Jericoacoara

A four-hour bus ride from Fortaleza on the main road – or six hours on the scenic route for all-terrain vehicles – you’ll find the Jericoacoara natural reserve. Between sand dunes and dry mangrove trees, take an excursion on a buggy, quad or 4×4 to get a closer look at the striking contrasts in this pristine region. Straight from the dunes, you can lounge on a hammock over Lagoa do Paraiso and it’s another world in a few seconds. Beach lovers can bask on the relaxing coast, while kite surfers can enjoy one of the most famous spots in the world! Don’t miss the spectacular sunset from Duna do Pôr do Sol. At sundown, the charming fishing village of Jericoacoara comes to life, a perfect excuse to grab a delicious, exotic caipirinha!

Lençóis Maranhenses

Midway between Fortaleza and São Luís, Berreinrinhas is the entryway to a rare gem of Brazil: Lençóis Maranhenses. Shaped by the sea winds, these massive, white sand dunes and endless, crystal-clear lagoons seem almost surreal; with the sky reflecting on the land, it’s almost like you’re walking on the clouds. Between June and September, after the rainy season, there are plenty of excursions to choose from. Afterwards, freshen up with a dip in the natural, emerald pools. Many protected animals live in the region, including the dwarf caiman, scarlet ibis, turtle, and capuchin monkey.

São Luís

São Luis is the last stop on the Route of Emotions, located 400 km north of Lençóis Maranhenses. Founded by two French sailors in the 17th century, the wondrous capital of Maranhão has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. In the historicalcenter, protected by the original French fortifications, the town’s colonial Portuguese architecture meets the beautiful Lisboan azulejos. It’s no surprise why Maria Firmina dos Reis – dubbed the mother of Brazilian literature – as well as many other Brazilian novelists and poets who live here, have called it the “Athens of Brazil”.