Activities
A Here at the Maria Bonita Hotel we would be delighed to arrange any excursion during your stay, such as: Buggy Rides, Scuba Diving, Horse Riding and much more!
See full list of activites below:
See full list of activites below:
Local towns and citys
Jacumã:
Popular seaside town
The pretty seaside town of Jacumã is 25 minutes drive south of João Pessoa, in the Conde municipality of Paraíba state. Once a sleepy fishing village, Jacumã has become well known for its wealth of beautiful beaches and has long been a favourite holiday destination of Brazilians. International tourists have started to flock to the town due to its proximity to cities such as João Pessoa and its stunning coastal landscape.
Best beaches in the North-East
The beaches in and around Jacumã and the Conde area are generally agreed to be among the best the North-East region has to offer. A scenic highway leads the tourist from the city of Pessoa to the beaches of Jacumã, Tambaba, Tabatinga, Carapibus and Coqueirinho.
Jacumã in particular is known for its bathing and swimming conditions, thanks to its tranquil cove setting. It is particularly child-friendly, adding to the town's attraction for holidaying families. The surrounding small sand dunes are appealing in their own right, but are also the base for the area's many sporting activities, including skybunda, where people slide down the dunes on sledgelike boards.
The town's history as a fishing community remains evident in the number of boats still sailing in and out of the area; in the many boat rides on offer to tourists; and in the abundance of fresh fish and seafood on offer in the town's many quality restaurants.
Jacumã:
Popular seaside town
The pretty seaside town of Jacumã is 25 minutes drive south of João Pessoa, in the Conde municipality of Paraíba state. Once a sleepy fishing village, Jacumã has become well known for its wealth of beautiful beaches and has long been a favourite holiday destination of Brazilians. International tourists have started to flock to the town due to its proximity to cities such as João Pessoa and its stunning coastal landscape.
Best beaches in the North-East
The beaches in and around Jacumã and the Conde area are generally agreed to be among the best the North-East region has to offer. A scenic highway leads the tourist from the city of Pessoa to the beaches of Jacumã, Tambaba, Tabatinga, Carapibus and Coqueirinho.
Jacumã in particular is known for its bathing and swimming conditions, thanks to its tranquil cove setting. It is particularly child-friendly, adding to the town's attraction for holidaying families. The surrounding small sand dunes are appealing in their own right, but are also the base for the area's many sporting activities, including skybunda, where people slide down the dunes on sledgelike boards.
The town's history as a fishing community remains evident in the number of boats still sailing in and out of the area; in the many boat rides on offer to tourists; and in the abundance of fresh fish and seafood on offer in the town's many quality restaurants.
Joao Pessoa, the Capital of Paraiba in Brazil
Besides beautiful beaches and white sand bathed by a turquoise blue sea, Joao Pessoa is a city with extremely unique characteristics. As reports suggest, the 3rd oldest city in Brazil, João Pessoa, was founded in 1585 and has a rich architectonic patrimony, including the beautiful baroque structures, like the church São Francisco and the convent Santo Antônio, dating back to the XVIII century.
Besides beautiful beaches and white sand bathed by a turquoise blue sea, Joao Pessoa is a city with extremely unique characteristics. As reports suggest, the 3rd oldest city in Brazil, João Pessoa, was founded in 1585 and has a rich architectonic patrimony, including the beautiful baroque structures, like the church São Francisco and the convent Santo Antônio, dating back to the XVIII century.
The Ancient City of Joao Pessoa, Capital of the State of Paraiba
João Pessoa possui grandes quantidades de matas, praças e jardins totalmente preservados e por isso é considerada uma das cidades mais verdes do mundo (2ª no mundo de acordo com a ONU em pesquisa realizada em 1992). Outra beleza da cidade é a Ponta dos Seixas, o ponto mais oriental da América do Sul , que pode ser visto do belíssimo Farol do Cabo Branco.
Há inúmeros locais excelentes para passeios de barco próximos a João Pessoa, como as belas piscinas naturais do Picaozinho e a Ilha de Areia Vermelha que se formam apenas durante a maré baixa. Um passeio que não pode ser perdido é assistir o pôr-do-sol na Praia do Jacaré ao som do “Bolero” de Ravel.
A tradicional cozinha nordestina tamb ém é abundante em João Pessoa. Muitos restaurantes servem a Carne de Sol, uma das mais conhecidas especialidades paraibanas.
João Pessoa possui grandes quantidades de matas, praças e jardins totalmente preservados e por isso é considerada uma das cidades mais verdes do mundo (2ª no mundo de acordo com a ONU em pesquisa realizada em 1992). Outra beleza da cidade é a Ponta dos Seixas, o ponto mais oriental da América do Sul , que pode ser visto do belíssimo Farol do Cabo Branco.
Há inúmeros locais excelentes para passeios de barco próximos a João Pessoa, como as belas piscinas naturais do Picaozinho e a Ilha de Areia Vermelha que se formam apenas durante a maré baixa. Um passeio que não pode ser perdido é assistir o pôr-do-sol na Praia do Jacaré ao som do “Bolero” de Ravel.
A tradicional cozinha nordestina tamb ém é abundante em João Pessoa. Muitos restaurantes servem a Carne de Sol, uma das mais conhecidas especialidades paraibanas.
Tambau and Cabo Branco (Beach Fronted Districts within Joao Pessoa)
Tambau and Cabo Branco are the best beach districts in the captial city of João Pessoa. 20 minutes drive from João Pessoa airport, 1.5 hours drive from Recife, and 2 hours drive from Natal.
Facilities including retaurants, bakeries, shops, nightlife and public transport, not forgeting the famous boat trip to the coral rife where you can get out of the boat and swim with the tropical fish and have your photo taken to register your visit.
Tambau and Cabo Branco are the best beach districts in the captial city of João Pessoa. 20 minutes drive from João Pessoa airport, 1.5 hours drive from Recife, and 2 hours drive from Natal.
Facilities including retaurants, bakeries, shops, nightlife and public transport, not forgeting the famous boat trip to the coral rife where you can get out of the boat and swim with the tropical fish and have your photo taken to register your visit.
Natural Pool Formations in Paraiba
Picãozinho is a formation of corals, just off Tambaú beach, which forms natural pools in low tide, making it possible to view a sea of beautifully coloured fish. Another natural formation, that also generates fabulous pools in low tide, is on the island Areia Vermelha, which produces a sandbank about two kilometers long and one kilometer wide, making it a perfect place for swimming. The access by boat takes approximately 15 minutes to reach these destinations
Historical Interests in Joao Pessoa
A must see is the beautiful baroque style architecture of the convent Santo Antônio and the church São Francisco, buildings that date back to the XVIII century. The church altar is adorned with gold and magnificent Portuguese tiles. It's also worthwhile to visit the churches N.S. da Guia and N.S. do Carmo, and the Palácio da Redenção (Redemption's Palace). All three of these buildings date back to the XVI century. Be sure to make time to visit the Santa Rosa theatre, still in use, and one of the oldest theatres in the country, dating back to 1889. And don't miss the fort Santa Catarina, with cannons that are more than 400 years old, in the town Cabedelo, 25 km from João Pessoa.
Hotels with different levels of comfort are near to all the beaches. Besides the restaurants that serve the regional dishes, there are many other culinary options. The city has a good transportation and communication structure, car rental and tourism agencies, and many bank branches.
Location of João Pessoa
A must see is the beautiful baroque style architecture of the convent Santo Antônio and the church São Francisco, buildings that date back to the XVIII century. The church altar is adorned with gold and magnificent Portuguese tiles. It's also worthwhile to visit the churches N.S. da Guia and N.S. do Carmo, and the Palácio da Redenção (Redemption's Palace). All three of these buildings date back to the XVI century. Be sure to make time to visit the Santa Rosa theatre, still in use, and one of the oldest theatres in the country, dating back to 1889. And don't miss the fort Santa Catarina, with cannons that are more than 400 years old, in the town Cabedelo, 25 km from João Pessoa.
Hotels with different levels of comfort are near to all the beaches. Besides the restaurants that serve the regional dishes, there are many other culinary options. The city has a good transportation and communication structure, car rental and tourism agencies, and many bank branches.
Location of João Pessoa
João Pessoa is in the northeast region of Brazil, 2340 km from Brasilia, 1,900 km from Rio de Janeiro, 2440 km far São Paulo, 762km from Salvador, and 111 km from Recifé, and 153km from Natal. Its airport receives flights from all capitals and the main cities in the country. Recifé receives direct international flights from outside of Brazil, and João Pessoa itself is planned to open it’s own International airport in July of 2005.
Paraiba State Statistical Information
Paraiba state covers an area of 56,585km2, and consists of 223 towns, having a total population of 3,375,609 inhabitants. The captal João Pessoa, has a population of 584,029 inhabitants. The climate is tropical and semi-arid, and João Pessoa receives a mean annual temperature of 26 degrees centigrade.
European Interest in Joao Pessoa
Due to the airport which has now been certified for international status and the general investment opportunity that the Joao Pessoa area has, there has been much interest from Europeans to buy property and land in this area. The Swedish government alone have sent 40 individuals over for several months to research investment in this area. There are many other European countries (not to mention USA too) that are all buying.
Due to the airport which has now been certified for international status and the general investment opportunity that the Joao Pessoa area has, there has been much interest from Europeans to buy property and land in this area. The Swedish government alone have sent 40 individuals over for several months to research investment in this area. There are many other European countries (not to mention USA too) that are all buying.
Facts About Joao Pessoa
- 1. The Brazilian Transport Minister has announced an investment of R$1.7 billion will be made into the Brazilian North East states of Paraiba, Pernumbuco, and Rio Grande do Norte, for road infrastructure improvements between the cities. Funds are also being raised for tourism in Paraiba.
- 2. PBTUR (Paraiba Tourist Board) have stated that the amount of tourists visiting Paraiba has increased by 80% in comparison to the previous year.
- 3. João Pessoa's Castro Pinto Airport (Capital of Paraiba) is due to go international in 2006, and is receiving investment of $R38million for the upgrade project.
- 4. The international airport of Recifé is only 120 km's away (1.5 hours drive), is within easy driving distance of João Pessoa, and also connects to the city with existing internal flights or coaches.
- 5. One of the top Brazilian Soap Opera's 'Celebridade' has chosen to use João Pessoa as one of it's site locations for filming.
- 6. João Pessoa is considered to be the 3rd oldest city in Brazil.
- 7. João Pessoa is recognised as being the second most 'Greenist' city in the world, only losing out to Paris, and therefore is the greenest city in South America according to a UN study. The Atlantic forest, the second most important forest in Brazil, covers approximately 600 hectares within the city of João Pessoa.
- 8. João Pessoa is the most easterly point of the America's, therefore it's the place where the sun rises first within the South American continent, and consequently means that the time difference between the UK and João Pessoa is only 3 hours.
- 9. Europeans, Americans, Brazilians state that João Pessoa is the most tranquil capital city within the North East of Brazil they have visited, if not Brazil. Don't take their word for it... take a well deserved break and visit yourself.
Campina Grande:
The famous São João festival
Campina Grande is renowned for its full calendar of cultural events throughout the year, events that attract many tourists to the city. The main event is the festival of São João (O Maior São João do Mundo), the largest celebration of St John held anywhere in the world. Throughout the month of June, there are over 300 square dances (quadrilhas) on the streets of Campina Grande.
The Parque do Povo is a park in Campina Grande which houses a main feature of the São João festival. Over a hundred small huts are arranged which sell regional foods and craftsmanship while local artists perform on three stages in different parts of the park.
City of festivals
Campina Grande is becoming known for all of its popular festivals, and not only that of São João. The Winter Festival is held every year in the month of July and features a broad range of traditional singing, dancing, theatre, music and cinema.
The Micarande carnival, which takes place over a few days in March (one of the few out of season carnivals in the country), is even more in-keeping with the old Brazilian traditions. The lines between the performers and the festival-goers becomes pleasingly blurred, as tourists are swept up in the celebrations and encouraged to take part in the lively music and dancing.
Vibrant cultural attractions
Other cultural attractions in Campina Grande that attract both tourists and Brazilians alike include the Vaquejada Parque Maria da Luz (one of Brazil's most renowned traditional Vaquejada's: a rodeo involving two horsemen attempting to lasso a bull into a target) and the Congress of Violeiros (where poets called Violeiros from all around Brazil meet to perform their regionally inspired poems to music).
Tourist excursions
Campina Grande is also firmly on the tourist trail thanks to its many types of excursions and tours on offer. There are organised trips to Boqueirão, an artificial lake 50km southwest of Campina Grande, with attractions including fishing, boat rides and swimming. There are also mountain biking tours organised by the Clube Ciclístico de Campina Grande, which take biking tourists into the forest regions and plains of the Campina Grande Area, as well as through nearby towns like Areia, Boqueirão, Bananeiras and Ingá.
The famous São João festival
Campina Grande is renowned for its full calendar of cultural events throughout the year, events that attract many tourists to the city. The main event is the festival of São João (O Maior São João do Mundo), the largest celebration of St John held anywhere in the world. Throughout the month of June, there are over 300 square dances (quadrilhas) on the streets of Campina Grande.
The Parque do Povo is a park in Campina Grande which houses a main feature of the São João festival. Over a hundred small huts are arranged which sell regional foods and craftsmanship while local artists perform on three stages in different parts of the park.
City of festivals
Campina Grande is becoming known for all of its popular festivals, and not only that of São João. The Winter Festival is held every year in the month of July and features a broad range of traditional singing, dancing, theatre, music and cinema.
The Micarande carnival, which takes place over a few days in March (one of the few out of season carnivals in the country), is even more in-keeping with the old Brazilian traditions. The lines between the performers and the festival-goers becomes pleasingly blurred, as tourists are swept up in the celebrations and encouraged to take part in the lively music and dancing.
Vibrant cultural attractions
Other cultural attractions in Campina Grande that attract both tourists and Brazilians alike include the Vaquejada Parque Maria da Luz (one of Brazil's most renowned traditional Vaquejada's: a rodeo involving two horsemen attempting to lasso a bull into a target) and the Congress of Violeiros (where poets called Violeiros from all around Brazil meet to perform their regionally inspired poems to music).
Tourist excursions
Campina Grande is also firmly on the tourist trail thanks to its many types of excursions and tours on offer. There are organised trips to Boqueirão, an artificial lake 50km southwest of Campina Grande, with attractions including fishing, boat rides and swimming. There are also mountain biking tours organised by the Clube Ciclístico de Campina Grande, which take biking tourists into the forest regions and plains of the Campina Grande Area, as well as through nearby towns like Areia, Boqueirão, Bananeiras and Ingá.
EXCURSIONS
- Recifé visit including Olinda
- Natal Visit
- Dinassour Valley in Paraiba (2 days)
- Waterfall trip in Pirpirituba
- Cabedelo Port close to Joao pessoa
- Oldtown visit in Joao Pessoa
- Theatre trips in JP
- Islands trip in JP to swim with the tropical fish
- Fernando do Noronha (paradise island off Recifé - 2-3 days)
- Paraiban south coast beach buggy rides
- Paraiban north coast beach buggy rides
- Tambaba Naturalist Beaches
- Visit mountain Peaks of Paraiba
- Pedra de Boca (famous rocks .. Paraiban stonehenge)
- 4 x 4 excursions
- Botanical Gardens in JP
- Jacaré famous sunset trip in JP
- Historical tour of JP
- Shopping Spree trips
- Small plane flight over the city & coastal regions of Paraiba
- Wind Surfing
- Scuba diving
- Kite Gliding
- Night sky diving
- Market trips in JP.
- Forro Nights (Traditional Dance originated by the French & a traditional dance in the NE of Brazil) at the many clubsn JP
- João Pessoa Carnival in January & February of each year (Micaroã)
- Campina Carnival during the months of February & March each year (Micarande).
- Sao João Festival in Campina Grande 'São João Do Mundo' .. reportedly the largest celebration for St.John in the world.
