Rio, the northern Pantanal, then the coast from the Lençóis to Jericoacoara
After Rio de Janeiro, head for the northern Pantanal, one of the best places in the world to see jaguars. The trip continues along the coast of Brazil’s Northeast: the dunes of the Lençóis Maranhenses, the Parnaíba Delta, Jericoacoara and a few days of rest in Guajiru.
This itinerary is based on a trip our team actually organized: every stop, every hotel and the length of each stay can be adapted to your dates and what you’d like to do.
Trip at a glance
- Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.
- Three nights in Porto Jofre and two days of boat safaris in search of the jaguar.
- The lagoons of the Lençóis Maranhenses and the Parnaíba Delta.
- Jericoacoara by buggy, from Pedra Furada to Buraco Azul.
- Two days of rest in Guajiru, overlooking the lagoon.
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 Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Welcome at the airport and private transfer to your hotel in Copacabana. Rest of the day at leisure.
Included: private airport–hotel transfer, accommodations.
Day 2 — Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer
Rio de Janeiro
Cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain for a panorama over Guanabara Bay, then up Corcovado to Christ the Redeemer and one of the finest views of the city.
Included: accommodations with breakfast, private tours with an English-speaking guide, entrance fees for Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Day 3 — Fly to the Pantanal
Rio de Janeiro, Cuiabá, Northern Pantanal
Flight to Cuiabá, then a drive along the Transpantaneira (about 4.5 hours) to your hotel in Porto Jofre, on the banks of the Cuiabá River. First wildlife sightings along the way.
Included: full board, Rio de Janeiro – Cuiabá flight, private transfer.
Days 4 and 5 — River safari in search of the jaguar
Northern Pantanal
Days by private boat in one of the best areas in the world to see jaguars: your guide watches for fresh tracks on the riverbanks, among caimans, giant otters and countless birds.
Included: full board, private boat safaris with a guide.
Day 6 — From the Pantanal to São Luís
Northern Pantanal, Cuiabá, São Luís
Drive to Cuiabá, then flight to São Luís. Welcome and transfer to the hotel.
Included: accommodations with breakfast, Cuiabá – São Luís flight, transfers.
Day 7 — From São Luís to Barreirinhas
São Luís, Barreirinhas
Drive to Barreirinhas (about 4.5 hours), the gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Check in at the pousada.
Included: accommodations with breakfast, private transfer.
Day 8 — The lagoons of the Lençóis Maranhenses
Barreirinhas
By 4×4 to the foot of the dunes, then a walk across the white sand to Lagoa Bonita and Lagoa Azul, with a swim and sunset over the dunes.
Included: accommodations with breakfast, private excursion with a local guide.
Day 9 — The Delta of the Americas
Barreirinhas, Parnaíba
Drive to Tutóia, then a day by boat in the Parnaíba Delta: islands, mangroves, a boat graveyard and swimming, all the way to Parnaíba.
Included: accommodations with breakfast, full-day boat trip, transfers.
Day 10 — From Parnaíba to Jericoacoara
Parnaíba, Jericoacoara
Drive to Jericoacoara (about 4.5 hours), the final stretch by 4×4 across the sand. Sunset from the big dune.
Included: accommodations with breakfast, private transfer.
Day 11 — Jericoacoara by buggy
Jericoacoara
Buggy excursion to Pedra Furada, then Preá beach and Buraco Azul, before the area’s lagoons with their hammocks set right in the water.
Included: accommodations with breakfast, private buggy excursion.
Day 12 — Free day in Jericoacoara
Jericoacoara
Beach, lagoons and sunset from the big dune: soak up the village atmosphere.
Included: accommodations with breakfast.
Day 13 — From Jericoacoara to Guajiru
Jericoacoara, Guajiru
Drive to Guajiru (about 3 hours), a small fishing village facing a lagoon renowned for kitesurfing.
Included: accommodations with breakfast, private transfer.
Day 14 — Free day in Guajiru
Guajiru
Beach, relaxation and, for enthusiasts, kitesurfing on one of the best-known lagoons in Ceará.
Included: accommodations with breakfast.
Day 15 — Departure from Fortaleza
Guajiru, Fortaleza
Drive to Fortaleza (about 2.5 hours) and transfer to the airport for your international flight. End of our services.
Included: breakfast, transfer to the airport.
Map
Included in this price
- 14 nights in hotels and pousadas, in a double room, with breakfast; full board in the Pantanal.
- Domestic flights Rio de Janeiro – Cuiabá and Cuiabá – São Luís, taxes included.
- All transfers in the itinerary by private vehicle.
- Private tours: with an English-speaking guide in Rio, with a guide in the Pantanal, and with a local guide in the Lençóis and Jericoacoara.
- Entrance fees for Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Not included
- International flights (we’re happy to advise you).
- Meals and drinks not mentioned.
- Optional excursions and activities.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Travel, cancellation and repatriation insurance.
Nothing is set in stone: every step can be adjusted with our team.
More nights at one stop, a different hotel category or an extra destination: we’ll adapt this 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
- Windsor Martinique Copacabana Hotel — Rio de Janeiro
- Santa Rosa Pantanal Hotel — Northern Pantanal
- Stop Way Hotel — São Luís
Superior / Boutique
- Pousada Encantes do Nordeste — Barreirinhas
- Pousada Vila Parnaíba — Parnaíba
- Hotel Rede Beach — Guajiru
- CasaLô Hotel — Jericoacoara
What to pack
- Light, comfortable clothing, swimsuit and sandals.
- Comfortable shoes for sightseeing and closed-toe shoes for the Pantanal.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap.
- Insect repellent, long pants and long sleeves, and binoculars if you have them.
Good to know
The order of visits may be adjusted depending on flight schedules, weather and local conditions.
Sightings of jaguars and other wildlife can never be guaranteed; the best season is from July to October.
The lagoons of the Lençóis Maranhenses are at their fullest from June to September; toward the end of the year, many of them dry up.
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