Explore Brazil’s Route of Emotions: dunes, rivers, and paradise beaches. Complete guide with tips, itinerary & booking with English support.
Imagine walking across endless golden dunes, swimming in crystal-clear lagoons, sailing through a maze of rivers, and ending your day with a spectacular sunset on a tropical beach. This isn’t a dream—it’s the Route of Emotions, one of Brazil’s most unique and unforgettable journeys.
Spanning across three states in Northeast Brazil—Maranhão, Piauí, and Ceará—this route connects three natural wonders:
The surreal Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
The vast Delta do Parnaíba
The charming coastal village of Jericoacoara
This complete guide will show you the best time to go, itinerary suggestions, top highlights, travel tips, and how to plan your perfect trip with full support in English.
What Is the Route of Emotions?
The Route of Emotions (Rota das Emoções) is a scenic journey created to connect three UNESCO-recognized natural treasures. Unlike crowded tourist spots, this itinerary blends adventure, culture, and authenticity in some of Brazil’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Along the way, you’ll experience:
- Desert-like dunes filled with lagoons in the Lençóis Maranhenses
- Wildlife-rich mangroves in the Delta do Parnaíba
- Laid-back beaches and vibrant sunsets in Jericoacoara
It’s a trip that offers diversity in every step—ideal for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Why Travel the Route of Emotions?
Unique Landscapes
Where else can you walk on dunes, sail through rivers, and relax on paradise beaches all in one trip?
Authenticity
Small fishing villages, traditional cuisine, and welcoming locals give you a real taste of Northeast Brazil.
Adventure & Activities
From buggy rides to kitesurfing, from boat safaris to stargazing—there’s something for everyone.
Photography Paradise
Every corner is postcard-worthy: turquoise lagoons, scarlet ibises at sunset, and the famous Pedra Furada arch in Jericoacoara.
Best Time to Visit the Route of Emotions
The region is beautiful year-round, but your experience changes depending on the season:
June to September (Best) → Lagoons are full, skies are clear, weather is perfect.
October to December → Dry season with fewer lagoons, but excellent for Jericoacoara.
January to May → Rainy season, still beautiful but some areas may be harder to access.
👉 Pro tip: If seeing the lagoons at their peak is your dream, plan between July and August.
Suggested Itinerary
The Route of Emotions can be customized depending on how much time you have.
Short Trip – 4 Days
Day 1: São Luís → Barreirinhas (Lençóis Maranhenses)
Day 2: Lagoa Bonita + Lagoa Azul
Day 3: Transfer to Jericoacoara
Day 4: Jericoacoara highlights (Pedra Furada, Sunset Dune)
Classic Route – 7 Days
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|
| 1 | São Luís | Colonial city tour |
| 2 | Barreirinhas | Lagoa Azul + Lagoa Bonita |
| 3 | Atins | Boat ride on Preguiças River |
| 4 | Parnaíba | Delta boat safari |
| 5 | Jericoacoara | Duna do Pôr do Sol |
| 6 | Jericoacoara | Pedra Furada + buggy ride |
| 7 | Return via Fortaleza | Leisure and departure |
Complete Route – 10 to 12 Days
São Luís → Lençóis Maranhenses (Barreirinhas & Atins) → Delta do Parnaíba → Jericoacoara → Fortaleza.
This version includes more time for local villages, hidden lagoons, and eco-adventures.
Highlights of Each Destination
Lençóis Maranhenses
A surreal desert of white dunes and seasonal lagoons.
Don’t miss: Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Bonita, Lagoa dos Peixes.
Top Activities: 4×4 tours, swimming in lagoons, panoramic flights.
Delta do Parnaíba
One of the largest river deltas in the Americas.
- Top Activities: Boat safaris, crab catching, birdwatching.
- Don’t miss: The scarlet ibis (Guará) spectacle at sunset.
Jericoacoara
A charming fishing village turned beach paradise.
- Top Activities: Buggy tours, kitesurfing, hiking to Pedra Furada.
- Don’t miss: Sunset at Duna do Pôr do Sol, caipirinhas on the beach.
Travel Tips
✅ Transportation
- Roads are rough; 4×4 transfers are recommended.
- LDJ Travel provides safe and comfortable transfers in English.
✅ Accommodation
- Budget: Cozy pousadas
- Mid-range: Boutique hotels
- Luxury: Eco-lodges and beachfront resorts
✅ Food & Drinks
- Try local dishes like grilled fish, camarão (shrimp), and tapioca.
- Fresh coconut water and caipirinhas are musts.
✅ Language
- Portuguese is the main language.
- With LDJ Travel, you’ll always have English-speaking support.
How to Book Your Trip
Planning this adventure alone can be challenging—distances are long, transport is limited, and English is not widely spoken.
At LDJ Travel, we:
- Organize private transfers and tours
- Arrange hand-picked hotels (budget to luxury)
- Provide full English assistance throughout your journey
👉 Plan Your Route of Emotions with Us Now
The Route of Emotions is more than a trip—it’s a life-changing journey through Brazil’s most beautiful landscapes. From the turquoise lagoons of Lençóis to the wild mangroves of the Delta and the magical sunsets of Jericoacoara, every day reveals a new wonder.
Don’t just dream about it—make it happen with LDJ Travel.
✨ Start planning today and live the adventure of a lifetime!