Marapé Dunes: Private Alagoas Day Tour with Local Guide

4.96

(23 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the sand squeaked under my sandals as we stepped out of the van near Marapé Dunes. Our driver, Paulo, grinned and pointed out a line of palm trees swaying like they’d seen it all before. The salty breeze mixed with something sweet — maybe from the little food stall nearby? I didn’t expect to feel so far from the city so quickly; it’s only about an hour or so from Maceió, but honestly, it felt like another world.

We stopped at this spot along the Orla where Paulo insisted we try coconut water straight from the shell. He laughed when I tried to say “obrigado” with my mouth full (I probably butchered it). There weren’t crowds, just a few locals chatting quietly and some kids chasing each other barefoot. The dunes themselves are softer than they look — almost powdery — and when you walk up to the top, there’s this hush except for wind and distant waves. I still think about that view sometimes.

Lunch was at a simple restaurant tucked behind some mangroves. Nothing fancy, but fresh fish and rice taste different when you’re hungry from walking dunes all morning. Paulo told us stories about growing up nearby and pointed out birds I’d never have noticed on my own. The whole day felt unhurried — no rush, no pressure — just moving from one small surprise to the next. We piled back into the air-conditioned van sandy and sleepy, but happy.