North east Brazil: the wild coast of Sao Luis to Fortaleza

Itinerary in brief:

• 1 night in Sao Luiz
• 2 nights in Barreirinhas
• 1 night in Parnaiba
• 3 nights in Jericoacoara
• 1 night in Fortaleza

Day 1: Arrive Sao Luis       

On arrival at Sao Luis airport, you’ll be met and taken by private transfer to your hotel where you’ll check in for the night.

In the afternoon, you’ll be picked up and taken on a guided walking tour of this town’s charming historic centre. Sao Luis has so much history and beauty to offer its visitors, and this is reflected in the many cobblestone streets lined by elegant buildings, its squares, churches, fountains and many monuments.          

Day 2: Sao Luis to Barreirinhas and visit to Lencois Maranhenses  

This morning you’ll be taken by private transfer to Barreirinhas on a journey that is approximately 260 km. Once arrived you’ll check in your hotel for a 2-night stay and will have some time to relax.

In the afternoon, we’ve included a tour by 4WD vehicle, so you can explore Lencois Maranhenses National Park – a remarkable landscape and ecological wonder that combines vast, rolling dunes and freshwater lagoons that form after the rains.

Day 3: Rio Preguicas

You’ll be picked up in the morning and taken to the river port to board a boat for a tour of Rio Preguicas. As you sail, you’ll pass through lush vegetation of palm trees and mangroves, stopping at local villages with a chance to taste the freshest coconut water and spot plenty of cheeky monkeys! Finally, you’ll reach the beach of Caburé where the river meets the sea, and you’ll have time to relax and choose amongst the many local restaurants serving great typical dishes based on seafood. At the end of the tour, you’ll be collected and taken back to your hotel in Barreirinhas.

Day 4: Barreirinhas to Parnaiba   

Today involves more exploring! A 4WD vehicle will pick you up in the morning and start the journey towards the Parnaiba port where you’ll board a speedboat to take a tour of the Delta. This delta has more than 70 islands, and you’re likely to spot monkeys as well as alligators, turtles and dolphins. Your tour visits the Periquitos stream, Igarapé dos Poldros, Baja do Feijao, Ilha das Canarias and Morro Branco. Late afternoon you’ll be driven to your hotel to check in for the night.

Day 5: Parnaiba to Jericoacoara   

This morning you’ll be driven to Jericoacoara, with stops along the way including the Island of Love, Tatajuba beach and Lago da Torta. You’ll arrive in ‘Jeri’, as the locals call it, in the late afternoon and check in for a 3-night stay here. 

Day 6: Blue and Paradise lagoons and Pedra Furada      

In the morning, you’ll take a buggy tour into Jericoacoara National Park, which is home to two stunning lakes. Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Paradise are the perfect place to relax; clear, crystalline lagoons with net hammocks over the water so you can lay back and admire the views in the sun!

In the afternoon, you’ll be driven back to the village to spend the rest of day at leisure.

Day 7: Free day

You now have a free day to relax in Jeri. If you feel adventurous, why not try some kitesurfing or windsurfing the town is famous for?

Day 8: Jericoacoara to Fortaleza  

Today you’ll be picked up and driven from Jericoacoara to Fortaleza by private transfer. The journey takes about 4 hours and once arrived you’ll be dropped off at your hotel for a 1-night stay.

The idyllic Fortaleza beaches are warm and sandy, so you have the rest of the day to spend unwinding on the beach conveniently right in front of your hotel!

Day 9: Depart Fortaleza      

You are collected from your hotel at any time today and taken by private transfer to the airport to connect with your onward travel plans.