Natal

The "City of the Sun", with dune buggy rides in Genipabu, Ponta Negra Beach and the Morro do Careca dune, plus dolphin watching at Pipa Beach to the south.

Natal is the capital of Rio Grande do Norte State in northeastern Brazil, on the Atlantic coast near the easternmost tip of South America. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it is known as the "City of the Sun". The city stretches along the mouth of the Potengi River and the coastline: on the north side are the Forte dos Reis Magos at the river mouth and the Newton Navarro cable-stayed bridge; the old downtown (Cidade Alta) retains its cathedral and colonial-era streets; heading south along the Via Costeira coastal road and past the Parque das Dunas urban forest, you reach Ponta Negra Beach, where hotels and restaurants are most concentrated, and the Morro do Careca dune at the end of the beach is the city's emblem.

Natal's highlights are the dunes and coastline around it. On the northern route, cross the bridge and drive about 25 km to Genipabu, where dune buggies race up and down shifting dunes — choose "com emoção" (with thrills) or "sem emoção" (without) — with stops along the way to ride dromedaries and zipline into Jacumã and Pitangui lagoons. About 60 km farther north is Maracajaú, where at low tide boats take you to the offshore coral reef "natural pools" for snorkeling. On the southern route, pass through Pirangi, home of the world's largest cashew tree, to Pipa about 80 km away: reddish-brown sea cliffs, a dolphin bay and a village with lively nightlife, worth staying a night or two.

The best season is the dry season from September to March; April–July is the rainy season, though temperatures stay at 25–30°C. For snorkeling, check the tide tables — the natural pools can only be visited at low tide. Getting there: Augusto Severo International Airport (São Gonçalo do Amarante) is about 40 km from Ponta Negra; most nearby sights are visited by private car hire or local buggy tours, and for dune rides be sure to choose a licensed driver (bugueiro credenciado). Plan on 4–6 days: 1 day for the city and Ponta Negra, 1 day for the northern dunes, 1 day for Maracajaú and 1–2 days in Pipa.

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