On this gem of a tour, you'll have a chance to experience for yourself what serene beauty the northeast of Brazil holds. We'll take dune buggies through the immense and surreal sand dunes of Len篩s, ride a riverboat up the Parna� Delta emptying into the Atlantic Ocean and relax on the isolated, palm-lined beach paradise of Jericoacoara. Transportation by motorcoach, charter flight and off-road 4 x 4 vehicle.

Day 1 - Departure from Miami or another international airport

Day 2 - Fortaleza - After our flight arrives in the early morning, we will be met at the airport and be transferred to our beachfront hotel, after which we will check in and have time to rest. Enjoy a free day in Fortaleza. The city of Fortaleza is an active center of commerce and fishing in Brazil's northeastern state of CearᮠAlthough it was not colonized until the early 1600s, Portuguese explorers landed here in 1500. The Dutch established a stronghold with the construction of Schoonenborch fortress, but control of the settlement at Fortaleza teetered between the Portuguese, Indians and Dutch several times in the 1600s. The town later became a trading post for cattle farms that were established in Cear᧳ interior. Nowadays, Fortaleza is used as a jumping-off point for many serene palm-lined beaches that the northeast is known for. The lively Praia da Iracema and Praia do Meireles are excellent choices for going out; the beaches in Fortaleza are known more for their nightlife than for soaking up sun and surf. Overnight at Othon Imperial.

Day 3 - Fortaleza-Jericoacoara - We will make the all-day journey to one of the most pristine beaches in world. Our day will be one of pure fun and adventure as we make selected stops along the way. Known as one of the world's best beaches, rustic Jericoacoara is as beautiful as it gets. Since 1984, the area was declared protected in order to preserve its environmental integrity. The beaches, palm trees, dunes, reefs and rocky outcroppings are truly a sight to behold. Jericoacoara, or Jeri, as it is sometimes called, takes its peculiar name from the Tupi-Guarani words yuruco (hole) and cuara (turtle), referring to the sea turtles' egg-laying on the beaches. Overnight in Jericoacoara at the Pousada Matusa or similar.

Day 4 - Jericoacoara - At leisure to enjoy paradise. There are many optional tours available. Visit Pedra Furada ("Pierced Rock"), a photogenic rock formation with a small quartzite cave nearby. It's also possible to take an extremely scenic ride through the dunes to visit the Lagoa do Para� ("Paradise Lagoon"). Rent horses or go for a dune buggy ride. You'll never forget the sunsets here... Overnight in Jericoacoara at the Pousada Matusa or similar.

Day 5 - Jericoacoara - Delta do Parna� - We will be transferred in 4x4 vehicles to the Delta do Parna� region. This unique area is the only delta in the Western Hemisphere facing the open sea. Pretty mangrove-lined islands and dunes are typical of this part of the state of Piau�We'll have a panoramic tour that includes the beaches of Mangue Seco, Tatajuba, Guri? Barra do Feij㯠and also along the coast of Piau�where we will pass Atalᩡ, Peito de Mo硬 Itaqui, Coqueiro, Arrombado, Carnaubinha, Maramar e MacapᮠUpon arrival we'll check into our lodge with A/C, TV, hot showers and a pool.

Day 6 - Delta do Parna� - Today we will enjoy a boat tour on the Parna� Delta. Typical lunch will consist of caranguejada, a wonderful local crab specialty. Overnight in Delta do Parna�.

Day 7 - Parna�- Len糩s Maranhenses - Today we leave Parna� to make our way to the Len糩s Maranhenses National Park, the largest such park in northeastern Brazil. Situated on the northern coast of the state of Maranh㯬 the Len糩s Maranhenses National Park consists of a unique landscape of rolling dunes, some reaching ten meters (33 feet) in height. It's practically a desert with thousands of crystal-clear lakes surrounded by picturesque dunes, mangroves and beaches. The park derives its name from the fact that the vast expanse of dunes resembles bedsheets (len糩s). We'll visit the Rio Novo Oasis and Barra Beach in Tut󩡠over the course of our journey, arriving at lodge in the afternoon. We'll overnight in a comfortable but rustic lodge.

Day 8 - Len糩s Maranhenses - Go on a river excursion on the Pregui硠River including a visit to waterfalls. See the best sights of "Pequenos Len糩s" like Morro do Boi, Alaz㯬 Espadarte, Vassouras and the Mandacaru lighthouse, from which you have a stupendous overview of the dunes. We can stop on Cambare Beach for a lunch break. Overnight in Lencois in a comfortable lodge with A/C, TV and minifridge.

Day 9 - Len糩s Maranhenses - S㯠Luis - Early this morning, we can visit Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and either dos Bentos or Lagoa Bonita. From Lencois, we fly in the afternoon to S㯠Luis, the capital of the state of Maranh㯮 The city, with ? of a million inhabitants, was originally founded by the French in 1612 and later occupied by the Dutch in the mid-1600s. The Portuguese influence was greatest, of course, and this is reflected in the stately mansions and their intricate tile fa硤es. S㯠Luis is located on the island of the same name. We will have some time in the evening to explore. On Avenida Pedro II (named after the Brazilian emperor) we'll see some of the oldest buildings in Brazil, such as the 1612 French fortress and later governor's mansion the Palᣩo dos Le?(Lion Palace), the Palᣩo La Ravardiere (Ravardiere Palace) which served as both city hall and the town's prison, as well as the Igreja da S頨the S頣hurch) from 1619. Overnight at Briza Mar in S㯠Luis.

Day 10 - S㯠Luis-Fortaleza - Free time in the A.M. to relax. In the early afternoon, we will depart back to S㯠Luis for our flight back to the US..