A lesser-known side of the Amazon, then the dunes and beaches of the Northeast
Far from the classic routes around Manaus, this trip takes you to Alter do Chão, on the banks of the Tapajós. For several days, you travel by boat on the Tapajós and Arapiuns rivers, share the daily life of riverside communities and sleep in a hammock in the heart of the rainforest.
The adventure continues to the Lençóis Maranhenses, starting from Atins, then along the Northeast coast to Barra Grande, Jericoacoara and Guajiru. A trip for those who want to go beyond the big classics and experience a more authentic Amazon.
Trip at a glance
- A day in Belém: the Ver-o-Peso market, the Fortaleza do Castelo and the Basilica of Nazaré.
- Four nights in hammocks with riverside communities, on the Tapajós and Arapiuns rivers.
- The Floresta Nacional do Tapajós and its giant samaúma trees.
- The Great Dunes of the Lençóis Maranhenses, starting from Atins.
- The Northeast coast: Barra Grande, Tatajuba, Jericoacoara, then three days of rest in Guajiru.
With Brazil Vip
An itinerary built with you, at your own pace and within your budget.
Bookings and logistics handled from start to finish.
Assistance 7 days a week during your trip.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Recife
Recife
Welcome at Recife airport and private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private airport–hotel transfer.
Day 2 — Belém, then Alter do Chão
Recife, Belém, Santarém, Alter do Chão
Flight to Belém, where your English-speaking guide shows you the Ver-o-Peso market, the Feliz Lusitânia historic complex, the Fortaleza do Castelo, the Basilica of Nossa Senhora de Nazaré and the Emílio Goeldi Museum.
Flight to Santarém, then private transfer to Alter do Chão, on the banks of the Tapajós.
Included: Recife – Belém and Belém – Santarém flights, private tour of Belém with English-speaking guide, private transfers, accommodation with breakfast.
Day 3 — The Arapiuns River and the Coroca community
Arapiuns River, Coroca
Boat ride to the Coroca community, whose life is bound up with the rivers and the forest. You’ll learn about a project to protect Amazon river turtles, walk to an igarapé (forest creek) for a swim and visit a palm-fiber craft workshop.
Community dinner and a night in a hammock.
Included: full board, boat trips, private activities with English-speaking guide, night in a hammock in the community.
Day 4 — Riverside traditions in São Miguel
São Miguel
A handmade pottery workshop, a hike on the São Marcos ecological trail and a traditional canoe ride with local residents. A taste of local specialties.
Community dinner and a night in a hammock.
Included: full board, private activities with English-speaking guide, night in a hammock in the community.
Day 5 — Community tourism between Anã and Maripá
Anã, Maripá
In Anã, a community known for its agroecology and community tourism initiatives, you’ll discover the Peixes fish-farming project and local skills, before a lunch of regional produce.
Hike to the Maripá community, community dinner and a night in a hammock.
Included: full board, private activities with English-speaking guide, night in a hammock in the community.
Day 6 — The Floresta Nacional do Tapajós
Floresta Nacional do Tapajós, Jamaraquá
A speedboat ride on the Tapajós, then a hike through this vast protected area to a giant samaúma, one of the Amazon’s emblematic trees.
A swim in an igarapé, a traditional lunch and a canoe ride with the residents of Jamaraquá. Community dinner and a last night in a hammock.
Included: full board, boat trips, hike and private activities with English-speaking guide, night in a hammock in the community.
Day 7 — From the Amazon to São Luís
Alter do Chão, Santarém, São Luís
Boat ride back to Alter do Chão, transfer to Santarém airport and flight to São Luís. Welcome and private transfer to your hotel.
Included: boat trip, private transfers, Santarém – São Luís flight, accommodation with breakfast.
Day 8 — To Atins, at the gates of the Lençóis
São Luís, Barreirinhas, Atins
Drive by private vehicle to Barreirinhas, then continue by 4×4 to Atins. First views of the white sand dunes and the lagoons that appear depending on the season.
Included: private São Luís – Barreirinhas transfer, 4×4 transfer to Atins with a Portuguese-speaking local guide, accommodation with breakfast.
Day 9 — The Great Dunes of the Lençóis Maranhenses
Atins, Lençóis Maranhenses
A 4×4 excursion to the Great Dunes, with stops at lagoons chosen according to the season and water level. Time to walk in the dunes and swim when conditions allow.
Included: private 4×4 excursion with a Portuguese-speaking local guide, accommodation with breakfast.
Day 10 — On to Barra Grande
Atins, Barra Grande
Drive by private vehicle to Barra Grande, on the coast of Piauí, as the landscapes of the Lençóis give way to the coastline. Free afternoon.
Included: private Atins – Barra Grande transfer, accommodation with breakfast.
Day 11 — Tatajuba, then Jericoacoara
Barra Grande, Camocim, Tatajuba, Jericoacoara
Drive to Camocim, then along the coast with a stop at Tatajuba, with its dunes and lagoons. Arrival in Jericoacoara and check-in at your pousada.
Included: private transfer and excursion with a Portuguese-speaking local guide, stop at Tatajuba, accommodation with breakfast.
Day 12 — Jericoacoara, then Guajiru
Jericoacoara, Guajiru
Free morning in Jericoacoara, then private transfer to Guajiru, a small coastal village in Ceará.
Included: private Jericoacoara – Guajiru transfer, accommodation with breakfast.
Days 13 and 14 — Relaxing on the beaches of Guajiru
Guajiru
After the rivers, dunes and roads, two free days by the sea to enjoy the beach and the peaceful atmosphere of the Ceará coast.
Included: accommodation with breakfast.
Day 15 — Flight to São Paulo
Guajiru, Fortaleza, São Paulo
Free morning, then private transfer to Fortaleza airport and flight to São Paulo. Welcome and private transfer to your hotel.
Included: private transfers, Fortaleza – São Paulo flight, accommodation with breakfast.
Day 16 — Departure from São Paulo
São Paulo
Private transfer to São Paulo airport for your international flight. End of our services.
Included: breakfast, private hotel–airport transfer.
Map
Included in this price
- 15 nights in hotels, pousadas and local communities.
- Breakfast at hotels and pousadas; full board during the 4 nights in hammocks in the Amazon communities.
- Domestic flights Recife – Belém, Belém – Santarém, Santarém – São Luís and Fortaleza – São Paulo, with one 23 kg (50 lb) checked bag per person.
- All transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
- Private tour of Belém and activities on the Amazon leg with an English-speaking guide.
- Transfers and excursions in the Lençóis Maranhenses and on to Jericoacoara, with a Portuguese-speaking local guide where indicated.
- Boat trips, hikes and community experiences in the itinerary.
Not included
- International flights.
- Meals and drinks not mentioned.
- Optional excursions and activities.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Travel insurance, assistance, cancellation and repatriation cover.
Nothing is set in stone: every step can be adjusted with our team.
More time in the Lençóis, a final stop in Rio, or fewer nights with the communities: we’ll tailor the trip with you.
Customize this tourSuggested accommodation
Hotels are indicative. We confirm them when we prepare your quote, based on your dates and availability, and they may be replaced by properties of an equivalent category. We can also tailor the choice of hotels to your preferences and budget.
Standard / Guesthouse
- Pousada Ocazum — Alter do Chão
- Vila Jurará — Atins
- Pousada Jeri Dunas — Jericoacoara
- TRYP by Wyndham Paulista Paraíso — São Paulo
Superior / Boutique
- Pousada BGK — Barra Grande
- Hotel Rede Beach — Guajiru
- Hotel Luzeiros — Recife
- Hotel Luzeiros — São Luís
What to pack
- Light clothing, plus long pants and long sleeves for the days in the forest.
- Closed-toe shoes for hiking, sandals and a swimsuit.
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap.
- A small backpack, a reusable water bottle and a flashlight for the nights in the communities.
Good to know
The Amazon leg includes four nights in hammocks within local communities. This is a community tourism experience, with simpler comforts than a hotel or pousada.
On the Tapajós and Arapiuns rivers, activities may be adjusted depending on navigation conditions, the weather and local conditions.
In the Lençóis Maranhenses, the lagoons are seasonal: which ones you visit and whether you can swim depend on the time of year and the water level.
The Belém tour and the Amazon leg are guided by an English-speaking guide; some activities in the Lençóis and on the way to Jericoacoara are led by a Portuguese-speaking local guide.
The order of activities, flights and schedules may be adjusted according to availability at the time of booking.
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