South of Maceió the drives are short and the day splits in two: a colonial town in the morning and a long beach in the afternoon. This guide is for you if you want both and would rather not spend half the day in a car. It covers what you are looking at in Marechal Deodoro, how Gunga works, when to go and what to bring.
When to go
The wettest months around Maceió fall between April and July. From October to February the sun usually wins, and in January the rain tends to come as short, scattered showers. The average maximum sits around 30°C.
This day copes with rain better than the reef trips up the north coast. Marechal Deodoro is a walk round churches and streets, and none of the stops depends on the tide. A wet morning still gives you the town, and the beach can wait for the sun to come back after lunch.
Marechal Deodoro, the old capital
Marechal Deodoro sits on the Manguaba lagoon and was the capital of Alagoas until 1839, when the seat moved to Maceió. The town declined after that. In 2006 the national heritage body, IPHAN, listed the town's architectural and urban ensemble, covering the centre, the Carmo area and Taperaguá. The shape of the original square dates back to the early 17th century.
Two places stand out. The Franciscan convent and church, built between 1684 and 1723, were already protected before the town as a whole. Since 1984 part of the convent has held a museum of sacred art. The town is also the birthplace of Deodoro da Fonseca, the marshal who proclaimed the Brazilian Republic, and it carries his name. His house was listed separately.
The museum entrance is not included. Its opening days and hours can change, so check them before you go if seeing inside matters to you.
Gunga: how the beach works
Praia do Gunga is in the municipality of Roteiro, inside a private coconut farm between the river and the sea. Cars pay a parking fee at the gate, and that fee is included in your tour. Once you are on the sand, the beach clubs are where you eat, and some ask for a minimum spend on food and drink. Buggy and quad rides are offered on the spot and are paid separately.
The tourist complex at Gunga has a long history with the environmental authorities. After more than twenty years operating without an operating licence, the complex signed an agreement with the federal prosecutors and the Alagoas environment agency to regularise it. The agreement guarantees free access to the beach and to part of the parking spaces.
The Mirante do Gunga, the viewpoint over the beach, is closed because it has no environmental licence. Do not plan the day around it.
How the day fits together
You are collected at 07:00 and reach Marechal Deodoro at about 07:45. After the town comes Praia do Francês, a short drive away, with its clear water. Then Barra de São Miguel, a small town at the mouth of the river, and Gunga from about 11:15, with lunch at the beach. You leave at about 14:10 and are back at your hotel at about 15:00.
Every stop is within an hour of Maceió, so the day has more time on foot and on the sand than on the road. The vehicle is yours. If the town holds you longer, take it from Francês. If you only want the beaches, a half day with Francês and Barra de São Miguel is possible; message us for a price. For the full day, the price depends on the size of your group; see it on the tour page.
What to bring
- Swimwear under your clothes, and a towel, for the afternoon.
- Shoes for old, uneven streets, and sandals for the beach.
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. The afternoon is spent on open sand.
- Cash or a card for the museum, lunch, the beach clubs and any buggy ride.
Who it suits
It suits families and anyone who gets carsick, because the drives are short. It suits travellers who want some history between beach days, and those who would like a beach day without timing it to a tide.
Think twice if you came for the reef pools. They are on the north coast: Paripueira is the shortest trip, and Maragogi the longest. If you only have a few hours, our Maceió city tour takes four. Our guide to day trips from Maceió sets all five side by side.
Questions people ask
Can we go up to the Gunga viewpoint?
No. It is closed because it has no environmental licence. You see the beach from the sand instead.
Do we have to eat at a beach club?
Lunch at Gunga is at the beach, and the beach clubs may ask for a minimum spend. Lunch is not included, so you choose where and what.
Can we cancel?
Yes. Cancel up to 24 hours before pick-up for a full refund. See our cancellation page.
Booking
Check the museum's hours if you want to go in, and bring both your walking shoes and your swimwear. The rest is on the Marechal Deodoro, Francês and Gunga private day tour page, where you choose your group size and book.
