Pitangui Lagoon (Lagoa de Pitangui)

The basics

Surrounded by towering sand dunes, Pitangui Lagoon is accessible only by a small trail or on a dune buggy over the sands. There are several areas to relax, including at restaurants and bars serving local dishes and fresh seafood. For adventure, aerobunda (ziplining over the dunes with a dip in the lagoon) or skibunda (sliding down the sand on a wooden board) are popular activities. Snorkeling among the lagoon’s schools of small fish is another option.

Things to know before you go

• The lagoon is safe enough for children and swimmers with disabilities.

• If you choose ziplining, you'll fly along a zipline that crosses the entire lagoon.

• The official language of Brazil is Portuguese, but English is spoken in the main tourist areas.

How to get there

Pitangui Lagoon is located about 19 miles (30 kilometers) from Natal in the Extremoz region of Brazil and is about a 50-minute drive from the city. The lagoon can be reached by dune buggy or via a path that is accessible from the road. As for public transit, buses are the common mode of transportation in Brazil and are operated by private companies, but prices are standardized.

When to get there

The best time to visit Brazil is between November and March—these are the warmest months to be in the country. Plus, it's when you’ll be able to take part in the New Year’s and Carnival celebrations. The northeastern coast, where Pitangui Lagoon is located, experiences some rain in June and July, but usually only afternoon showers.

Dunes Park (Parque das Dunas)

Located in the middle of Natal, Dunas Park is the second largest urban park in Brazil, and it offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. An outdoor alternative to the country’s beaches, the park has a scenic combination of lush rainforest and tall, golden sand dunes that creates a landscape, attracting both locals and tourists.