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PORTO DE GALINHAS: Seventy km south of Recife is Porto de Galinhas located (the Port of Hens). The name came as a result of the slave trade, which secretly continued after abolition. Upon hearing that the “hens” (slaves) from Angola had arrived, the masters of Recife knew to expect another load of slaves.
Most of the beaches in Porto de Galinhas are sheltered by reefs, but there are some areas with waves good for surfing. The beaches have in general soft white sand and its water is warm and crystal clear. The formation of natural swimming pools, according to the local ebb & flow, is the best option of bathing in calm waters (low tide), were you will discover the diversity of colorful fish playing around your feet. Lovers of sports like surfing, windsurfing and scuba diving find this place excellent as well.
Another attraction in Porto de Galinhas is the swamp areas covered with mangroves, in the area of Pontal de Maracaípe and Camboa. The tours in the swamp lands can be done walking, in kayaks or in “Jangadas” (local designed boats) with guide. In the area one can observe the local fauna & flora, like crabs, oysters, crabs, among others. There are also big trees named “Gigantic Baobas”, which are more than 400 years old. These trees were planted by slaves and today their stems need 20 people to surround a tree.
Porto de Galinahs is also a breeding place for marine turtles. They use to stay there from September until March, mainly at the beaches of Pontal de Maracaípe and Muro Alto. Each turtle use to put approximately 120 eggs, and the baby turtles born at night.
Besides the attractions during the day, Porto de Galinahs provides a great night life as well. The village center is the hot spot for night life, with many options of bars and restaurants, and there are quite a lot of small stores as well. Normally there is some live band playing as some of the bars / restaurants.
WHEN TO GO / CLIMATE: Porto de Galinhas is possible to visit all around the year. There are no big variations in the climate in the region; it is quite hot and sunny during the whole year, temperature varying between 24ºC and 32ºC. During “winter time” the months of June, July and August, it can be sporadically (some days) with more unstable weather, warm but some cloudy and rain.
HOW TO GO: Porto de Galinhas is normally reached by air via Recife (REC) International Airport, from there a transport / transfer by car / bus (70km) to the village.
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