Route of Emotions

The Route of Emotions Tour is a scenic 10-day privately guided itinerary exceptionally designed for nature lovers, who enjoy beaches and castaway rustic luxury. Geographically, this sightseeing route will take you through three (!) states in the north-east of Brazil – Ceará, Piauí and Maranhão. Walk barefoot through a beautiful landscape of white-sand dunes and azure lagoons in the national park of Lençóis Maranhenses. Admire the picturesque course of Preguicas river during the transfer from Barreirinhas to Atins. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of remote fishing villages, take kitesurfing lessons, go horse-riding and experience the slow lifestyle of the North-Eastern Brazil. This road trip is without doubt one of the most breathtaking itineraries in Brazil, and certainly, one of the highlights of South America. You can start either in the city of Fortaleza or in São Luiz, and we will adjust the trip depending on the airport of arrival. Ideally, add a few more days in Atins and Jericoacoara. The Route of Emotions is an excellent choice for family travelling with children, a group of friends or couples who like active trips, as well as for senior travellers. The program includes accommodation at small boutique hotels with a lot of comfort and charm.

10 Days – From £1,845 per person

*equivalent in USD, EUR accepted

Itinerary: Fortaleza, Jericoacoara, Camocim, Parnaiba, Atins, Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro, Sao Luis (or in reverse order)

Included

Price is per person, based on two people sharing in a double/twin room
Mentioned pousadas with breakfast (Browse More Hotels)
All the excursions mentioned in the itinerary
All transfers by car and boat on a private basis
Entrance & guiding fees to all the mentioned National Parks
All mandatory local taxes

Excluded

Visa, where applicable
International Flights (See Flights to Brazil)
Domestic Flights
Personal Expenses
Insurance
Tips & Gratuities
Meals not mentioned in the description.

Flights

International flights are not included in the package price. We give you the freedom to book the flights yourself, use miles and choose your preferred airline, and if you are stuck we can help you find the right connections. Return flights to Brazil start from £800 per person, depending on the connections and time of the year. Fly to Fortaleza (FOR) or Sao Luis (SLZ).

For families and groups (starting with 5 pax), we can book domestic flights in Brazil, during the high season, and if the trip is part of a more complex itinerary. This is to ensure a seamless travel and no complications.

How to Book

Send us a message on WhatsApp or email us at brazil@boutiquetravelexperts.com to check availability, discuss your preferences and get a quote.

This is a sample itinerary and prices are correct at the time of writing. We can tailor it to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities. More days can be added. Other hotels can be chosen, according to your liking. You can also combine this trip with other sights in Brazil, like the cosmopolitan Rio de Janeiro, the exciting Amazon rainforest, the fascinating Pantanal, the culture of Bahia or the deep canyons of the south. For more travel inspiration check these itineraries.

When to Visit

The Route of Emotions is recommended after the rainy season, starting with late May till mid of October. In this period of the year you have more chances to see the lagoons full of water. The ideal month to visit is August.

To avoid unpleasant weather surprises, we recommend to check our Brazil Weather Guide to plan your trip in the right season. Click on the month you want to travel in and see the tours which are best for each month of the year.

Day 1 - Fortaleza to Jericoacoara

Starting in the bustling city of Fortaleza, transfer to the peaceful Jericoacoara National Park by road (4,5 hours). Should you have a few more days at hand, chose to transfer on a slower pace, hopping along splendid beaches by buggy – check the full Ceara Beach Hopping program. Once arrived in Jeri, balance the day at leisure, taking a stroll along the sandy streets of this quaint castaway village, located among white sand dunes and the turquoise ocean. Enjoy a mesmerizing sunset from the Sunset Dune and at night relax in a local bar with live music. Overnight at Pousada Jeriba.

Day 2 - Jericoacoara

Today your driver will take you through the sandy roads of Jericoacoara National Park to discover two beautiful blue lagoons, Lagoa de Paraíso and Lagoa Azul, where you can recline in a hammock right by the water. In the afternoon visit Pedra Furada, a naturally shaped rock near Jeri. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of this little village tucked away from the rest of the world. There might be capoeira shows on the beach. Jeri is really lively and international. Forget about shoes – enjoy a barefoot relaxation. Kitesurf lessons are also available in Jeri. Overnight at Pousada Jeriba.

Day 3 - Jericoacoara to Camocim

After breakfast, continue to the west of Jeri. Today you will cross several rivers by ferry, depending on the tides. At Mangue Seco and Guriu visit the dried up mangrove forest where you can have fun on the swings. Continue to Tatajuba and relax in the hammocks in the middle of crystalline lagoons. After lunch, continue to the castaway peninsula called Ilha do Amor, located just in front of the fishing port of Camocim with colorful wooden boats. Lonely palm trees stand tall among splendid sands. Take a walk among the dunes before continuing to your hotel. Check-in at the pousada and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight at Casa de Sao Jose.

Day 4 - Camocim to Parnaiba

Today you will be transferred to Tatus Port in Parnaiba where you will board a speedboat to Ilha das Canárias, crossing the Delta of Parnaíba river, the 3rd largest river delta in the world. Stopover at Casa de Caboclo for lunch. Then, depart to Morro do Meio for dune walking and swimming. Closer to the evening, head towards Baia do Caju to watch the spectacular show of brightly red ibis birds (guarás) returning to the mangrove forest for the night – a truly magical sight, especially during sunset. Return to Parnaiba for dinner. Overnight at Casa de Santo Antonio.

Day 5 - Parnaiba to Atins

Early after breakfast, take a 4×4 transfer by road to Cabure. Pass by Cana Brava, Barro Duro, Tutóia, Lagoinha, Paulino Neves. In Cabure take a 25-mi boat transfer across the river to Atins. Spend this day at leisure. Atins has its magic – you will instantly fall in love with this beautiful village, it is one of the most beautiful ones on the Route of Emotions. Relax and enjoy the beauty of this castaway village or visit some nearby lagoons. There are a lot of things to do such as horse riding, kitesurfing, fishing. For dinner we recommend a rustic family-run place serving giant shrimps in Canto de Atins owned by Luzia, reachable on a short 4×4 ride. It is famous in Brazil and really good for seafood. Overnight at Pousada Maresia.

Day 6 - Atins

After breakfast, discover the dunes and lagoons of Lencois Maranhenses Nationa Park, which is just near Atins. A 4×4 jardiniera will take you closer to the dunes. Take barefoot walks in the sands and enjoy splendid moments, swimming in this heavenly landscape. Visit the lagoons of Gavião, Kite, Gaivota, Tropical and Gorjeta. The lagoons change depending on the wind, but there are millions of crystalline ponds all over the park, one more beautiful than the other. In the evening, after a lovely sundowner, come back to the village for a well deserved meal. Overnight at Pousada Maresia.

Day 7 - Atins to Santo Amaro

After breakfast embark on a speedboat adventure on the river Preguiças, stopping at Mandacaru lighthouse for a fantastic panoramic view over the cashew trees. Then, visit the golden dunes of Small Lençois in Vassouras and explore the mangrove forest. You could spot playful monkeys here. Continue to Barreirinhas. Have lunch and take a stroll at the local crafts market with interesting hand-made souvenirs. In the afternoon visit Lagoa Bonita, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa do Peixe and many other crystal clear lagoons. Swim, relax and enjoy the scenery. After a long day full of fun, continue to the last stop in the national park of Lencois Maranhenses, Santo Amaro, arriving around 8pm. Overnight at Vila do Junco.

Day 8 - Santo Amaro

After breakfast, take a trip to Bethânia, a village located on the edge of the Alegre river. The trip will take the full day (9.00 to 18.30). Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing nature of Lençóis Maranhenses. Admire different lagoons, such as Junco, Betânia, Cajueiro, Prainha/Ilha, each one different in shape, color and size. The largest lagoons can have a depth of over 2 meters where you can stop for swimming. This is a more remote and off the beaten track area of the Route of Emotions so you will have it all for yourself. At lunch break in the village you can taste the typical dishes of the region as galinha caipira or goat with coconut milk. In the afternoon discover new lagoons of different colors and shapes. Enjoy a magnificent sunset. Overnight at Vila do Junco.

Day 9 - Santo Amaro to São Luís

After breakfast, discover the beautiful lagoons of Gaivota and Andorinhas, located near Santo Amaro. After, transfer to Sao Luis. Walk along the cobblestone streets of the old town, a UNESCO Heritage Site, to admire the beautiful colonial buildings ornamented by colourful tiles. São Luiz is the capital city of the state of Maranhão. It has known the rule of the French, the Dutch and the Portuguese. It is also known for its reggae music and an amazing folklore festival which takes place in June. There are many family-run restaurants where you can try local northeastern Brazilian food. Overnight at Luzeiros Hotel.

Day 10 - Departure

Today you will leave São Luiz. You will be taken to the airport for your flight. If your departure is in the evening, we recommend discovering the historic town of Alcantara, located just across the bay of Sao Marcos, reachable by boat. Alternatively, you can extend your stay for a few more days and venture out to the beautiful park of Chapada das Mesas, located only a short flight away from Sao Luis. You will find crystalline waterfalls and springs, enchanting table mountains, and very hospitable people.

* NOTE : If you are interested in kitesurfing lessons for beginners, horse riding, scenic flights over the park, extended trekking expeditions to Baixa Grande and Queimada dos Britos, yoga and wellness – we can make the Route of Emotions very special to you. Tell us more about your preferred way of travel and the activities you like.