This small city sits 1,599 kilometers from Recife, and is known for its lively parties and delicious food. It is a UNESCO city (Cultural Patrimonio of the Humanity) due in large part to its beautiful azulejo (tiles) walls and cobblestone streets. São Luis is the capital city of the Brazilian state of Maranhao, and is the only city established by the French and then occupied by the Dutch. It remains a distinctly Portuguese colonial city with its own unique culture marked by its cuisine, traditions, festivals, and live reggae parties. Eat peixada (a regional large fish) and shrimp pie, arroz de cuxá (typical dish of rice with local herbs), carne de sol (beef that is sun-dried then cooked). Try drinking Jesus, a regional soft drink that is pink and tastes like bubblegum.