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 Lençois, ride a riverboat up the Parnaíba 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 Ceará. Although 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 Ceará's 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 Paraíso ("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 Parnaíba - We will be transferred in 4x4 vehicles to the Delta do Parnaíba 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 Piauí. We'll have a panoramic tour that includes the beaches of Mangue Seco, Tatajuba, Guriú and Barra do Feijão and also along the coast of Piauí, where we will pass Ataláia, Peito de Moça, Itaqui, Coqueiro, Arrombado, Carnaubinha, Maramar e Macapá. Upon arrival we'll check into our lodge with A/C, TV, hot showers and a pool.

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

Day 7 - Parnaíba- Lençóis Maranhenses - Today we leave Parnaíba to make our way to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, the largest such park in northeastern Brazil. Situated on the northern coast of the state of Maranhão, the Lençóis 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 (lençóis). We'll visit the Rio Novo Oasis and Barra Beach in Tutóia over the course of our journey, arriving at lodge in the afternoon. We'll overnight in a comfortable but rustic lodge.

Day 8 - Lençóis Maranhenses - Go on a river excursion on the Preguiça River including a visit to waterfalls. See the best sights of "Pequenos Lençóis" like Morro do Boi, Alazão, 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 - Lençóis Maranhenses - São 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 São Luis, the capital of the state of Maranhão. The city, with ¾ 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 façades. São 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 Palácio dos Leões (Lion Palace), the Palácio La Ravardiere (Ravardiere Palace) which served as both city hall and the town's prison, as well as the Igreja da Sé (the Sé church) from 1619. Overnight at Briza Mar in São Luis.

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

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