From Rio to Jericoacoara, through the Amazon, dunes and lagoons
Fifteen days to take in several of Brazil’s great ecosystems: Rio de Janeiro, with its beaches, mountains and rainforest, then a few days deep in the world’s largest tropical forest, the Amazon.
The journey continues to São Luís and the Lençóis Maranhenses, then along the Route of Emotions with the Preguiças River, the Parnaíba Delta and the evening flight of the scarlet ibises, before ending in Jericoacoara.
Trip at a glance
- Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and a free day.
- Three days at an Amazon lodge: boat trips, forest, pink river dolphins and riverside life.
- The historic center of São Luís and the lagoons of the Lençóis Maranhenses.
- The Preguiças River down to Caburé, then the Parnaíba Delta and the flight of the scarlet ibises.
- Three nights in Jericoacoara for a relaxed finish.
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
You are met by our English-speaking guide and taken by private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private airport–hotel transfer with English-speaking guide.
Day 2 — Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer
Rio de Janeiro
Cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for a panoramic view over Guanabara Bay, then on to Corcovado for Christ the Redeemer and one of the finest views of the city.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide, entrance fees for Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Day 3 — Free day in Rio
Rio de Janeiro
Beaches, neighborhoods, restaurants: enjoy Rio at your own pace, or add an excursion of your choice.
Included: accommodation with breakfast.
Day 4 — Off to the Amazon
Rio de Janeiro, Manaus, Amazon
Flight to Manaus, then on to your lodge. Depending on the lodge, the route may pass the Meeting of the Waters, where the Rio Negro and the Solimões flow side by side.
In the evening, an outing to discover the nocturnal wildlife may be offered.
Included: lodge accommodation, breakfast and dinner, Rio de Janeiro – Manaus flight, transfers, activities depending on the lodge.
Day 5 — Rivers, forest and piranhas
Amazon
A boat trip on the rivers and lakes, a guided forest walk, piranha fishing and sunset over the water.
Included: full board, activities with an English-speaking guide (other languages depending on the lodge).
Day 6 — Pink river dolphins and riverside life
Amazon
By small boat in search of pink river dolphins and birds, then a meeting with local residents. Depending on the season, exploration of the igarapés (forest creeks) and flooded forests.
Included: full board, activities with an English-speaking guide (other languages depending on the lodge).
Day 7 — From Manaus to São Luís
Amazon, Manaus, São Luís
Return to Manaus and flight to São Luís. Meet-and-greet, private transfer to your hotel and the rest of the day free.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, transfer from the lodge, Manaus – São Luís flight, private transfer.
Day 8 — São Luís, then Barreirinhas
São Luís, Barreirinhas
A walking tour of the UNESCO-listed historic center of São Luís, with its 18th- and 19th-century mansions. In the afternoon, transfer to Barreirinhas, the gateway to the Lençóis Maranhenses.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tour with English-speaking guide, private transfer.
Day 9 — Lagoa Bonita and Lagoa Azul
Lençóis Maranhenses
By 4×4 to the foot of the Lagoa Bonita dunes, then a short walk to the lagoons. Excursion to Lagoa Azul, in another part of the park, with time for a swim.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private excursions with English-speaking guide.
Day 10 — The Preguiças River down to Caburé
Barreirinhas
By voadeira (speedboat) along the Preguiças River to the ocean, with three stops: Vassouras and the Pequenos Lençóis, the village of Mandacaru, then Caburé. ATV rides or stand-up paddleboarding available as options.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private excursion with English-speaking guide.
Day 11 — The Parnaíba Delta and the flight of the scarlet ibises
Barreirinhas, Parnaíba
Drive to Parnaíba, then a private boat trip through the river channels, mangroves and islands of the delta. In the late afternoon, hundreds of scarlet ibises fly in to roost in the mangroves for the night.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private transfer with English-speaking guide, private boat excursion in the delta.
Day 12 — Along the coast to Jericoacoara
Parnaíba, Jericoacoara
Depart by 4×4 for Jericoacoara along the coastline. Check in and the rest of the day free.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private transfer with English-speaking guide.
Days 13 and 14 — Jericoacoara at your leisure
Jericoacoara
Dunes, beaches and lagoons around a village with sandy streets. Optional buggy outings or a visit to Lagoa do Paraíso and Lagoa Azul.
Included: accommodation with breakfast.
Day 15 — Departure via Fortaleza
Jericoacoara, Fortaleza
Private transfer to Fortaleza airport for your international flight. End of our services.
Included: breakfast, private transfer to Fortaleza airport.
Map
Included in this price
- 14 nights in hotels, pousadas and a lodge, in a double room, with breakfast; full board in the Amazon.
- Domestic flights Rio de Janeiro – Manaus and Manaus – São Luís, taxes included.
- Private transfers as listed in the itinerary, except in the Amazon, where they are arranged by the lodge.
- Private tours and excursions with an English-speaking guide where indicated; in the Amazon, activities with an English-speaking guide (other languages depending on the lodge).
- Excursions in the Lençóis Maranhenses and boat trip on the Preguiças River.
- Private boat excursion in the Parnaíba Delta and entrance fees for the sites mentioned.
Not included
- International flights (we can advise you).
- Meals and drinks not mentioned.
- Optional activities offered locally.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Travel, cancellation and medical evacuation insurance.
Nothing is set in stone: every step can be adjusted with our team.
Swap the Amazon for another stop, add Atins or extra beach days: we tailor the tour 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.
Superior / Boutique
- Miramar Hotel by Windsor — Rio de Janeiro
- Juma Lodge — Amazon
- Hotel Luzeiros — São Luís
- Porto Preguiças Resort — Barreirinhas
- Casa de Santo Antônio Hotel Boutique — Parnaíba
- Vila Kalango — Jericoacoara
- Essenza Hotel — Jericoacoara
Luxury / Unique
- Belmond Copacabana Palace — Rio de Janeiro
- Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge — Amazon
What to pack
- Lightweight clothing, with long pants and long sleeves for the Amazon.
- Closed-toe shoes for the forest, sandals and a swimsuit.
- A light rain jacket.
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap.
Good to know
The order of visits may be adjusted depending on the weather, water levels, road conditions and local circumstances.
In the Amazon, the program depends on the lodge chosen, the season and water levels. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.
In the Lençóis Maranhenses, the level and appearance of the lagoons vary with the season and rainfall. The flight of the scarlet ibises depends on the birds’ behavior.
Some activities in Caburé or Jericoacoara are optional and may carry an extra charge.
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