64 Best Sights in The Northeast, Brazil

In the heart of Rio Antigo, the city's original cultural and political meeting point of the 17th century was given a new lease on life by landscape architect Burle Marx in the 1930s, and now features rows of Imperial palms and a hundred-year-old Baobab tree among the elaborate 19th- and 20th-century architecture. Highlights include the Teatro Santa Isabel (St. Isabel Theater, 1850); the Palácio do Campo das Princesas, also known as the Palácio do Governo (Government House, 1841); and the Palácio da Justiça (Court House, 1930).

Nature lovers will enjoy the Santuário Ecológico de Pipa, a 120-hectare (300-acre) protected area. Sixteen short, well-maintained trails pass through Atlantic Forest vegetation and allow for some great views of the ocean. Between January and June, visitors can take part in baby-turtle conservation effort organized by Projecto Tamar. Call ahead for details and availability.

Kitesurfers and surfers who want optimum conditions but lack the time to travel to Jericoacora should head to this little beach town up the coast from Fortaleza. The recent construction of the Porto de Pecém has upgraded the infrastructure of this little fisherman's village, although local fisherman still grill their daily catches directly on the seashore. The vibe here is geared toward relaxing. In August, the village hosts the Festival of Escargot, where local restaurants set up stands on the main street and serve snails and wine. You can stay overnight in one of the few simple yet comfortable pousadas, or rent your own beach house. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; toilets; water sports. Best for: kitesurfing; surfing; windsurfing.

This theater is a rather shocking example (especially if you come upon it suddenly) of the eclectic phase of Brazilian architecture, showcasing a mixture of neoclassical and art nouveau styles. The top of the theater, which looks as if it was designed by the makers of Tiffany lamps, really stands out against Fortaleza's perpetually blue sky. It was built in 1910 of steel and iron (many of its cast-iron sections were imported from Scotland) and was restored in 1989. It's still used for cultural events—including concerts, plays, and dance performances—and houses a library and an art gallery. Some of the tour guides speak English; call ahead for reservations.