From French-influenced São Luis, we head for the Lençois Maranhenses, where indescribable beauty surrounds us in the form of sand dunes and clear lakes. On a river excursion, we travel through the mangroves of the Parnaíba Delta, one of the three largest deltas in the whole world and the only one in the Americas that empties into the open sea. This unique ecological sanctuary is great for trekking as well as spotting birds and wildlife. Transportation by charter flights and off-road 4 x 4 vehicles.

Day 1 - Departure from Miami or another international airport in an overnight flight to Sao Luis.

Day 2 - São Luis - Arrive in the morning in 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 or similar in São Luis.

Day 3 - Lençóis Maranhenses - We'll leave São Luis with a short charter flight to Barreirinhas. We will be met at the airport and be transferred in 4x4 vehicles 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). On the way, we will visit Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and either dos Bentos or Lagoa Bonita. Rooms at our lodge are equipped with a/c, TV, minifridge. There's also a pool at the lodge. Here, the tours in the 4x4 (Toyota Bandeirantes or Landrover) are included in your package. Overnight at the Pousada Buriti or similar.

Day 4 - Lençóis Maranhenses - Today we go on a river excursion on the Preguica 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. Lunch on Cambare Beach. The tour is included in your stay at the Buriti. Overnight at the Pousada Buriti.

Day 5 - 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 remotely located 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 - São Luis - Leave Parnaíba to return to São Luis. The rest of the day will be at your leisure. Enjoy this diverse city's active nightlife or sample some French-influenced cuisine at one of the fine restaurants in town. Overnight at Briza Mar or similar in São Luis.

Day 8 - São Luis - At leisure in São Luis. Overnight at Briza Mar or similar in São Luis.

Day 9 - Departure - In the early afternoon, we will depart back to São Luis for our flight to our final destination.


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