconds by scanning QR codes , 24/7 and free of charge . In Chile, there are digital accounts and platforms that allow users to access this service.

Nature and beaches in Fernando de Noronha (8 days / 7 nights)

No sargassum in Brazil

Regarding the weather , Rodrigo witnessed a big surprise during his trip in June, which is technically winter in Brazil : " It was very hot, around 30 degrees, usually 28, and the minimum was about 22. Sometimes it rains a little, but it's still very hot ."

That's why northeastern Brazil is a destination where "winter doesn't exist." This is especially appealing to travelers seeking year-round warmth without having to travel as far as the Caribbean .

A very important aspect is the absence of sargassum , which guarantees clean beaches and crystal clear waters all year round.

It is also recommended to bring summer clothes, shorts, sandals and, of course, sunscreen and insect repellent : " It can be cheaper to buy sunscreen directly in Brazil. Another essential is insect repellent; it is very important to combat bites ."

With these tips, combined with the experience and knowledge of Expan Tours and its partner agencies, the trip to Fernando de Noronha and Porto de Galinhas becomes a comfortable, safe and, above all, unforgettable getaway.

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