Itineraries
7-day Porto de Galinhas itinerary
A full week: all of Ipojuca's beaches, two day trips and spare time for the tide and the weather.
Updated on October 5, 2026 ✓ Information checked on October 5, 2026 adapted from the Portuguese original
A week lets you see Ipojuca (the municipality Porto de Galinhas belongs to) from end to end, from Muro Alto to Toquinho, and still leave the area twice. The itinerary has three blocks: Ipojuca’s beaches, outings farther afield and spare days. The final order depends on the tide table for your dates.
The three blocks
| Block | Days | What is included |
|---|---|---|
| Ipojuca’s beaches | 2, 3 and 6 | Pools, the north by buggy, the south down to Toquinho |
| Outside Ipojuca | 4 and 5 | Carneiros Beach, Recife and Olinda |
| Slack | 1 and 7 | Arrival, backup and departure |
To build it, start with the tide. Mark the low-tide mornings in the Brazilian Navy tide table. The best one goes to the pools, the second best to Carneiros. Recife and Olinda get the day with the least helpful tide. The explanation is in the tide table.
Day 1: arrival
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Afternoon | Arrive via Recife airport (REC), about 60 km away |
| Evening | First stroll around the village |
Day 2: natural pools
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Jangada (traditional raft boat) to the natural pools at low tide |
| Afternoon | The main beach and the village’s chicken sculptures |
| Evening | Nightlife in the village |
Ipojuca City Hall recommends low tide, preferably in the morning. Do not step on the coral and do not feed the fish.
Day 3: the north by buggy
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Buggy to Muro Alto, with stops at Merepe and Cupe |
| Afternoon | Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the Muro Alto pool |
| Evening | Free |
Muro Alto is about 9 km north of the village, according to the city hall. Its wall of reefs forms a large pool of calm water.
Day 4: Carneiros Beach
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Leave early for Tamandaré |
| Midday | Pools at low tide and the São Benedito church |
| Afternoon | The Formoso River estuary and head back |
Carneiros Beach has pools that form on the reefs at low tide. Access by land crosses private properties, with restaurants that charge a minimum spend, according to Wikipedia.
Day 5: Recife and Olinda
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Old Recife: Marco Zero and Rua do Bom Jesus |
| Afternoon | Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982 |
| Evening | Head back |
This is the day that does not depend on the sea. If the forecast shows rain on another day, swap them. Detailed plan in Recife and Olinda day trip.
Day 6: the south down to Toquinho
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Maracaípe and Serrambi, with snorkeling on the reefs if the tide is low |
| Afternoon | Toquinho Beach, the southernmost on the itinerary |
| Late afternoon | Sunset at Pontal de Maracaípe on the way back |
The south is quieter and has fewer facilities. Bring water and snacks. The city hall mentions the late afternoon at the Pontal, where the river meets the sea, as a meeting point.
Day 7: backup and departure
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | The pools again, if the tide allows, or shopping |
| Afternoon | Leave for the airport |
This day absorbs the unexpected. If everything went well, use the morning for shopping or your favorite beach.
Where to stay for a week
With seven days, it makes sense to think about your base. Staying near the village makes pool mornings and nightlife easier. Staying north, near Muro Alto, gives you a calmer sea and a shorter drive to the airport. Some travelers split the week between two bases. Compare the areas in where to stay in Porto de Galinhas.
If it rains
With two flexible days, rain rarely spoils the week. Use the Recife and Olinda day on the cloudiest day and save the pools for the sun. More options in Porto de Galinhas on rainy days.
Budget
A week adds up tours, transportation and food. To plan your spending without surprises, see Porto de Galinhas trip cost. For other trip lengths, go back to the itinerary guide.
Attractions mentioned
- Free access Beach South coast of Ipojuca Toquinho Beach One of Ipojuca's southernmost beaches, next to Serrambi, with a residential feel and access through gated communities. Bring ID. See details
-
Tide-dependent Beach Surroundings Carneiros Beach The beach with the little São Benedito chapel, in Tamandaré, outside Ipojuca. A classic day trip if you are staying in Porto de Galinhas, always planned around the tide. See details -
Free accessKidsTide-dependent Beach North coast of Ipojuca Muro Alto Beach The wall of reefs that gives the beach its name holds back the waves and creates a natural pool of calm, warm water about 3 km long. It is the reason many people make the trip. See details -
Free access Nature South coast of Ipojuca Pontal de Maracaípe The southern tip of Maracaípe, where the river meets the sea among mangroves. A spot for jangada rides, kayaking, seahorses and sunset. See details
Frequently asked questions
Isn't a week in Porto de Galinhas too long?
Not if you use the time to see the northern and southern beaches and take two day trips. A week also leaves room for rainy days or bad tides.
Can I include Santo Aleixo too?
Yes, by swapping the spare day or the southern day for the island trip. See the 6-day itinerary, which includes Santo Aleixo.
How do I know which days will have a good tide?
Check the official Brazilian Navy tide table for Porto de Suape for your travel dates. Mark the low-tide mornings and fit the pools and Carneiros into them.
Do I need a car for this itinerary?
It helps on the Carneiros, Recife and Olinda days and in southern Ipojuca. Without a car, use organized tours, buggies and ride-hailing apps.
Keep reading
Keep planning
-
6-day Porto de Galinhas itinerary Six unhurried days: an island trip, a morning of diving, a surf lesson and plenty of time to go back to your favorite beach. Read guide -
Porto de Galinhas itinerary: how to plan around the tide The method for fitting pools, beaches and tours into the right time slot, plus a table with all the ready-made itineraries. Read guide -
Porto de Galinhas beaches: from north to south A comparison of Ipojuca's beaches, from Muro Alto to Toquinho: what the sea is like, who each one suits and when to go. Read guide