A thrilling adventure by speedboat and 4x4, this itinerary allows you to thoroughly get to know the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and the entire coastal region from the east coast of Maranhão to Jericoacoara.
You start in the World Heritage city of Sao Luis, a cultural highlight with its captivating mix of French, Portuguese, African, Indian and Dutch influences. Then comes the visually spectacular Lençóis Maranhenses, an area of epic sand dunes and dazzling freshwater lagoons, where you can explore on foot, on horseback or by 4x4. You will then journey to Ceará, passing through unspoiled beaches and sand roads to get to Jericoacoara – ranked amongst the finest beaches in Brazil.
This itinerary only operates on a minimum of four people travelling.
London – Sao Paolo – Sao Luis
Check in at London Heathrow for your overnight flight to Sao Luis via Sao Paolo.
Sao Luis
Your Northern Brazil adventure begins in Sao Luis. The charms of this cobbled World Heritage city are plain to see, with its pastel-coloured buildings and beautiful 18th century architecture. Sao Luis has had many influences over the years, from French and Dutch to Indian and Portuguese, all of which has played a part in shaping the rich local culture.
Stay: One night in a standard room at the Luzeiros Hotel – bed & breakfast
Santa Amaro do Maranhão
Next comes the wonders of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. A car followed by a small motorboat will take you into the park, where you will get your first glimpse of the region’s spectacular white sand dunes and crystal-clear ponds. Your hotel, which sits on the banks of the Rio Alegre in Santo Amaro, is ideally situated just 15 minutes from the dunes and lagoons of Lençóis. Buggy and quad bike tours, stand up paddle-boarding and kayaking are all on offer.
On day four you will travel by 4×4 to the beautiful Lagoa da Sonda. You can relax around the pond, or continue on foot to the Lagoa das Emendadas. After lunch at the lodge you’ll get to explore the surrounding areas of Lagao da Gaivota, and witness an enchanting sunset over the dunes.
Stay: Two nights in a standard room at the Rancho Das Dunas Inn – bed & breakfast
Atins
Today you will explore “Small Lençóis” on 4×4 quad bikes. You’ll stop for lunch beside the Preguiças River before continuing your adventure by speedboat to the village of Mandacaru. Here you can get a superb view over the Lençóis area at the Brazilian Navy Lighthouse, before heading to your hotel in Atins.
The next morning can be spent with leisurely beach walks or kite-surfing, a wonderful opportunity as Atins is one of the world’s top kite-surfing destinations. In the afternoon, you will drive to the National Park and walk around forty minutes along the sand to Lagoa Verde. Here you will enjoy yet another unforgettable sunset.
Stay: Two nights in a standard room at La Ferme de Georges – bed & breakfast
Barra Grande
On day seven you travel by 4×4 vehicle through the eastern coast of Maranhao to the town of Paulino Neves. Continue to Parnaíba, where you will have the opportunity to explore the Delta by speedboat. After a delicious seafood lunch, you will be transferred to Porto dos Tatus, in Parnaíba, followed by an hour drive to your hotel in the village of Barra Grande. You can devote the next day entirely to beach relaxation, but those more active will also find biking, kitesurfing and kayaking available.
Stay: Two nights in a standard room at Bobz Boutique Resort – bed & breakfast
Jericoacoara
This morning you depart Barra Grande and begin your journey to Jericoacoara. The journey, by car and vehicle ferry, will take you across the Rio da Cruz and towards the dunes of Tatajuba. You will make stops at Lagoa do Funil and Tatajuba beach, where you will have the opportunity to swim in refreshing, clear waters before continuing on to Jericoacoara.
The Jericoacoara area is renowned for its impeccable shoreline, warm waters and laid-back, non-commercial ambience. You could try your hand at wind and kite surfing, canoeing, fishing and horseback riding, or make use of the hotel’s excellent swimming pool and spa. We recommend renting a bugging and taking a tour to the mystic Pedra Furada inside the Jericoacoara National Park.
Stay: Three nights in a standard room at Rancho do Peixe – bed & breakfast
Fortaleza – Sao Paolo – London
Transfer to Fortaleza for your flight home via Sao Paolo.
