Turn Right at Rio: 7 Adventures in Northern Brazil

The eyes of the world will shift to Brazil in exactly one year’s time when the Olympics roll in to South America for the first time in history. While it’s Rio de Janeiro that will soak up most of the spotlight, travelers headed to the 2016 Games who want an authentic Brazilian adventure should consider the lesser-known cities, quieter corners and wilder terrain of Brazil’s emerging northeast region. From the tabletop mountains of Chapada Diamantina to the soaring dunes and crystal clear lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses, here’s a look at seven reasons to skip out from Rio early and head north.