Recife was founded in 1537 as a port for shipping sugarcane grown by Portuguese settlers. Today this large city on Brazil's east coast buzzes with frenetic energy, its residents dancing to their own hedonistic rhythm during Carnival. Visit historic Olinda, then relax on the award-winning sands of <i>Porto de Galinhas</i>, voted Brazil's finest beach.

Take a Recife private tour and explore this Brazilian coastal city with a local guide.

Recife's network of bridges and canals earned it the nickname "Brazilian Venice," so begin your tour at the waterfront. Dive into the San Joseph market, then follow your guide to Bom Jesus street to photograph the brightly-painted buildings.

Just north lies historic Olinda, a World Heritage site. Visitors are sure to be charmed by the winding streets, centuries-old churches and vibrant arts, culture and music scene. Can't resist the siren call of sun, sand and sea? Your guide can take you directly to the stunning beaches of <i>Porto de Galinhas</i>.

Recife

If you have a day in town I suggest this 6 hours tour.

We start visiting the Old Town Recife, where the city began, and its many historic landmarks and unique manifestations that make Recife a singular place. The surroundings are like a second home to me. I'll introduce you to giants, poets and new tunes and flavors.

We'll see ruins and talk about the past, the Portugueses, Dutchs and Jews. Visit the Marco Zero square and also the Good Jesus Street, elected by an American architecture magazine as one of the most beautiful streets in the world.

I can take you for a coconut water at Boa Viagem beach and go shopping in a place that used to be a prison. There are many things to discover.

In Olinda's historic center (World Heritage by UNESCO in 1982) we'll get to walk around the old cobblestone streets, and colored houses, feeling the harmony between the buildings, gardens, churches and convents. I'll help you to find out the secrets and beauties of Olinda.

Franciscan Convent of Olinda (view from the Sé Cathedral's terrace)

Landmark Zero Square (Praça do Marco Zero ou Praça Barão do Rio Branco)

Francisco Brennand Sculpture Park (Recife Antigo)

Saint Benedict Church of Olinda (main altar)

Embassy of Pernambuco (local folklore and popular culture)

Culture, History and Shopping

Recife & Olinda Highlights Tour

This is the main tour to do in my home town, Recife, and also visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site - the town of Olinda.

We will start our tour in Old Recife (Recife Antigo), with a visit to Marco Zero Square, view of our original REEFS. Good Jesus Street and the Giant puppets Museum is a most. Free time around this area for a coffee.

Next stop Casa da Cultura , Recife old prison, built in 1855, that today is a WONDERFUL handcraft mall to visit and buy souvenirs.

Drive to Olinda ( means: OH BEAUTIFUL ! ) , takes only 10 minutes.
Our World Heritage old capital , we will have the MOST BEAUTIFUL view in the area. Visits to churches, monasteries, convents, museums, handcraft shops, artist in the street, and ART atmosphere EVERYWHERE.

Stop for lunch (sea food is the MOST). Payment apart.

To finish our tour, we will stop at Boa Viagem Beach, our main town beach in Recife, with its REEFS (Recife in Portuguese), drink a fresh coconut milk and a swim in our tropical and hot Atlantic Ocean.

Recife Antigo - Marco Zero Square early in the morning.

Boa Viagem Beach. Picture taken from helicopter

Republic Square , the Tribunal and Maurice of Nassau Sculpute

Kahal Zur Israel The Oldest Sinagogue in ALL AMERICAS. Today a Museum that can be visited (check days of visiting)

GREAT Olinda and Carnaval figures on grafitte

Let's have THE BEST time together, exploring both towns

Olinda and Recife Highlights Tour

In this 6 hours tour (adjustable), we will visit the most important sites in Recife and Olinda. A quick stop at Boa Viagem beach for starts and then many interesting places to go.
There is a mix of culture, history and art in this tour. Let me introduce you to these historic cities that exist since the 16th century - two of the oldest on Americas.

See the BEST of Recife in this Tour!

Highlights of Recife & Olinda Tour

The special thing about Olinda Historic Center is its vibe. The colors, the shapes, its hidden treasures. Just wander around the old cobblestone streets, without a fixed destination, can be an interesting experience. But there are many stories to be told and places to appreciate, therefore I'll conduct this walking tour in order to immerse the visitors in this vibrant and pleasant journey.

Olinda was founded in 1535 by the Portuguese. It makes it one of the oldest cities on the American continent. I will introduce you to the wealth of the sugarcane reflected in rich and magnificent churches, an old slaves' market, routes of Carnaval parades and many other things we can only find in places like Olinda.

Originally Olinda was a center of the sugarcane industry and this is why its historic area became World Heritage by UNESCO in 1982. Nowadays is known as an artists' colony, with many galleries, workshops and museums. And this is the place where we'll walk around and get to know.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church of Olinda

Carnaval celebration in Olinda (only during the Carnaval season)

Take a walk around the UNESCO World Heritage Site to view its coloured houses and ancient churches

Olinda Walking Tour from Recife

Highlights of Recife and Olinda City Tour

The tour starts at the harbour or at the hotel. Walking together we will explore the beauty of Recife and Olinda, with its rich culture, history, great views and where we will have many stops for pictures, walking, check the artists in the sideral. GREAT FUN.

In the Old Recife we will visit, The Marco Zero Square , Good Jesus Street, Kahal Zur Israel (the oldest sinagogue in all Americas) and the Giant Dolls (puppets) Museum where we will have a chance to be close to these GREAT and amuse giant dolls , carried in the streets , during Recife's Carnival.

Next stop will be at Republic Square , with the Government Palace , Santa Isabel Theater, the State Tribunal and a Baobab tree, with 360 years old.

Casa da Cultura is a MUST and fun.
Was a prison for more than 100 years and today is a handcraft mall.

After lunch we will continue to Ricardo Brennand Institute, considered one of the 25 BEST MUSEUMS in the world. Entrance fee EXTRA.

The first and formal Sinagogue from all Americas , from 1636

Boabab tree, a HOLY TREE. Planted in the 17th Century , by the slaves. Originaly from Africa.

Rua do Bom Jesus - Good Jesus Street, the Oldest in Recife. Foundation of the sinagogue, by the Dutch, in 1636. Used until 1654.

Central Recife Area. Villas where the rich owner of sugar cane fields used to leave in the late 1800 , early 1900.

Aerial view from Republic Square , with the State Government Palace (1841) , Santa Isabel Theater (1875) and State Court (1931). Capibaribe River that ends at Central Recife Area , running 250 Km from the countrysideom the

Johahan Mautitz von Nassau Siegen - Prince Maurice de Nassau, governor during the Dutch period , from 1630 to 1654. On the back , the State Court , from 1931

Boa Vista Bridge, in Central Recife , one of the most beautiful bridges in Brazil. 19th Century

Let's explore our beautiful town and culture

Carneiros Beach is undoubtedly one of the most visited beaches in Pernambuco State, and the reason is simple! Clear and crystalline waters and white sand beach, for you to enjoy good moments and take a sun tann.

Also, includes a boat tour onboard a Catamaran, through the mangrove shore and the river Arikindá and a mud bath that promises to make wonders to your skin.

Get to know the State's most paradisiac beach

Carneiros Beach Tour from Recife

Recife Cultural Tour including Ricardo Brennand Institute

In this tour we will be able to see more of the cultural side of the city of Recife. Starting with the Recife Antigo (Old Recife) and its monuments, the Marco Zero Square, Good Jesus Street, Arsenal Square, Kahal Zur Israel (the first Synagogue of the Americas) (optional) and visit the Giant Puppets Embassy, where you can meet the famous giants that parade during Recife's Carnaval, dazzling the merrymakers (optional).

We'll also visit the Casa da Cultura (House of Culture), an old prison turned into a shopping mall of arts and crafts and all sort of local products.

The last stop will be at the Ricardo Brennand Institute. Distributed in 3 castles, the museum and art gallery have a broad collection dedicated to the local History, including a permanent exhibition on the Dutch Brazil, with many works by Frans Post.

Also the Museum Castle St. John is open to visitors with a rich collection of sidearms, considered one of the largest collections of this kind of weapons in the world.

Ricardo Brennand Institute (The Fouquet Trial exhibition)

Good Jesus Street/ Rua do Bom Jesus (Old Recife)

Marco Zero Square/ White River Baron Square (Old Recife)

Ricardo Brennand Institute (garden - David statue)

Ricardo Brennand Institute (Museum Castle St John)

Francisco Brennand Sculpture Park (Old Recife)

Ricardo Brennand Institute (Art collection)

Culture, Art and History: let's discover what Recife is about

In this private tour we will take a look to the history and art of Recife Central area and Boa Viagem Beach.

Starting to walk at Marco Zero Square, in the Old Recife Area, we wil see from the outside, the First Formal Sinagogue from all Americas- KAHAL ZUR ISRAEL from 1636, Puppets Museum, with the giants figures, as Michael Jackson, Beatles, that is taken in the streets during Carnival and The Good Jesus Street. We will have free time in this area for a coffee and photo stop.

We will go inside at Casa da Cultura (House of Culture), that used to be the main Recife prison from 1860 to 1973, where today is a handcraft market, with more than 60 shops. Great HANDCRAFT to buy.

After lunch, we will visit Boa Viagem beach, located I the southern part of town, with its RECIFE (Reef in English), the typical kiosks, by the sidewalk, where you could drink a CAIPIRINHA (local liquor). Photo stop.

We can costumize the tour as traveller's preference

Marco Zero Square - The place where Recife begun in the 16th Century.

Vitral inside the Government Palace from 1841 , at Republic Square.

Santa Isabel Theater from 1875 , at Republic Square

Government Palace at Republic Square from 1841. The Palace where our State Governor works.

Capibaribe River and the villas from late 19th century and early 20th century , where the owners of the sugar cane fileds used to live. Central Recife.

State Court at Republic Square from 1931. The main Palace for the State Justice.

Baobab Tree , at Republic Square, planted by the slaves in the 17th century. Known as the ""up side down tree"". Considered a holy tree for the Africans. Not original from Brazil. Around 370 years old.

Good Jesus Street , the Oldest in Recife. Here we will find the Giant Dolls Museum and Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue , the first formal synagogue from all Americas , found in 1636 and used till 1654.

Santo Antonio Island in Central Recife. On the left Santa Isabel Theater , from 1875. On the right State Court from 1931 , both at Republic Square.

Kahal Zur Israel The Oldest Sinagogue in ALL AMERICAS. Today a Museum that can be visited (monday closed)

The Van we will use in the tour. Comfort , individual seats , air conditioning and LOTS of space. Fits up to 15 people.

Boa Viagem Beach. Picture taken from helicopter. Our main beach , with calm and warm water.

Boa Viagem Beach. Picture taken from helicopter in 2005. Swimming in this warm water is GREAT.

Republic Square , the Tribunal, the Government Palace , Santa Isabel Theater the bridges from ""Venice of Brazil"" and in the back Boa Viagem beach and the highrises.

Van Renault Master , complete , with individual seats , air conditioning , insurance to ALL PASSENGERS and LOTS OF COMFORT

Come with me to explore our GREAT history, art and beach

Recife History and Art Tour

Calhetas Beach Tour from Recife including Buggy Ride

The Calhetas Beach is a little pearl located on Pernambuco State shore. Two small coves forms a heart shape beach of clear waters and abundant beauties. One of my favourite places to go for a Peixada (fish stew) by the beach.
The tour also includes a buggy ride around the many other beaches close to Calhetas, with stops for swimming and photographing, and visitation to the historical site of Nazaré and its belvederes.

Get to know one of the most surprising beaches of the region on this full day tour

This walking tour will cover most of the Old Town Recife (Recife Antigo), where the city began, and its many historic landmarks.

The surroundings are like a second home to me. I'll introduce you to giants, poets, and new tunes and flavors. We'll see ruins and talk about the past, the Portuguese, Dutch and Jews. Visit the Marco Zero square and also the Good Jesus Street, elected by an American architecture magazine as one of the most beautiful streets in the world.

We will learn more about the Frevo, local music and dance, at Frevo Museum and try the delicious Maltado, a milkshake-like beverage that is a tradition of the oldest snack bar of Recife. It goes well with a coxinha. Don't know what it is? Don't worry, I'll show you.
Note: Some monuments/museums may not be open on Mondays.

Find out the beauties of the oldest part of the City of Recife

Old Recife Walking Tour

Porto de Galinhas Beach is the most visited beach in Pernambuco State, and the reason is simple! Clear and crystalline waters and white sand beach, for you to enjoy good moments and take a sun tann. We will be able to visit all the other beaches around Porto de Galinhas using a buggy.

Muro Alto Beach, Maracaipe beach and Cupe are some of the beautiful places to be visited in this adventure. Don't forget the sunscreen!

jangada ride at Pontal de Maracaipe (optional)

Buggy ride to other near beaches.

Porto de Galinhas Beach Tour from Recife

Carneiros Beach is one of the most popular destinations of the Pernambuco State's shore. The perfect spot if you enjoy nautical sports, such as kayaking or standup paddling, or just relaxing in a quiet, clear and warm water by a white sands beach.
You will also enjoy a Catamaran boat tour that will introduce you to all the Carneiros splendour, passing in front of the St. Benedict's Chapel, one of the few churches in Brazil that was built facing the ocean.
During the catamaran tour, you too will be able to try the famous mud bath (and its so-called rejuvenating properties) and enjoy some time on the sandbank that appears when the tide is low.
About the tide: no matter if it is high or low, the Carneiros Beach is always fun.
We'll be staying in one of the best restaurants of the area, with a complete infra structure to attend all you needs.

Enjoy the Brazilian Caribbean

Carneiros Beach with Catamaran Tour

This tour is cheerfully prepared for jewish tourits visiting Brazil. We will know many different places in Recife and Olinda where we'll be able to walk around historical streets and buildinggs: a Synagogue (it will depend on the week day), a Snoga and other venues where the Jewish left their historical tracks.

Olinda and Recife are one of the oldest cities in tne American continent: Olinda founded in 1535 and Recife 1537. So it's just fair to say that in here we have a lot of Histories to be told. Let's know more about the Jewish way of living in this tropical environment, the professions that they used to deal and their habits, the changes that they had to endure in this South American new world.

Note: on Mondays museums usually are not open. On Saturdays Jewish cultural centers are not open.

Martins Fontes Street - Sinagoga Israelita do Recife

Know more about the local Jewish heritage - Shore Excursion

Jewish Recife and Olinda, Private Tour

Bonito Tour from Recife with Hiking in the Woods

The municipality of Bonito/PE is just over 2 hours from Recife and offers several options for those who enjoy nature. Let's enjoy the fresh waterfalls in the middle of the woods: Véu da Noiva, Pedra Redonda, Barra Azul, do Encanto and do Mágico are just a few to be cited among the many waterfalls in the area open to visitation.
In Bonito we have several opportunities for contemplative leisure and delicious baths - all great options to enjoy with the family, they usually are easily accessible.
The Véu da Noiva 1 waterfall is perfect for adrenaline lovers, because the access is through a path of average difficulty and its constitution is ideal for Rappelling and Ziplining.
The Bonito's waterfalls were elected in 2007 one of the seven wonders of Pernambuco State, after a popular consultation.

Mágico's waterfall (camping, restaurant and tree climbing)

Waterfalls, Nature and Radical Sports

Olinda Tour with Ricardo Brennand Institute

We'll have a panoramic view of Recife, where we will see the three islands: Recife, Sto. Antonio and Boa Vista and the two rivers Capibaribe and Beberibe.

In Olinda, the first capital of Pernambuco, let's take in the history and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage site. There we'll see its landscape, explanation about Jewish, Portuguese and Dutch influences in religion , architecture, colors and also the presence of the African slaves in our culture.

Free time to take a walk, pictures and shopping. Don't forget to try some liqueurs made of tropical fruits. Stop for lunch at a restaurant that serves typical sea food such as : lobster, shrimp, grilled fish among other specialties.

After lunch we'll visit the Ricardo Brennand Institute and its castles. The Institute was inaugurated in 2002 and it's a cultural complex of 3 buildings in a gotic Tudor style - in there we can see the largest collection of Frans Post Brazilian landscapes during the XVII century, among many other art objects and paintings

White weapons and armors collection - Ricardo Brennand Institute

Gardens and castles - Ricardo Brennand Institute

Full day tour: Let's live history and culture of Recife

If you don't have much time in town and want to do something different, this tour may fit you.
The Casa da Cultura (House of Culture) is an old prison that was adapted to become a mall of artscraft and all sorts of local products. The place was known as Casa de Detenção (Detention House, inaugurated in 1855), until it was closed in 1973 and reopened in 1976 as Casa da Cultura. Each cell now is a shop, gathering over 200 artisans, artists and retailers, in 150 shops. I can help you to find good deals there. I always do for myself.

A very unique thing you can do in Recife is the catamaran ride on the Capibaribe River. This floating tour passes under many bridges of downtown Recife, showing its many monuments from a different angle: Marco Zero Square, Francisco Brennand's Sculpture Park, the Republica Square and its famous buildings, the Aurora Street, among other landmarks of the Brazilian Venice. A nice thing to do at the pier's restaurant/pub is to have some drinks feeling the breeze after the ride.

Catamaran tour on Capibaribe river (Duarte Coelho Bridge)

The Capibaribe River (Republica Square on the midle)

The Francisco Brennand's Sculpture Park (Old Recife)

Olinda tours

Explore with 18 tours and 3 guides.

Sergio D.

$ 285 (USD)

Carlos M.

$ 320 (USD)

Silvia F.

$ 325 (USD)

Sergio D.

$ 225 (USD)

Carlos M.

$ 450 (USD)

Silvia F.

$ 410 (USD)

Sergio D.

$ 335 (USD)

Carlos M.

$ 300 (USD)

Silvia F.

$ 400 (USD)

Sergio D.

$ 200 (USD)

Silvia F.

$ 400 (USD)

Sergio D.

$ 415 (USD)

Silvia F.

$ 340 (USD)

Sergio D.

$ 450 (USD)

Silvia F.

$ 320 (USD)

Sergio D.

$ 260 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Olinda

Customize your tour