The Pernambuco’s Rural Tourism Route is a journey through bucolic and enchanting landscapes, abundant gastronomy and the whole universe of the interior of the State.

This guide has been created especially for domestic and foreign tourists arriving in Pernambuco, who are interested in discovering different tourist options.

Cultural and natural diversity

The route offers visitors the opportunity to explore a rich cultural and natural diversity and to experience local traditions, such as the June Festivals, the Maracatu Culture, the Folklore and the Typical Dances, as well as regional, handicrafts and gastronomy.

Sustainable development and cultural conservation

The Pernambuco’s Rural Tourism Route not only promotes the sustainable development of the region, but also values the preservation of the cultural heritage, allowing travellers to connect with the roots of Pernambuco in an authentic way.

Videos – Tourist Attractions on Pernambuco’s Rural Tourism Route

Roteiro do Rota Turismo Rural Pernambuco

Tourist Attractions on Pernambuco’s Rural Tourism Route

The interior of Pernambuco is an area rich in history, culture and natural beauty.

Located on the southern coast of Pernambuco, this region is characterised by its diverse landscapes, its economy based on agriculture and tourism, and its significant cultural heritage.

1. Nazaré da Mata
2. Goiana
3. São Benedito do Sul
4. Vicência
5. Calves
6. Bonito
7. Gravatá
8. Triunfo
9. Caruaru

1. Nazaré da Mata

Nazaré da Mata is a municipality located in the Zona da Mata Norte of Pernambuco, known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional festivals and beautiful natural landscapes.

1. Culture and Traditions

• Maracatu Rural: Nazaré da Mata is considered the capital of Maracatu Rural, a traditional cultural manifestation that blends music, dance and theatre and dates back to Brazil’s colonial period. The Maracatu parade during Carnival is a must-see, with colourful spear-wielding caboclos, percussive instruments and lively dances.
• Craft and Popular Culture Centre: This centre displays a variety of local handicrafts, especially those related to Maracatu. Guided tours, purchase of handicrafts and participation in workshops.
• São Sebastião Festival: Celebrated in January, this religious festival is one of the most important in the city, with processions, masses, concerts and cultural performances.

2. Historical and Architectural Heritage

• Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição: A beautiful colonial church that is a historical and religious landmark of the city.
• Sugar Mills: The region is full of old sugar mills, some of which are still in use. Guided tours to learn about the sugar and cachaça production process, as well as tastings.

3. Natural Beauty and Ecotourism

• Ecological trails: The rural area of Nazaré da Mata offers several ecological trails that pass through landscapes of Atlantic forest and cultivated areas.
• Rivers and Waterfalls: The region has rivers and waterfalls, ideal for swimming and picnics.

How to get there byCar

• Description: Nazaré da Mata is located about 65 kilometres from Recife. The main access routes are the BR-408 and PE-052 highways.
• Travel time: Approximately 1 hour by car from Recife.

2. Goiana

Goiana is a municipality in Pernambuco’s Zona da Mata Norte, with a rich colonial history, beautiful beaches and a vibrant local culture. It is a destination that offers a combination of historical heritage, natural beauty and cultural traditions. Here is some information and tourist attractions in Goiana, PE:

1. History and Cultural Heritage

• Historic Centre: The centre of Goiana has a well-preserved colonial architectural complex, with mansions, churches and other historic buildings.
• Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Rosário: One of the oldest and most beautiful churches in the region, built in the Baroque style.
• Igreja de São Gonçalo do Amarante: Another historic church, famous for its wooden carved high altar.

2. Culture and Traditions

• Coco de Roda: Goiana is known for its tradition of Coco de Roda, a folk dance typical of the Northeast.
• Carnival and popular festivities: Goiana’s carnival is lively, with street blocks, maracatu and other cultural manifestations.

3. Natural beauty and ecotourism

The beaches

• Ponta de Pedras Beach: Known for its calm waters and white sand, it is ideal for swimming and family activities.
• Carne de Vaca Beach: Less well known but equally beautiful, it offers a peaceful atmosphere and picturesque landscapes.

Itapessoca Ecological Reserve

• Description: A protected area rich in biodiversity.
• Activities: Ecological trails, birdwatching and contact with nature.

How to get there by car

• Description: Goiana is located about 63 kilometres from Recife. Access is mainly via the BR-101 motorway.
• Travel time: Approximately 1 hour by car from Recife.

3. São Benedito do Sul

São Benedito do Sul, located in the Zona da Mata Sul of Pernambuco, is a municipality known for its natural beauty, especially its waterfalls, and its cultural traditions. The town offers a variety of activities for nature lovers and those looking for an authentic experience in the interior of Pernambuco.

1. Natural Beauty and Ecotourism

The region is rich in ecological trails that lead to different waterfalls and viewpoints, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Forest.

The Waterfalls

• Véu da Noiva Waterfall: One of the most famous in the region, with an impressive waterfall and natural pools ideal for swimming.
• Poço do Soldado Waterfall: Known for its clear waters and unique rock formations.
• Poço do Caboclo Waterfall: A beautiful waterfall with picnic areas and refreshing swims.
• Laje Waterfall: Ideal for those who like to explore and hike.
• Pedra Branca Waterfall: A picturesque and tranquil spot, perfect for those seeking peace and contact with nature.
• Aritana Waterfall: Another beautiful waterfall, renowned for its crystal clear waters and natural beauty.
• Boa Vista Waterfall: Excellent for swimming and family fun.

2. Culture and traditions

• Festa de São Benedito: The feast day of the city’s patron saint, celebrated with masses, processions, cultural performances and concerts.
• Carnival: A lively time in the city, with parades, blocos and lots of entertainment.
• Local Handicrafts: The city is famous for its handicrafts, especially those made with natural materials and traditional techniques.

How to get thereBy car

• Description: São Benedito do Sul is located about 130 kilometres from Recife. It can be reached via the BR-101 and PE-126 highways.
• Travel time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from Recife.

4. Vicência

Vicência, located in Pernambuco’s Zona da Mata Norte, is a municipality that offers a rich mix of natural beauty, historical and cultural heritage, and a welcoming community. Known for its rural landscapes, sugar cane mills and cultural traditions, Vicência is a charming destination for those seeking an authentic experience in the Pernambuco countryside.

1. Natural Beauty and Ecotourism

• Sugar Cane Mills: Vicência is known for its old sugar cane mills, which bear witness to the region’s rich agricultural history.
• Ecological Trails: The region offers several ecological trails that pass through areas of Atlantic forest and rural landscapes.
• Rivers and waterfalls: Vicência has rivers and waterfalls, ideal for swimming and leisure.

2. Historical and Cultural Heritage

• Igreja Matriz de Santa Ana: A historic church and one of the most important religious landmarks of the city.
• Historic houses and monuments: The city has several historic houses and monuments that reflect colonial architecture and local history.

3. Culture and traditions

Popular festivals

• Festival of Saint Anne: Celebrated in July, this is the feast day of the city’s patron saint, with masses, processions, concerts and cultural events.
• Carnival: Carnival in Vicência is characterised by parades, blocos and lively community participation.

Local Handicrafts

• Vicencia is famous for its handicrafts, especially those made from local materials.

How to get there byCar

• Description: Vicência is located about 90 kilometres from Recife. It can be reached via the BR-101 and PE-074 highways.
• Travel time: Approximately 2 hours by car from Recife.

5. Bezerros

Bezerros is a municipality in the Agreste region of Pernambuco, known for its rich culture, popular traditions and natural beauty. The town offers a variety of tourist attractions, ranging from traditional festivals to nature trails and local handicrafts.

1. Culture and traditions

• Carnaval dos Papangus: Bezerros is famous for its Carnaval dos Papangus, where revellers wear colourful masks and elaborate costumes, a tradition that dates back to the 19th century. It is one of the most traditional and authentic carnivals in Pernambuco.
• Papangu Handicrafts: Bezerros is known for its Papangu mask handicrafts, a local tradition. Visit the workshops and buy masks and other handicrafts.

2. Historical and Cultural Heritage

• Igreja Matriz de São José: One of the most important churches in the city, with beautiful architecture and historical significance.
• Museu do Papangu: A museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Papangu, with exhibitions of masks, costumes and historical documents. Visit and learn about the tradition of the Papangus.

3. Natural Beauty and Ecotourism

• Serra Negra: a district of Bezerros, known for its beautiful landscapes, pleasant climate and various ecotourism options. Ecological trails, birdwatching, climbing, abseiling and cycling.
• Serra Negra Ecological Park: A protected area with a rich biodiversity. Walks, picnics, trails and observation of local fauna and flora.

4. Gastronomy

• Typical food: The cuisine of Bezerros is rich and varied, with typical dishes from the Agreste region of Pernambuco. Typical dishes include buchada de bode, carne de sol, galinha à cabidela, tapioca, pamonha and various traditional sweets.
• Fairs and Markets: Ideal places to sample the local cuisine and buy fresh, handmade products.

How to get there by car

• Description: Bezerros is located about 100 kilometres from Recife. It can be reached via the BR-232 motorway.
• Travel time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Recife.

6. Bonito PE

Bonito, located in the Agreste region of Pernambuco, is a tourist destination best known for its stunning waterfalls, natural landscapes and ecotourism activities. The city offers a variety of attractions to delight visitors, from outdoor adventures to discovering the local culture.

1. Natural beauty and ecotourism

Waterfalls

• Véu da Noiva Waterfall: One of the most famous in Bonito, with a beautiful veil shaped waterfall.
• Barra Azul Waterfall. A waterfall that offers crystal clear waters and a peaceful environment in which to relax.
• Pedra Redonda Waterfall: Known for its unique rock formations and refreshing waters.

Jeep Tour

• Description: Jeep tours are a popular way to explore Bonito’s waterfalls and natural areas.
• Activities: Guided tours to various waterfalls and viewpoints in the area.

Abseiling and Ziplining

• Description: Bonito is an ideal destination for adventurers, offering activities such as abseiling down waterfalls and zip-lining.
• Activities: Abseiling down waterfalls, ziplining over lush landscapes.

Ecological trails

• Description: The region offers several ecological trails that allow you to explore the local flora and fauna.
• Activities: Walking, birdwatching, nature photography.

2. Historical and cultural heritage

• Mother Church of Our Lady of the Conception: A beautiful historic church that is a religious and cultural landmark of the city.
• Festivals: Bonito celebrates several popular festivals, including the June Festivals and the Feast of Our Lady of the Conception.

How to get there by car

• Description: Bonito is located approximately 130 kilometres from Recife. Access is mainly via the BR-232 and PE-103 highways.
• Travel time: Approximately 2 hours by car from Recife.

7. Gravatá

Gravatá is a municipality located in the Agreste region of Pernambuco, known for its mild climate, mountainous landscapes, flowers, agriculture and a wealth of tourist activities. The town is a popular destination for both adventure tourism and cultural and gastronomic tourism.

1. Natural beauty and ecotourism

Serra do Maroto

• Description: A mountain area with breathtaking views of the region and several hiking trails.
• Activities: Ecological trails, flora and fauna observation and nature photography.

Serra Negra Ecological Park

• Description: A park with rich biodiversity and enchanting landscapes.
• Activities: Walking, picnicking and bird watching.

Waterfalls

• Tio and Palmeira Waterfalls: Beautiful waterfalls in the middle of nature, perfect for a refreshing swim and moments of leisure.
• Água Branca Waterfall: Another waterfall option for those seeking contact with nature and tranquillity.

2. Historical and Cultural Heritage

• Igreja Matriz de Sant’Ana: One of the main churches of the city, with beautiful architecture and historical importance.
• Historic Mansions: Gravatá has several old mansions that reflect the history and culture of the city.

3. Culture and Traditions

• Gravatá Winter Festival: An annual event that attracts visitors from all over the state with shows, cultural performances and activities for the whole family.
• Handicraft Fairs: Gravatá is known for its local handicrafts, especially furniture and decorative pieces.

4. Rural tourism

• Visits to farms and ranches: Gravatá is surrounded by farms and ranches that offer rural tourism experiences.
• Floriculture: The city is famous for its production of flowers and ornamental plants.

How to get there by car

• Description: Gravatá is located approximately 85 kilometres from Recife. The main access road is the BR-232.
• Travel time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Recife.

7. Garanhuns

Garanhuns, known as the “Switzerland of Pernambuco” for its mild climate and green landscapes, is a charming tourist destination in the Agreste region of Pernambuco. The city is famous for its Winter Festival, its manicured gardens and its rich cultural and historical offer.

1. Natural Beauty and Ecotourism

• Euclides Dourado Park: One of the city’s most traditional parks, with large green areas, walking trails and sports facilities.
• Ruber van der Linden Park (Pau Pombo): A park with rich biodiversity, ecological trails and a lake.
• Cristo do Magano: A viewpoint located at the highest point of Garanhuns, offering panoramic views of the city.
• Cachoeira do Mundaú: A beautiful waterfall on the outskirts of the city.

2. Historical and cultural heritage

• Flower Clock: One of the main postcards of Garanhuns, it is a functional clock surrounded by a beautiful flower garden.
• Igreja Matriz de Santo Antônio: One of the oldest and most important churches in the city, with beautiful architecture and historical significance.
• Alfredo Leite Cavalcanti Cultural Centre: A space dedicated to the promotion of local culture, with art galleries, a library and a theatre.

3. Culture and traditions

• Garanhuns Winter Festival (FIG): One of Brazil’s largest and most important cultural festivals, held annually in July.
• Handicraft fairs: Places where visitors can buy craft products typical of the region.

How to get there by car

• Description: Garanhuns is located about 230 kilometres from Recife. Access is mainly via the BR-232 and BR-423 highways.
• Travel time: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes by car from Recife.

8. Triunfo

Triunfo, located in the Sertão region of Pernambuco, is known for its mild climate, beautiful landscapes, cultural wealth and historical heritage. The city is a tourist destination that combines nature, history and culture.

1. Natural Beauty and Ecotourism

• João Barbosa Sitônio Lake: An artificial lake in the centre of the city, one of the main postcards of Triunfo.
• Pingas Waterfall: A waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation, ideal for a day of leisure.
• Pico do Papagaio: The highest point in Pernambuco, with an incredible panoramic view of the region.
• Ecological Park: An environmental conservation area with trails and picnic areas.

2. Historical and cultural heritage

• Cine Teatro Guarany: One of the oldest cinemas in Brazil still in operation, it also serves as a theatre and venue for cultural events.
• Museu do Cangaço: A museum dedicated to the history of the Cangaço and the lives of Lampião and Maria Bonita.
• Casa Grande das Almas: A former sugar cane mill converted into a museum and inn.

3. Culture and traditions

• Caretas Carnival: A unique carnival tradition in Triunfo, where revellers wear caretas masks.
• Triunfo Winter Festival: An annual event celebrating culture and the arts, with concerts, theatre and exhibitions.
• Handicraft Fairs: Fairs where local artisans sell their products, including pottery, lace and embroidery.

4. Gastronomy

Typical food: Triunfo’s cuisine is rich and varied, with typical dishes from the country. Typical dishes include baião de dois, carne de sol, galinha à cabidela, buchada de bode, tapioca and local sweets.

How to get there by car

• Description: Triunfo is located about 400 kilometres from Recife. The main access routes are the BR-232 and PE-365 highways.
• Travel time: Approximately 6 hours by car from Recife.

9. Caruaru

Caruaru, known as the “Capital of Forró” and the “Little Princess of Agreste”, is one of the main tourist destinations in Pernambuco, especially famous for its São João Festival, considered the biggest and best in the world. In addition to the June festivities, Caruaru offers a rich cultural, historical and gastronomic heritage.

1. Natural beauty and ecotourism

• Professor João Vasconcelos Sobrinho Municipal Nature Park (Serra dos Cavalos): A nature reserve with rich biodiversity and several ecological trails.
• Severino Montenegro Environmental Park: An urban park ideal for leisure and outdoor activities.

2. Historical and Cultural Heritage

• Espaço Zé Caboclo Clay Museum: A museum dedicated to the art of pottery, one of the most important traditions of Caruaru.
• Luiz Gonzaga Museum: A museum dedicated to the King of Baião, Luiz Gonzaga, with personal objects and musical instruments.
• Alto do Moura: A neighbourhood famous for being home to a large community of artists and craftsmen, especially potters.
• Feira de Caruaru: One of the largest open-air fairs in Brazil, where you can find everything from food to handicrafts.

3. Culture and traditions

• Caruaru’s São João: The largest and most famous São João in the world, with a huge programme of shows, quadrilhas, typical food and themed decorations.
• Handicraft fairs: Various fairs where local artisans sell their creations, including clay pieces, lace and embroidery.

4. Gastronomy

• Typical food: Caruaru’s cuisine is rich and varied, with typical dishes from the Agreste region of Pernambuco. Typical dishes include baião de dois, carne de sol, galinha à cabidela, buchada de bode, tapioca, pamonha and regional sweets.

How to get thereCar

• Description: Caruaru is located about 130 kilometres from Recife. Access is mainly via the BR-232 motorway.
• Travel time: About 2 hours by car from Recife.

Pernambuco Rural Tourism Route – Tourist Guide

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