You’ve decided: The Route of Emotions is happening.
Now comes the complexity: Flights from Europe. Visa requirements (or lack thereof). Vaccinations. Currency. Insurance. Packing. Timing. Booking sequence. Communication plans.
This comprehensive guide eliminates planning paralysis – everything European travelers need to transform inspiration into confirmed itinerary, organized sequentially, honestly assessed.
LDJ Travel has guided hundreds of Europeans through this process. We know every friction point, every common mistake, every shortcut.
Phase 1: Decide & Commit (6-8 Months Before)
The Strategic Decision
Question 1: When?
Optimal months: June-September (peak lagoon season)
Availability sweet spot: Late June, August, early September
Booking window: 3-6 months ahead (4 months ideal)
Your European context:
- July-August: School holidays (family-friendly, busiest, book 5-6 months ahead)
- June: Pre-summer break (good weather, fewer tourists)
- September: Post-summer (still excellent, better availability)
Question 2: Duration?
Minimum worthwhile: 7 days (rushed but hits highlights)
Recommended: 10 days (comfortable, complete Route of Emotions)
Ideal: 12-14 days (relaxed, flexibility for weather/preference)
Flight time consideration:
- Door-to-door Europe → Brazil: 18-24 hours
- 2 days consumed by travel
- Minimum 7 full days on ground recommended
Question 3: Budget?
Realistic total (per person, 10 days, from Europe):
Budget approach: €1,380-1,840
- Flights: €575-805
- Ground (Route of Emotions): €805-1,035
- Contingency: €115-230
Comfortable approach: €2,300-2,990 ⭐ MOST EUROPEAN TRAVELERS
- Flights: €690-1,150
- Ground: €1,380-1,725
- Contingency: €230-345
Premium approach: €3,680-5,750
- Flights: €920-1,380 (business class possible)
- Ground: €2,300-3,450
- Contingency: €460-920
Reality check: Less than week skiing Alps, comparable to week Greek islands
The Commitment
Book flights first? NO.
Correct sequence:
- Contact LDJ Travel (confirm Route of Emotions availability)
- Receive detailed proposal (exact dates, pricing)
- Commit to Route dates (deposit secures)
- THEN book flights (dates confirmed, no mismatch)
Why this matters: Flights are easy, Route of Emotions logistics aren’t. Secure ground first, flights second.
Phase 2: Flights from Europe (4-6 Months Before)
Route Options to São Luís (SLZ)
No direct flights from Europe to São Luís. Connections required.
Option 1: Via Lisbon (TAP Portugal) ⭐ MOST CONVENIENT FOR EUROPEANS
- Hub: Lisbon (LIS)
- Connection: Lisbon → São Luís (direct or via Fortaleza/Recife)
- Flight time: 9-10h Europe→Lisbon, 4-8h Lisbon→SLZ
- Total: 15-20 hours
- Advantage: Single airline, baggage through-checked, easier connections
- From: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, Milan, others
Option 2: Via major European hub + São Paulo/Rio (Various airlines)
- Hubs: Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, London
- Route: Europe → São Paulo (GRU) or Rio (GIG) → São Luís (SLZ)
- Flight time: 11-12h Europe→Brazil, 3h São Paulo/Rio→SLZ
- Total: 16-22 hours (depends on connection time)
- Airlines: KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, Iberia, British Airways
- Advantage: More frequency options
Option 3: Via Fortaleza (Often cheaper)
- Route: Europe → Lisbon/São Paulo → Fortaleza (FOR) → Ground transfer to Jeri
- Then: End in São Luís (fly home from there)
- Advantage: Start journey directly in Jericoacoara (skip São Luís)
- Consideration: Requires open-jaw ticket (fly in FOR, out SLZ)
Price expectations (roundtrip from major European cities):
- Budget (Economy, 1-2 stops): €575-805
- Standard (Economy, convenient routes): €690-920
- Premium (Premium Economy): €920-1,380
- Business: €2,300-3,680 (if you must!)
Money-saving tips: ✓ Tuesday-Wednesday departures often cheaper
✓ Shoulder season (€115-230 / $125-250 less than peak)
✓ Fly mid-week (not Friday/Sunday)
✓ Open-jaw (into FOR, out of SLZ) sometimes cheaper
✓ Position yourself (cheap flight to Lisbon first, then TAP Brazil)
Layover Considerations
Lisbon layover:
- Minimum: 2 hours (tight but manageable)
- Comfortable: 3-4 hours
- Opportunity: 8+ hours (leave airport, see Lisbon!)
São Paulo/Rio layover:
- Minimum: 3 hours (different terminals often)
- Comfortable: 4-5 hours
- Never: Under 2.5 hours (miss connection likely)
Overnight layovers:
- Sometimes cheaper (especially São Paulo)
- Can explore city (São Paulo has excellent hotels near airport)
- Breaks journey (less exhausting than 20-hour straight travel)
Phase 3: Bureaucracy & Logistics (3-4 Months Before)
Visa Requirements
GOOD NEWS: Most European nationals do NOT need visa for Brazil tourism.
Countries with 90-day visa-free: All EU countries, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland
Requirements on arrival:
- Passport valid 6+ months beyond travel
- Return ticket (proof of onward travel)
- Proof of accommodation (we provide)
- Occasionally proof of funds (credit card usually sufficient)
Entry form: Completed online or on plane
Duration: 90 days (more than sufficient for Route of Emotions!)
Extension: Possible but unnecessary for tourism
Vaccinations
Required: NONE for most European travelers arriving from Europe
Recommended (consult travel clinic 4-6 weeks before):
- Hepatitis A: Food/water-borne (Brazil risk moderate)
- Typhoid: Food/water-borne (especially if adventurous eating)
- Routine updates: Tetanus, MMR, etc.
Yellow Fever:
- NOT required for Route of Emotions area
- Consider if: Visiting Amazon before/after
- Timing: 10 days before travel (takes time to become effective)
Malaria: NOT a risk in coastal Route of Emotions
Dengue: Present but risk low (mosquito repellent sufficient prevention)
Travel clinic: Provides personalized assessment based on your health, itinerary, risk tolerance
Travel Insurance: NON-NEGOTIABLE
Why essential:
- Medical evacuation from remote areas = €23,000-46,000 without insurance
- Trip cancellation (last-minute illness, family emergency)
- Lost/delayed baggage
- Adventure activities (4×4, boats, ATVs)
- COVID-related disruptions
What to ensure coverage includes: ✓ Medical emergency: €92,000+ minimum
✓ Medical evacuation: €230,000+ minimum
✓ Trip cancellation/interruption
✓ Adventure activities (check fine print – some exclude!)
✓ COVID coverage (cancellation if positive test)
✓ Baggage loss/delay
✓ 24/7 emergency assistance
Recommended providers (popular with European travelers):
- World Nomads: Backpacker-friendly, adventure coverage
- SafetyWing: Digital nomad focus, monthly subscription
- AXA: European brand, comprehensive
- Allianz: Widely available, good reputation
- True Traveller: UK-based, adventure-focused
Cost: €46-115 / $50-125 for 10-day trip (small price for peace of mind)
Booking timing: Immediately after booking flights (covers cancellation from that point)
Phase 4: Financial Preparation (2-3 Months Before)
Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL / R$)
Exchange rate (approximate, fluctuates):
- €1 = R$6.00
- $1 = R$5.20
- £1 = R$7.00
Our pricing: We quote EUR/USD, you pay in your currency (we handle conversion)
How to Access Money in Brazil
Credit Cards ⭐ PRIMARY METHOD:
- Accepted: Most hotels, restaurants, tours in tourist areas
- Not accepted: Small villages, street vendors, some basic pousadas
- Best: Visa, Mastercard (universal), Amex (less common)
- Fees: Check foreign transaction fees (some European cards have none!)
- Tip: Notify bank of travel (prevent fraud blocks)
Debit Cards (ATM withdrawals):
- Availability: ATMs in cities (Fortaleza, São Luís, Jericoacoara, Parnaíba, Barreirinhas)
- Limitations: Sometimes out of cash, daily limits (R$1,000-1,500 typical)
- Fees: Your bank + Brazilian bank (~€5-8 / $5-10 per withdrawal)
- Strategy: Withdraw larger amounts when available (minimize fees)
Cash (Brazilian Reais):
- Bring some: €115-230 / $125-250 worth for arrival day, emergencies, small purchases
- Where to get: Exchange at European airport before departure OR São Luís airport on arrival
- Exchange rate: Airport rates poor but convenience worth small premium
What NOT to do: ✗ Bring lots of cash (theft risk)
✗ Rely on finding perfect exchange rates (waste time/energy)
✗ Use currency exchange services in tourist areas (terrible rates)
✗ Expect to pay everything with card (remote areas = cash needed)
Wise/Revolut (Modern solution):
- Digital accounts with multi-currency wallets
- Great exchange rates
- Works like local debit card
- Popular with European travelers
- Setup BEFORE departure!
Daily Budget on Ground
Already covered: Accommodations, tours (in LDJ Travel package)
Budget for (per person daily):
- Meals: €23-46 / $25-50 (budget-comfortable)
- Drinks: €9-23 / $10-25 (if drinking alcohol)
- Snacks: €5-9 / $5-10
- Souvenirs: €9-46 / $10-50 (optional)
- Tips: €5-9 / $5-10
- Contingency: €9-23 / $10-25
Total: €58-138 / $63-150 daily beyond package costs
Phase 5: Booking Route of Emotions (3-4 Months Before)
The LDJ Travel Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Initial Contact
📱 WhatsApp (fastest): +55 86 98866-0924
📧 Email: contact@ldjtravelecia.com
Response time:
- WhatsApp: 2-8 hours (business hours Brazil time)
- Email: 24 hours maximum
Step 2: Consultation (Via WhatsApp/Email)
We’ll discuss:
- Your dates (confirm availability)
- Itinerary options (7/10/12 days)
- Accommodation preferences (budget/comfort/premium)
- Activity interests (kitesurfing, trekking, relaxation)
- Any special requirements (dietary, accessibility, etc.)
Duration: Usually 2-3 message exchanges to understand needs
Step 3: Detailed Proposal (Within 48 Hours)
You receive:
- Day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
- Accommodation details with photos
- All inclusions listed clearly
- Exact pricing in EUR/USD (no hidden fees!)
- Payment schedule
- Terms and conditions
- Cancellation policy
Step 4: Refinement (As Needed)
Common adjustments:
- Change accommodation category
- Add/remove activities
- Adjust duration
- Modify pace (more/less active)
Iterations: Usually 1-2 rounds until perfect
Step 5: Confirmation (Your timeline)
When ready:
- Pay deposit (typically 30%, secures dates/accommodations)
- Receive confirmation documents
- Dates officially reserved
Payment methods: Bank transfer (EUR/USD), credit card, PayPal, Wise
Step 6: Pre-Trip Support (Until departure)
Included:
- Customized packing list (season-specific)
- Pre-departure briefing document
- Emergency contact information
- WhatsApp support for questions
- Final confirmation 2 weeks before
Phase 6: Pre-Departure Preparation (1-2 Months Before)
What to Pack (Essentials Only)
Already covered: See detailed packing list article
The priorities:
- Sun protection (SPF 50+, reef-safe if possible)
- Quick-dry clothing (humidity, swimming daily)
- Comfortable sandals (primary footwear)
- Waterproof phone case (lagoons, boats)
- Power bank (remote areas, charging limited)
- First aid basics (especially anti-diarrheal!)
What to leave home:
- Excessive clothes (you’ll rewear)
- Laptop (unless essential)
- Valuables (unnecessary risk)
- Heavy books (Kindle instead)
Communication Plan
Phone/Data Options:
Option 1: EU Roaming (IF your plan covers Brazil)
- Check with provider (most don’t include Brazil)
- If included: Convenient but often slow speeds
Option 2: Brazilian SIM Card ⭐ RECOMMENDED
- Purchase: São Luís or Fortaleza airport on arrival
- Carriers: Vivo, Claro, TIM (all similar)
- Cost: R$30-50 (~€5-8 / $5-10) for 2-3GB (sufficient for 10 days)
- Setup: Bring unlocked phone, passport for registration
Option 3: eSIM (Modern, easy)
- Apps: Airalo, Holafly
- Purchase before departure
- Install via app
- Immediately active on arrival
- Cost: €15-30 / $17-33 for 10 days
WiFi availability:
- Hotels: Usually available (quality varies)
- Remote areas: Limited or none
- Strategy: Don’t rely on it for essential communication
WhatsApp: Essential! Works over data/WiFi, our primary communication channel
Final Logistics
2 Weeks Before: □ Reconfirm flights
□ Print insurance documents
□ Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me)
□ Load translation app (Google Translate with offline Portuguese)
□ Notify banks/credit cards of travel
□ Check passport expiration (6+ months validity)
□ Start taking probiotics (gut prep!)
□ Exchange some currency if not yet done
1 Week Before: □ Final packing
□ Charge all electronics
□ Download entertainment (long flights!)
□ Prescriptions filled
□ Copies of documents (digital + physical)
□ Emergency contacts saved
□ LDJ Travel WhatsApp saved: +55 86 98866-0924
Day Before: □ Recheck packing list
□ Print boarding passes (if not mobile)
□ Set multiple alarms
□ Confirm ride to airport
□ Last-minute questions to LDJ Travel (we’re here!)
Phase 7: Travel Day (The Journey Begins!)
Europe to Brazil Flight
Departure day:
- Airport 3 hours early (international, peak season)
- Check baggage limits (usually 23kg checked, 8kg carry-on)
- Keep valuables in carry-on (never checked!)
- Dress in layers (plane temperature varies)
Long-haul flight survival:
- Hydrate constantly (ask for water frequently)
- Move regularly (prevent DVT)
- Sleep gear (neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs)
- Entertainment downloaded (WiFi expensive/unreliable)
- Compression socks (if prone to swelling)
Layover strategies:
- Short (<3h): Stay near gate, stretch, hydrate
- Medium (3-8h): Explore airport, lounge if access, meal
- Long (8+h): Consider leaving airport if city worth visiting
Arrival in Brazil
São Luís Airport (SLZ):
- Immigration (have return ticket, accommodation info ready)
- Baggage claim
- Customs (usually wave through)
- Find LDJ Travel representative (we’re meeting you!)
First hours:
- SIM card purchase (if not done pre-departure)
- ATM withdrawal (some initial cash)
- Meet guide/driver
- Transfer begins (Barreirinhas 4h OR next flight if starting elsewhere)
Jet lag reality:
- Brazil: 3-5 hours behind Europe (depends on origin/season)
- Direction: Traveling west = easier adjustment
- Strategy: Force yourself to local schedule immediately
- First day: Stay awake until 9-10 PM local (even if exhausted!)
Phase 8: On-Ground Experience (Days 1-10)
Already handled by LDJ Travel: ✓ All accommodations
✓ All transportation
✓ All tours/activities
✓ Itinerary coordination
✓ Logistics troubleshooting
Your responsibilities: ✓ Show up on time
✓ Follow safety guidelines
✓ Communicate needs/concerns
✓ Enjoy the experience!
Our 24/7 WhatsApp: +55 86 98866-0924
- Questions during trip
- Last-minute adjustments
- Issues (rare but we handle immediately)
- Just want to share excitement!
Phase 9: Return Journey (Day 10-11)
Final day:
- Morning at leisure or final activity
- Transfer to São Luís (4h)
- Evening flight begins (usually)
- Overnight flight to Europe (arrive next day)
Jet lag return:
- Traveling east = harder adjustment
- Lost time zones = arrive “tomorrow”
- Recovery: 3-5 days typical
Common European Questions
Q: Is my English sufficient?
A: Yes! Our guides speak English, WhatsApp support is English, translation apps bridge gaps elsewhere.
Q: Will I get sick?
A: Possible (traveler’s diarrhea affects 30-40%). Bring Imodium, stay hydrated, nothing serious typically.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Yes, very safe in tourist areas. Standard precautions sufficient.
Q: What about COVID?
A: Check current requirements (change frequently). Generally: vaccination proof sufficient, no quarantine.
Q: Can I drink the water?
A: No. Bottled only. Widely available, cheap.
Q: Do I need cash?
A: Some. Budget €115-230 / $125-250 cash for entire trip (cards work most places).
Q: Will my phone work?
A: Yes, with Brazilian SIM or international data. WiFi at accommodations (quality varies).
Q: Can I change my itinerary once there?
A: Some flexibility possible. Discuss with us via WhatsApp.
Q: What if emergency at home?
A: Contact us immediately. We’ll help with rebooking, early departure, whatever needed.
Your Next Step: Begin Planning
You have the information. You understand the process.
Only decision remaining: Start or delay?
Delaying means:
- Dates fill up (especially peak season)
- Prices potentially increase
- Opportunity cost (time not experiencing)
- Analysis paralysis continues
Starting means:
- WhatsApp message (3 minutes)
- Proposal received (48 hours)
- Deposit commits (dates secured)
- Flights booked (journey confirmed)
- Countdown begins (excitement builds!)
The planning is easier than you imagined because we handle complexity.
Take the First Step Now:
📱 WhatsApp: +55 86 98866-0924
(Message: “European traveler – ready to plan Route of Emotions [rough dates]”)
📧 Email: contact@ldjtravelecia.com
Mention: “Complete Planning Guide reader” for thorough, patient planning support
Response: Within 2-8 hours (WhatsApp) / 24 hours (email)
From European couch to Brazilian dunes: Simpler than expected.
From consideration to confirmation: One message away.
From “someday” to “countdown”: Your choice, today. ✈️🌴
— LDJ Travel Team
Your English-speaking Route of Emotions specialists