São Paulo – How about a ride through the dunes on a buggy or a dromedary, a 4-wheel-drive jeep expedition along the coast or going trekking in the middle of an ecological reserve? Package and destination options are many for the adventurous tourists who pick the capital Natal and the gorgeous beaches of the state of Rio Grande do Norte to spend their vacations.
Sunny all year round, Natal is a city of beautiful beaches, dunes, lakes and cool spots to go day and night. Although small, the city has a bit of everything, shopping centres, bars, night clubs, good restaurants, luxury hotels and famous stores.
The oldest historical building in Natal, Forte dos Reis Magos (the Magi Fort) started being built in 1598 in order to protect the Brazilian Northeast coast from French and Dutch invasions. The fort withstood bad weather through the centuries, and now it is one of the main cultural attractions of Natal. However, it is in adventure tourism, a modality that attracts thousands of tourists each year, that the city and the coast of Rio Grande do Norte find their true vocation.
Travel agency Tempo de Aventura, for instance, offers kayak, buggy, quadricycle rides and trekking at an environmental reserve, ropes courses at the Pipa beach, on the Southern coast, and 4-wheel drive jeep expeditions along the coastline, which, according to the operations manager Marcelo Ayres, are the most sought after by tourists.
If you choose the jeep tour of the beaches, you will leave from Natal and pass through São Miguel do Gostoso, considered to be one of the best spots in the world for kite surfing. Due to the large number of foreigners who have fallen in love with the place and decided to settle down there, it has an excellent infrastructure, with hotels, lodges and restaurants.
On the second day of the expedition, the group travels along the coast until arriving at Galinhos, a peaceful fishermen village. Those who choose to continue until Fortaleza, in the state of Ceará, will pass through the wonderful beach of Canoa Quebrada. The ride can also be extended to Jericoacara or Lençois Maranhenses. Breathtaking landscapes of sand, sea and sun.
For the adventure to be safe and comfortable, all of the jeeps are equipped with radio, GPS, leather seats, air conditioning and a bar with water, soda and beer. "We call the ride travelling in good taste. The jeeps carry four people at most," says Ayres.
According to the manager, most tourists who buy packages from Tempo de Aventura are from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. From abroad, the agency receives lots of tourists from Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Belgium and Germany.
Adventurous tourists may also hire a guide from Terra e Turismo, a company that specializes in ecotourism and aims to convey the importance of nature by means of adventure sports. The company offers boat trips with lessons in oceanic navigation, sailboat sailing lessons for beginners, regatta and boat tuning notions, canoe riding, quadricycle rides along ecological tracks, and off-road 4-wheel drive car rides.
"The tracks on quadricycles take place in the circuit of the Bonfim, Mirante, Amarela and Redonda lakes, crossing several stretches of Atlantic Forest. Another option is sailboat rides along the Potengi river," says tourist instructor and guide Adauri Ferreira.
Natal is interesting for those who like taking a different tour each day. Those who wish to create their own routes can buy a map, rent a car and hit the road. If you are lost, follow the nearest buggy.
Contact
Tempo de aventura
Site: www.tempodeaventura.com.br/passeios-natal.php
Telephone: + 55 (84) 3219.0481
Terra & Aventura
Site: www.terraaventuraecotour.blogspot.com/
Telephone: +55 (84) 9943.2837
Natal City Hall
Site: www.natal.rn.gov.br
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum