Sergipe is the smallest of all Brazilian states. So one can imagine that the tours close to Aracaju, the capital, are really not very far away. An hour's journey and you reach paradises with transparent waters, white sand and lots of coconut trees, such as Praia do Saco (SE) and Mangue Seco (BA). With just over 20 kilometers of road, it is possible to visit historic municipalities listed by IPHAN, such as Laranjeiras and São Cristóvão.
And there is also the tranquility of Lagoa dos Tambaquis, Parque dos Falcões, which is a sanctuary for the preservation of birds of prey, the Foz do Rio São Francisco and also the Cânion do Xingó region, whose dammed waters lead to an unforgettable walk through the reddish walls of Velho Chico.
The 7 best tours near Aracaju
Check out a little more about the tours near Aracaju below and, at the end of the post, a list of cities and tourist attractions with all the details on how to go, what to do and also price estimates.
1. Saco Beach (Sergipe)
Seventy kilometers connect Aracaju to one of the most beautiful coastlines in Sergipe: Praia do Saco, in the municipality of Estância, on the border with Bahia. The colors and landscapes are already very different from those found on the capital's coast. There, the crystal clear water has blue-green tones, the sand is white and coconut trees, mangroves and restingas complete the landscape.
Praia do Saco has sandbanks and clear water
In addition to resting in the structure of the seaside restaurants, visitors to Praia do Saco can also take boat trips along the incredible sand banks that form where the Rio Real meets the Atlantic Ocean, visit the neighboring Mangue Seco (already in Bahia) and also ride a buggy through the dunes, where you have incredible views, especially at sunset. Read our full post about Praia do Saco.
Some agencies offer the Transfer to Praia do Saco with a stop at Lagoa dos Tambaquis on return. The tour lasts ten hours and can be booked here.
2. Mangue Seco (Bahia)
Just cross the Rio Real, which forms the border between Sergipe and Bahia, to discover the charms of Mangue Seco. The fishing village has settings made up of river, mangroves, sea, dunes, coconut trees and restinga areas. A small paradise that inspired writer Jorge Amado in the novel Tieta do Agreste — and which, later, served as the setting for the recording of the soap opera of the same name, one of the most classic Brazilian productions. Without going too far from the village, it is possible to walk to Tieta Island, a sandbank that forms at low tide. Climbing up to the Faro dune also yields incredible views. But it is on the buggy ride that the visitor gets to know more of the region, exploring different dunes and, finally, arriving at Mangue Seco beach. Read our post about Mangue Seco.
Tour agencies in Aracaju offer tours to Mangue Seco. Look in this link a highly recommended excursion, which includes a transfer to the region and a boat or schooner trip.
3. Xingó Canyon (São Francisco River)
Of all the destinations, this is the least close to Aracaju. It takes more than three hours to Canindé de São Francisco, where catamaran trips to the Xingó Canyon depart. Still, this is certainly one of the most popular destinations for those visiting the capital of Sergipe. Navigating the green waters of the São Francisco canyons only became possible after the river was dammed. Today, the Xingó Canyon occupies fifth place in the ranking of the largest navigable canyons in the world. Catamaran rides last three hours and take you to Paraíso do Talhado, a place surrounded by red walls, where you can cool off and make small excursions to Gruta do Talhado, a narrow corridor with incredible colors. Read more in the post about Xingó Canyon.
A good way to get to know the Xingó Region for those who don't have a car is to book a tour with an agency in Aracaju. TopTur has a very complete tour, with transfer and entry to the catamaran included, which can be booked online at Civitatis. look here.
Gruta do Talhado is one of the treasures of the São Francisco River
4. Tambaquis Lagoon
About 50 kilometers from Aracaju, in Estância, is Lagoa dos Tambaquis, which was formed by rainwater and became home to hundreds of tambaquis, fish that were placed there by residents of the region. Today there are several restaurants around the lagoon. Practically all of them work in the system day use, offering facilities such as swimming pool, kayaks, stand up paddle, water hammocks and bar and restaurant service. Read more about Lagoa dos Tambaquis.
5. Mouth of the São Francisco River
Tour agencies in Aracaju also usually offer transfers to the border between Sergipe and Alagoas and boat trips at Foz do Rio São Francisco. During navigation, visitors pass by several river islands and also by Piaçabuçu (AL), a municipality that served as the setting for the recording of the film Deus é Brasileiro and also for the soap opera Velho Chico. When the river meets the sea, it is possible to observe the phenomenon known as pororoca and, close to the Reunion dunes, there is a stop for swimming and purchasing handicrafts. The tour at Foz do Rio São Francisco costs, on average, R$180 per person.
Check it out here times, prices and information about the excursion to the São Francisco River.
6. São Cristóvão and Laranjeiras
São Cristóvão, in addition to being peaceful and charming, is the fourth oldest city in the country and the first capital of Sergipe. It only lost its position as the most important city in the state in 1855, when Aracaju was founded. Our suggestion is that you visit the city and all the historic buildings, some listed by IPHAN, in the company of a tour guide, who will explain everything and also tell you interesting facts about the city. In São Cristóvão, be sure to try two traditional sweets: bricelet and queijada. Read more about São Cristóvão, in Sergipe.
We found a tour that leaves from Aracaju to São Cristóvão in the company of a tour guide who explains everything about the destination. There are options for four-hour tours or with dinner in the town. know more.
São Cristóvão is the fourth oldest city in Brazil
Also less than 30 kilometers from Aracaju is another historic destination: Laranjeiras, smaller than São Cristóvão, but of equal importance recognized by IPHAN. The city was an important cradle of the struggle to defend the Republic and also of movements for the Abolition of Slavery. Touring there includes visits to churches, the Afro-Brazilian Museum of Sergipe, the Museum of Sacred Art, a public market and much more.
7. Falcões Park
Another option for a trip near Aracaju is Parque dos Falcões, in the municipality of Itabaiana. The park is a sanctuary for birds of prey and attracts many tourists interested in the animals and the stunning landscapes of the space. Aracaju's tourism agencies offer transfers to the attraction, approximately 50 kilometers from the capital of Sergipe.
For those who prefer the comfort of taking the tour with an agency, we have here a good option. In addition to transportation, the price includes admission to the attraction with a 6% discount.
If your trip planning includes a few days to visit destinations close to Aracaju, be sure to read all our tips. In the list at the end of this page, you will find specific posts for each attraction or destination, with detailed information on how to get there, what to do and also price estimates for booked tours.
Some travel agencies in Aracaju offer several of the tours suggested above, such as Tur nuts, Tur Lighthouse and the TopTur Viagens – most of them are listed on Civitatis and can be booked online. Their difference is usually the company of the guide and the transfer to the destination. If you have a rented car and two or more travelers, it may be worth it (especially financially) to take the tours on your own, just paying for the entrance fee to the attractions directly to the companies providing the services.
