
Best Backpacking Destinations in Natal, Amazonas, Brazil
1. Praia do Meireles
A long sandy beach with clear waters, perfect for swimming and surfing. Offers a vibrant atmosphere with local food stalls and entertainment.
- Beach Activities: Ideal for water sports like surfing, swimming, and beach volleyball.
- Local Food and Entertainment: Offers a variety of local food options and live music performances.
- Accessibility: Easily reachable by public transportation or short taxi ride from the city center.
2. Parque Nacional do Rio Genipabu
A national park with a unique dune landscape and a volcanic lake where you can practice sandboarding.
- Sandboarding: Offers an exciting experience of sliding down giant sand dunes.
- Natural Beauty: Features stunning landscapes and diverse flora and fauna.
- Volcanic Lake: Includes a picturesque volcanic lake where you can enjoy boat trips.
3. Preserva Ecologica do Monte dos Caracas
An ecological reserve offering challenging hikes through dense Atlantic Rainforest with beautiful waterfalls.
- Hiking Trails: Features various hiking trails of different difficulties.
- Atlantic Rainforest: Offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of the Atlantic Rainforest.
- Waterfalls: Features several breathtaking waterfalls to discover.
4. Praia do Ponta Negra
A popular beach destination with a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and water sports rentals.
- Accommodation Options: Provides a range of budget-friendly hostels and hotels.
- Water Sports: Offers options for jet skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving.
- Dining Options: Features various local and international restaurants.
5. Parque Nacional da Chapada do Apodi
A national park featuring stunning caves, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife in a tabletop mountain setting.
- Cave Exploration: Offers unique opportunities to explore mysterious limestone caves.
- Tabletop Mountain: Features a remarkable tabletop mountain landscape.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides chances to spot rare species like the Hyacinth Macaw and Marsh Deer.
6. Parque Nacional do Paracurú-Mirim
A small but diverse national park with opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and camping.
- Birdwatching: Provides excellent chances to spot numerous bird species.
- Hiking Trails: Offers well-marked hiking trails through lush rainforest.
- Camping: Features designated campgrounds for overnight stays.
7. Morro do Careca
A striking hill with a lighthouse offering panoramic views of the city and coastline.
- Panoramic Views: Provides breathtaking vistas over Natal and its surroundings.
- Lighthouse: Features a historic lighthouse with interesting architectural details.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing stunning sunset and cityscape photos.
8. Praia do Pitangui
A quieter beach destination with a picturesque fishing village atmosphere.
- Quiet Beach: Ideal for peaceful, serene moments away from the crowds.
- Fishing Village: Offers a glimpse into traditional Brazilian fishing life.
- Local Seafood: Features fresh seafood restaurants serving catch-of-the-day dishes.
9. Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses
A unique national park featuring white sand dunes and crystal-clear freshwater lagoons.
- Sand Dunes and Lagoons: Offers a stunning combination of sand dunes and freshwater lagoons.
- Hiking Trails: Features well-marked hiking trails through the park.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: Provides an unforgettable, off-the-beaten-path adventure.
10. Parque Nacional do Rio Preguiças
A national park showcasing the stunning beauty of the Preguiças River and its surrounding ecosystem.
- River Activities: Offers opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and birdwatching.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides chances to spot diverse wildlife like caimans, capybaras, and various birds.
- Eco-Tourism: Promotes eco-friendly tourism with sustainable practices.
11. Fortaleza dos Reis Magos
A historic fortress overlooking the sea, showcasing the city's colonial past.
- Historical Significance: Offers insights into Natal's rich history and colonial past.
- Architectural Beauty: Features impressive architectural designs and intricate details.
- Panoramic Sea Views: Provides breathtaking views of the ocean and coastline.
12. Parque Estadual dos Caracas
A state park offering scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and opportunities for birdwatching.
- Hiking Trails: Offers a variety of trails for different skill levels.
- Waterfalls: Features several stunning waterfalls to explore.
- Birdwatching: Provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching enthusiasts.
13. Parque Nacional dos Lençóis do Muni
A national park featuring expansive white sand dunes and crystal-clear freshwater lagoons.
- Sand Dunes and Lagoons: Offers a spectacular combination of sand dunes and freshwater lagoons.
- Hiking Trails: Features well-marked hiking trails through the park.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: Provides an unforgettable, off-the-beaten-path adventure.
14. Parque Estadual de Santo Antonio do Retiro
A state park showcasing the stunning beauty of the Preguiças River and its surrounding ecosystem.
- River Activities: Offers opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and birdwatching.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides chances to spot diverse wildlife like caimans, capybaras, and various birds.
- Eco-Tourism: Promotes eco-friendly tourism with sustainable practices.
15. Parque Nacional do Acaraú
A national park featuring stunning beaches, mangrove forests, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Beach Activities: Offers various activities like swimming, surfing, and beachcombing.
- Mangrove Forests: Features expansive mangrove forests teeming with diverse wildlife.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides chances to spot species like pink flamingos, turtles, and various birds.