The North of Brazil is for most travelers synonymous with marvelous beaches and the heat of the equator. It’s obviously true, but that’s not all there is ...inland, a few kilometers from Fortaleza, Jericoacoara or Camocim, two mountain ranges rise and shelter the national parks of Sete Cidades and Ubajara.
Radically contrasting with the sun-kissed beaches of the coast, these parks offer an alternative; fresh air and altitude and the lush green scenery produce an original destination for travelers who are interested in discovering Brazil off the beaten track.

Ubajara is a small mountainous range, located in this green landscape; it offers magnificent views of the plains below (el. 500 m.a.s.l.). Its climate is mild. Rivers and waterfalls (some of them reaching 60 meters height) run across its valleys and lush forests. The region is rich in caves and native cave paintings. Ubajara National Park is guaranteed to surprise you.

70 miles away, far away from everything, is the strange scenery of the National Park of "Sete Cidades" (literally, seven cities). The main attraction of this park resides in its impressive rocky formations resembling towns from the distance, from where the name is derived. Your imagination will run wild, gazing at these exotic geological monuments. Some of them look incredibly like animals, such as the stones of the Elephant and the Turtle; others resemble people, like the head of Emperor Dom Pedro, and one of the Three Wise Men.
Native carvings are inscribed into imposing rocks. The Park is haunted with numerous mysterious legends such as the one of the "hole of the solstice". The park has the amenities necessary to receive guests as well as excellent natural places to bathe (waterfalls and natural pools), offering the option of a beautiful detour…, which ideally combines with a visit to Ubajara National Park.

Departure at 09:00 in our private 4WD vehicle with our English-speaking guide. After a 2 to 2½-hour drive inland in the direction of the South, we enter the national park of Sete Cidades, astride over the caatinga (arid area characterized by short vegetation principally formed of cacti and prickly bushes) and the cerrado (semi-arid area, denser, composed of large coves).
We take the time to stroll in the park, to the discovery of its principal attraction, seven groups of rock formations, the cities (cidades) and their strange and creative contours.
Before leaving the park, possibility to swim at one of the deliciously refreshing waterfalls.
In the afternoon, we get back on the road and head towards Ubajara Park, two hours away.
Meals not included. Night in a bungalow, at the heart of the forest.

The cave of Ubajara is the principal attraction of the park. Reaching 1120 meters in length, it is divided in 15 chambers sheltering superb stalactites and stalagmites (spectacular colorful mineral formations).
Visit the surrounding area with its waterfalls in the woods.
In the middle of the day we take to the road again for a 2-hour transfer to the coast. We arrive in the small fishing village of Camocim in the middle of the afternoon.
While the men fight against the winds and the waves on their fragile instable jangadas (typical crafts of the Brazilian Nordeste), the women, on the shore, patiently embroider the well-known lace of this area, which particular technique is transmitted across the generations.
Meals not included. Night in a pousada.
Note: except Mondays, the park being closed.

Option: TREK IN UBAJARA NATIONAL PARK
Extra trekking day in the nature surrounding Ubajara.
Cold lunch. Dinner not included. Night in a bungalow, at the heart of the forest.