Itinerary Highlights
- Historic São Luis
- Unique landscape of Lençois Maranhenses National Park
- Cruise the Preguicas River
- Wildlife exploration of Parnaiba Delta
- Swim in crystalline lagoons
- Picturesque fishing villages
- Off-road adventure
What's Included
- Accommodation Throughout
8 nights from £3,395 per person
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
The Northeastern coastline of Brazil, otherwise known as the "Route of the Emotions" is one of the country’s best kept secrets. This off-the-beaten-track region is home to surreal, sandy landscapes, dunes and lagoons. Travel through three different states of Brazil (from Maranhão and Piauí to Ceará) on an action packed, adventurous journey, travelling by 4WD, boat, jeeps and dune buggies. Spend time exploring the crystalline pools and sand dunes of the famous Lençois Maranhenses National Park, spotting wildlife on the Parnaiba delta, passing through sleepy fishing villages and sipping coconuts on the beaches of laid-back Jericoacoara.
Itinerary
Day 1 São Luis
São Luis
Arrive to São Luis and check into your hotel. This afternoon is at leisure or alternatively take an optional city tour. Set overlooking the Bay of San Marcos, the coastal city of São Luis is a delight to visit. Its historic centre, also known as Praia Grande, is distinctively Portuguese yet French and Dutch influences can be noted. Admire its pastel-coloured colonial mansions with ornate tiles and cast-iron balconies, cobble stoned streets and faded grandeur.
Day 2 São Luis - Barreirinhas
Early this morning travel to Barreirinhas, a small town close to the Lençóis Maranhenses, a journey of approximately 4 hours 30 mins. After lunch, depart in a 4WD for an adventure to the spectacular Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Cross the Preguiças River by ferry and continue across the dunes to reach a spectacular viewpoint across the park. Swim in crystal clear lagoons, climb the dunes and watch the sunset over one of the most spectacular locations in the Americas.
Day 3 Barreirinhas
Barreirinhas
Today embark on a speedboat adventure up the Preguiças River, spotting monkeys, birds and reptiles along the way. Explore mangrove forests and the golden dunes of the Small Lençois. Stop at the small fishing village of Vassouras and visit the Mandacaru lighthouse for stunning panoramic views. After a lunch in the small town of Caburé, cross the Preguiças River to return to Barreirinhas. Caburé is made up of just a few fisherman’s huts, local pousadas and sits between the river and the Atlantic.
Day 4 Barreirinhas - Parnaiba
Departing Lençóis today, travel by 4WD approximately 200km. Take a speed boat ride to explore the Parnaiba Delta, the 3rd largest delta in the world. The delta is rich in biodiversity and a paradise for wildlife and nature lovers. Spot herons, toucans, monkeys, caiman and if you’re lucky the red ibis. At Poldrons Island, witness the meeting of the waters, where the river and the sea meet each other. Ending in the Port of Tatus, take a 15-minute transfer to the hotel in Parnaiba.
Day 5 Parnaiba – Jericoacoara
Parnaiba
Depart in the 4WD and cross the Coreau River by raft to reach the white dunes and palm trees of Comocim. Travelling along the sandy roads, wild beaches and through isolated backwater communities, make a stop at the gorgeous Torta Lagoon, a delightful spot with hammocks in the water. It is also the perfect place for a delicious seafood lunch. In the afternoon, continue the journey along the beach, passing by mangroves, scaling dunes to reach Jericoacoara.
Day 6 Jericoacoara
Jericoacoara
Today, venture again on an off-road tour and visit the nearby lagoons. Swim in their cooling waters, drink fresh coconuts, relax in the hammocks and scale towering sand dunes for spectacular panoramic views.
Day 7 Jericoacoara
Jericoacoara
Day at leisure to enjoy Jeri and its beach. The laid-back beach town of Jericoacoara is the perfect place to spend a few days. Voted as one of the best beaches in the world, the town is dominated by a huge sand dune. Made up of sandy streets, restaurants, numerous guesthouses and boutiques; Jeri allows visitors to be as busy or as relaxed as they wish. It has a lively night-time ambience and during the day is a great base to explore the surrounding area by dune buggies or perhaps try your hand at windsurfing and/or kitesurfing.
Day 8 Jericoacoara - Fortaleza
Depart Jericoacoara today to Fortaleza, a journey of approximately 5 hours for an onward flight.
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
8 nights from £3,395 per person
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Breakfast throughout, all transfers and tours on a shared basis.
Accommodation throughout is based on simple, character 3-4* properties.
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
International & domestic flights
Pricing Notes
For a private itinerary please enquire for details.
Please note the Lençois Maranhenses are best visited between May - September when water is present in the lagoons, just after the rainy season.
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
