FACTS ABOUT PORTO DE GALINHAS: The village of Porto de Galinhas is situated in the municipal of Ipojuca, in the state of Pernambuco. It is approximately 70km to Recife, 76km to Olinda, and 19km to Ipojuca. In the municipal of Ipojuca live approximately 60.000 people.

HOW IS PORTO DE GALINHAS: Seventy km south of Recife is Porto de Galinhas located (the Port of Hens). The name came as a result of the slave trade, which secretly continued after abolition. Upon hearing that the “hens” (slaves) from Angola had arrived, the masters of Recife knew to expect another load of slaves.

Most of the beaches in Porto de Galinhas are sheltered by reefs, but there are some areas with waves good for surfing. The beaches have in general soft white sand and its water is warm and crystal clear. The formation of natural swimming pools, according to the local ebb & flow, is the best option of bathing in calm waters (low tide), were you will discover the diversity of colorful fish playing around your feet. Lovers of sports like surfing, windsurfing and scuba diving find this place excellent as well. The beaches of Cupe and Maracaipe, and the Island of Ilha de Santo, provide the best condition for these sports that require stronger and higher waves.

Another attraction in Porto de Galinhas is the swamp areas covered with mangroves, in the area of Pontal de Maracaípe and Camboa. The tours in the swamp lands can be done walking, in kayaks or in “Jangadas” (local designed boats) with guide. In the area one can observe the local fauna & flora, like crabs, oysters, cancers, among others. There are also big trees named “Gigantic Baobas”, which are more than 400 years old. These trees were planted by slaves and today their stems need 20 people to surround a tree.

Porto de Galinahs is also a breeding place for marine turtles. They use to stay there from September until March, mainly at the beaches of Pontal de Maracaípe and Muro Alto. Each turtle use to put approximately 120 eggs, and the baby turtles born at night.

Besides the attractions during the day, Porto de Galinahs provides a great night life as well. The village center is the hot spot for night life, with many options of bars and restaurants, and there are quite a lot of small stores as well. Normally there is some live band playing as some of the bars / restaurants.

WHEN TO GO / CLIMATE: Porto de Galinhas is possible to visit all around the year. There are no big variations in the climate in the region; it is quite hot and sunny during the whole year, temperature varying between 24ºC and 32ºC. During “winter time” the months of June, July and August, it can be sporadically (some days) with more unstable weather, warm but some cloudy and rain.

HOW TO GO: Porto de Galinhas is normally reached by air via Recife (REC) International Airport, from there a transport / transfer by car / bus (70km) to the village.

HOW LONG STAY: For the first time visitor we recommend at least a three night stay, but for those that enjoy sun and beaches, this can be a place to stay for one or two weeks. Besides the pre-booked hotel and airport transfers, we have several optional tours / activities to provide.

ATTRACTIONS / BEACHES:

Engenho Gaipio (Sugar mill)
The sugar mill of Gaipio is located 17km from Ipojuca, and it is perfectly preserved. The place shows how the master and is family lived during the 19th century. There is an impressive old house, with furniture, porcelain and other object from that time. The place is a milestone in the history of Pernambuco state, as it was in 1848 the stage of one of the fights of the Praiera Revolution. Nearby, there are two other attractions; the River of Rio Caipio and the Hill of Morro da Pedra Selada.

Gamboa Beach
Located north of Porto de Galinhas village, the Gamboa beach provides an unmistakable beauty. The environment is almost desert, surrounded by palm trees and warm & transparent waters, forming natural swimming pools, perfect for bathing.

Muro Alto Beach
The characteristic “high wall” (muro alto), approx 50m from the beach, natural formed by reefs in linear extension, gave the name to this beach. During low tide appears an enormous swimming pool, like a lake in the sea, were several nautical sports can be practiced in calm waters. Here are several luxurious hotels located as well.

Cupê Beach
The Cupê Beach is one of the best options for leisure in Porto de Galinhas. With its strong waves, this is the place for the surfers, were surf competitions are frequently held. At this beach, with beat sand, are most hotels situated.

Porto de Galinhas Beach
The beach of Porto de Galinhas is the perfect beach for who wants to relax and get a bath in the ocean, especially for children. Here colorful fish can easily be viewed in the warm and transparent waters, in the natural swimming pools near to the sand beach. This beach is quite urban, with many bar & restaurants, so the movement of people it great as well on the beach as in the water.

Maracaípe Beach
This is the perfect beach for those that enjoy movements on the beach, great waves for big surf competitions. It is at this beach, the visitors may taste the local “Pernambucanian” food, in the charming village of Vila de Todos os Santos. Another local beauty is the Pontal de Maracaípe, where the river water meet the ocean water, providing perfect conditions to expereince a tour by boat (Jangada, Yacht or Kayak), besides trekking and bathing in the calm water. Those that visit this place, should also visit the project of “Hippocampus”, to know more about the habitat of seahorses.

Enseadinha Beach
Coral reefs form natural swimming pools on this beach, with calm water, small waves, and perfect for bathing.

Pontal de Serrambi Beach
For who that enjoy the deepness of the sea, the water of Pontal do Serrambi is perfect, as the water is extremely transparent and there are some sunk ship there, providing the habit of a rich submarine life. About 100m from the beach, a great formation of reefs cause strong and good waves for surfers.

Cacimbas Beach
The beach of Cacimbas has a formation of arenito reefs, 50 meters wide, and during high tide, a great swimming pool is formed. Small caves are sculpted of the sea water, and a longish area of palm trees fulfills the beauty of this place.

Toquinho Beach
Very similar to the beach of Muro Alto, because its formation of reefs in a big wall. Besides that, here is another attraction, “meeting of the waters”, where the River of Rio Sirinhaem meet the sea waters, and as the waters have different colors, they cause a spectacle. There are quite strong waves at this site. From here it is possible to arrive the Island of Ilha de Santo Aleixo, on of the best places for scuba diving in this region.

Praia dos Carneiros Beach
Paradise beach, approx 30km from Porto de Galinhas, considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. Possible to make day tours from Porto de Galinhas or stay at the hotel at this beach, for more information, see link.

Purchase of Handicrafts
In Porto de Galinhas there are several stores selling local handicrafts, made of local material and people of origin from the northeast of Brazil. Their products show the local traditions and culture.