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Notable points about Natal

1. Natal, in Rio Grande do Norte, is uniquely home to the world's largest cashew tree (Maior Cajueiro do Mundo), sprawling across more than 8,000 square meters.
2. Unlike other Brazilian cities, Natal blends pristine urban beaches with massive sand dunes you can explore by dune buggy, especially in Genipabu.
3. The best time to visit is from September to February when the weather is dry, sunny, and perfect for beach outings and open-air forró nights.
4. Natal offers excellent value for money—mid-range travelers can enjoy beachside dining and guided tours for far less than in Rio or São Paulo.
5. Don’t miss the "Forró com Turista" event every Thursday at Centro de Turismo, where visitors dance to live music alongside locals in a colonial-era jail-turned-cultural hub.
6. Try *ginga com tapioca*—fried fish served with tapioca on the beaches of Redinha—an authentic, delicious street food experience unique to the city.
7. The best way to get around is by hiring a local driver or joining shared buggy tours, especially for visiting sand dunes, lagoons, and off-road coastal trails.
8. Explore the lesser-known neighborhood of Ponta Negra at sunrise—walk the Morro do Careca trail for dramatic views without the tourist crowds.
9. Natal is generally safe in tourist zones like Ponta Negra and Via Costeira, but avoid walking alone late at night and use simple Portuguese phrases to ease communication.
10. Riding a camel over the dunes at Genipabu while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is a surreal, photo-worthy moment that travelers never forget.

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