Enjoy thrills and spills on the beach in balmy Brazil
With good weather, golden beaches and buzzing nightlife, Forteleza is 'Miami of Brazil'
WHIZZING down a sandy dune on a piece of wood, hoping to reach the lagoon at the bottom, I feel like a kid again.
I grip on tightly to the sides of the makeshift skateboard and scream wildly as it picks up speed, before I suddenly lose my balance and go rolling into the sand.
Scores of adults and children join the queue and compete against each other to reach the farthest spot before falling off.
The exhilarating activity is the first stop on a three-hour buggy trip which also takes in a crazy water slide and peaceful lagoon.
The setting for the thrilling adventure is Cumbuco, a small village around 20 miles from the Brazilian city of Fortaleza.
Fortaleza has always had to compete with the mighty Rio de Janeiro for the attention of international tourists.
STAYING THERE: Bed and breakfast at Hotel Vila Gale Fortaleza is from £50 per room per night; all inclusive at the Hotel Vila Gale Cumbuco is from £119 per room per night, see .
OUT AND ABOUT: A three-hour sand buggy excursion including sand slides, lagoon with zipline and water slides is around £42 with Cumbuco buggy co-operative. Book at Vila Gale Cumbucor reception.