“How much will the Route of Emotions cost?” It’s the first question most travelers ask – and the most difficult to answer, because costs vary dramatically based on travel style, season, duration, and booking method.
After organizing hundreds of Route of Emotions journeys, LDJ Travel has seen every budget level from backpacker to luxury. This comprehensive guide breaks down real costs across all categories, reveals where you can save money without compromising experience, and shows you exactly where investing more creates significantly better value.
Quick Answer: What to Expect
Budget Traveler: $80-120 USD per person per day
Mid-Range Traveler: $150-250 USD per person per day
Luxury Traveler: $300-500+ USD per person per day
These figures include accommodations, meals, tours, and transportation within the route. They do NOT include international flights to/from Brazil.
Important Context: The Route of Emotions involves remote areas with limited infrastructure. “Budget” here means basic but clean accommodations and shared tours – not hostel dorm beds and hitchhiking. True backpacker-style travel is challenging in these locations.
Complete Cost Breakdown by Category
Budget Travel ($80-120/day per person)
Accommodations ($30-50/night):
- Simple pousadas or guesthouses
- Basic private rooms with fan (no AC)
- Shared bathrooms possible
- Limited amenities
- Breakfast usually included
Food ($20-30/day):
- Local restaurants (per kilo buffets)
- Street food and simple meals
- Limited restaurant dining
- Cooking some meals if facilities available
Tours & Activities ($30-50/day average):
- Shared group tours (standard option)
- Essential activities only
- Public/shared transportation when possible
- No luxury additions
Transportation ($15-25/day average):
- Shared transfers between destinations
- Standard vehicles
- Longer travel times acceptable
Total Daily: $80-120/person
10-Day Trip Total: $800-1,200/person (excluding international flights)
Budget Travel Reality Check:
- Possible but requires compromises
- Shared tours mean less flexibility
- Basic accommodations in remote areas can be very basic
- Limited spontaneity due to cost considerations
- Best for experienced budget travelers comfortable with rustic conditions
Mid-Range Travel ($150-250/day per person) ⭐ MOST POPULAR
Accommodations ($70-120/night):
- Comfortable pousadas with good reviews
- Private rooms with air conditioning
- Private bathrooms
- Pool and common areas
- Breakfast included
- Better locations
Food ($35-50/day):
- Mix of local and nicer restaurants
- Fresh seafood at good venues
- Occasional drinks and appetizers
- Flexibility to splurge on special meals
Tours & Activities ($50-80/day average):
- Shared tours with reputable operators
- All major activities included
- Some optional upgrades (scenic flights, extra tours)
- Quality equipment and guides
Transportation ($25-40/day average):
- Private transfers between main destinations
- Comfortable vehicles with AC
- Reliable operators
- Reasonable travel times
Total Daily: $150-250/person
10-Day Trip Total: $1,500-2,500/person (excluding international flights)
Mid-Range Sweet Spot:
- Comfortable without extravagance
- Good balance of value and experience
- Reliable accommodations and services
- Enough flexibility for spontaneous decisions
- This is what 70% of LDJ Travel clients choose
Luxury Travel ($300-500+/day per person)
Accommodations ($150-300+/night):
- Best properties at each destination
- Premium rooms or suites
- Excellent service and amenities
- Pools, restaurants, room service
- Best locations with views
- Note: True 5-star luxury limited in remote areas, but these represent the finest available
Food ($60-100+/day):
- Best restaurants at each destination
- Fresh seafood and premium ingredients
- Wine and premium beverages
- Private dining experiences possible
Tours & Activities ($100-200+/day average):
- Private tours with dedicated guides
- Scenic flights and helicopter transfers
- Premium equipment
- Flexible scheduling
- Exclusive experiences
Transportation ($50-100+/day average):
- Private vehicles for all transfers
- Luxury SUVs when possible
- Private boats/speedboats
- Helicopter transfers available
Total Daily: $300-500+/person
10-Day Trip Total: $3,000-5,000+/person (excluding international flights)
Luxury Reality:
- Best available in each location
- Maximum comfort and convenience
- Private experiences and flexibility
- Premium service throughout
- Worth it for travelers who value comfort and time efficiency
Detailed Cost Analysis: What Things Actually Cost
Accommodations (Per Night, Double Occupancy)
Jericoacoara:
- Budget: $40-60 (simple pousadas)
- Mid-Range: $80-150 (comfortable with pool)
- Luxury: $180-350+ (boutique beachfront properties)
Parnaíba:
- Budget: $35-50 (basic hotels)
- Mid-Range: $60-100 (decent pousadas)
- Luxury: $120-200 (best available in town)
Barreirinhas:
- Budget: $30-50 (simple, clean accommodations)
- Mid-Range: $70-120 (comfortable mid-range)
- Luxury: $150-250 (finest in Barreirinhas – remember this is a remote town)
Atins (very remote):
- Budget: $25-40 (very basic)
- Mid-Range: $50-80 (rustic but decent)
- Luxury: $100-150 (best available but still rustic)
Peak Season (June-Sept): Add 20-40% to these prices
Shoulder Season (May, Oct): Prices as listed
Off-Season: Subtract 15-30%
Food & Dining (Per Person)
Breakfast:
- Usually included in accommodation
- If not: $5-10 at local cafes
Lunch:
- Per kilo buffet: $8-12
- Simple restaurant: $10-18
- Nicer restaurant: $15-25
- Beachfront/premium: $20-35
Dinner:
- Simple local spot: $12-20
- Mid-range restaurant: $18-30
- Premium seafood restaurant: $30-50
- Luxury dining experience: $50-80+
Drinks:
- Beer: $2-4
- Caipirinha: $4-8
- Soft drink: $1.50-3
- Fresh juice: $3-6
- Wine (bottle): $20-60+
Daily Food Budget:
- Budget: $20-30
- Mid-Range: $35-50
- Luxury: $60-100+
Tours & Activities
Essential Lençóis Maranhenses Tours:
- Full-day lagoon tour (shared): $40-60/person
- Rio Preguiças speedboat (shared): $40-60/person
- Multi-day trek (3 days): $300-500/person
Jericoacoara Activities:
- Lagoa Azul tour (shared): $25-40/person
- Eastern beaches buggy tour: $30-50/person
- Kitesurfing lesson (2 hours): $60-100
- Horseback riding: $30-50
Parnaíba Delta:
- Delta boat tour (shared): $40-60/person
- Lençóis Piauienses ATV tour: $60-90/person
Premium Upgrades:
- Scenic flight over Lençóis: $100-200/person
- Private tours: 2-3x shared tour prices
- Multi-day luxury packages: $500-1,500+/person
Transportation Between Destinations
Shared Transfers:
- Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $30-50/person
- Jericoacoara to Parnaíba: $40-60/person
- Parnaíba to Barreirinhas: $50-70/person
- Barreirinhas to São Luís: $40-60/person
Private Transfers:
- Prices typically 1.5-2x shared rates per vehicle
- More comfortable and flexible
- Worth it for groups of 3-4+
Local Transportation:
- Taxis in Jericoacoara: $5-15 for most trips
- Buggy rental: $50-80/day
- Bicycle rental: $10-15/day
Money-Saving Strategies (Without Compromising Experience)
1. Travel During Shoulder Season
Savings: 20-30% on accommodations and tours
Trade-off: Slightly less optimal conditions (but still good)
Best Months: May or September
LDJ Travel Tip: Early May or late September offer near-peak conditions with shoulder season pricing – the ultimate value window.
2. Book as a Group
Savings: 15-25% on tours and transportation
How: Many tours and transfers price per vehicle/boat
Ideal: Groups of 4-6 people maximize savings
Example: Private 4×4 tour costs $200. Solo traveler pays $200, but 4 travelers pay $50 each – same tour, 75% savings.
3. Mix Shared and Private Tours
Strategy: Do popular tours shared, unique experiences private
Savings: 30-40% versus all-private
Example: Shared lagoon tours (everyone goes to same lagoons anyway), private delta exploration (where route flexibility matters)
4. Choose Mid-Range Accommodations
Why: Comfort sweet spot – significantly better than budget without luxury premiums
Savings: $30-50/night versus luxury
Reality: In remote areas, mid-range is often 90% as good as “luxury”
5. Eat Like Locals
Strategy: Lunch at per kilo buffets, occasional nice dinners
Savings: $15-25/day on food
Bonus: Often better, more authentic food than tourist restaurants
LDJ Travel Recommendation: Budget for 1-2 nice meals and eat simply otherwise. You’ll save money and often eat better.
6. Book Through a Specialist (Like LDJ Travel)
Savings: 10-20% through wholesale rates and package deals
Bonus: Time saved, stress eliminated, expert guidance
Reality: Self-booking these remote areas is harder and often more expensive than using a specialist
7. Limit Alcohol and Extras
Reality Check: Drinks add up fast
Strategy: Happy hour, local beverages, moderation
Savings: $20-40/day
Where to Invest More for Better Experience
Some cost savings diminish experience. Here’s where spending more creates significant value:
Worth the Upgrade:
1. Accommodations in Barreirinhas
Why: You’ll spend 3-4 nights here. Comfort matters after long, hot days in dunes.
Investment: Extra $30-50/night for mid-range vs budget
Value: Massive quality-of-life improvement
2. Private Transportation Between Destinations
Why: Flexibility, comfort, stops for photos, no waiting for others
Investment: $100-200 extra for entire route
Value: Significant, especially for photographers or groups
3. Scenic Flight Over Lençóis
Why: Unique perspective, incredible photos, once-in-lifetime experience
Investment: $100-200
Value: Nearly every client who does this says it’s worth it
4. Multi-Day Trek (If Adventurous)
Why: Most immersive way to experience Lençóis Maranhenses
Investment: $300-500 for 3-day trek
Value: Extraordinary if you enjoy adventure travel
Probably Not Worth It:
1. “Luxury” Accommodations in Very Remote Areas
Why: Limited options mean paying 2x more for 10% better
Save: $500-800 over entire trip
2. Private Tours for Standard Routes
Why: Everyone sees same lagoons; shared works fine
Save: $200-400 over entire trip
Exception: If you’re a group of 4+, private costs nearly the same
3. All Meals at Tourist Restaurants
Why: Local spots often better and 50% cheaper
Save: $200-300 over 10 days
Sample Budget Breakdowns for 10-Day Route of Emotions
Budget Traveler ($1,000 Total)
- Accommodations (9 nights): $360
- Food (10 days): $250
- Essential tours: $250
- Transportation: $140
- Total: $1,000
Experience: Basic but functional. All highlights seen. Comfortable if experienced with budget travel.
Mid-Range Traveler ($2,000 Total) ⭐
- Accommodations (9 nights): $810
- Food (10 days): $450
- All major tours + 1-2 upgrades: $500
- Transportation (mix private/shared): $240
- Total: $2,000
Experience: Comfortable, reliable, flexible. Best value-to-experience ratio.
Luxury Traveler ($4,000 Total)
- Accommodations (9 nights): $1,800
- Food (10 days): $700
- All tours private + extras: $1,000
- Transportation (all private): $500
- Total: $4,000
Experience: Best available in each location. Maximum comfort and convenience.
Additional Costs to Consider
International Flights: $500-1,500+ depending on origin
Travel Insurance: $50-150 for 10 days (highly recommended)
Visa: Most nationalities get 90-day tourist visa free on arrival
Vaccinations: Usually none required, but check with doctor
Souvenirs & Shopping: $50-200+ depending on interests
Tips for Guides/Drivers: $50-100 total (optional but appreciated)
Contingency Fund: $200-300 for unexpected expenses or opportunities
Best Value Package: The LDJ Travel Approach
What We’ve Learned: The absolute best value comes from strategic spending – investing where it matters, saving where it doesn’t.
Our Most Popular Package ($1,800-2,200/person for 10 days):
- Mid-range accommodations (best value properties)
- Mix of shared tours (where appropriate) and private experiences (where valuable)
- Private transfers for long distances, shared for short ones
- All essential activities included
- Flexibility for optional upgrades
- English-speaking guide support
- 24/7 assistance
Why This Works:
- Comfortable without excess
- Hits value sweet spots
- Includes everything important
- Flexibility for personal preferences
- Eliminates planning stress
- Often cheaper than self-booking due to wholesale rates
When to Splurge vs. Save: Decision Matrix
| Expense | Budget Option | Mid-Range | Luxury | LDJ Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barreirinhas Hotel | $40/night | $90/night | $180/night | Mid-Range (worth it) |
| Jeri Accommodation | $50/night | $110/night | $250/night | Mid-Range (good value) |
| Lagoon Tours | $45 shared | $45 shared | $180 private | Shared (same experience) |
| Scenic Flight | Skip | Maybe | Include | Worth it if budget allows |
| Delta Tour | $50 shared | $50 shared | $200 private | Shared (works well) |
| Transfers | $40 shared | $80 private | $150 luxury | Private for groups of 3+ |
| Meals | $25/day | $40/day | $75/day | $40/day (good balance) |
Ready to Plan Your Budget-Friendly Route of Emotions?
Understanding costs is the first step. The second is working with experts who know where every real (Brazilian currency) creates the most value.
LDJ Travel specializes in maximizing your Route of Emotions experience within any budget. We’ve organized trips from $1,200 to $5,000+ per person – and our clients consistently rave about the value they received.
Get Your Custom Quote Today:
📱 WhatsApp: +55 86 98866-0924
🌐 Website: ldjtravelecia.com
📧 Email: contact@ldjtravelecia.com
Mention “Budget Guide” and receive:
- Free detailed cost breakdown for your specific dates
- Personalized recommendations on where to invest vs. save
- Package pricing (often 15-25% below self-booking)
- Flexible payment plans available
Don’t overspend or under-experience – get the perfect balance with LDJ Travel! 💰✨