From Rio to Jericoacoara, through the dunes and rivers of the Northeast
This tour pairs Rio de Janeiro with one of the most beautiful routes in Brazil’s Northeast. After three days of beaches, mountains and iconic sights, you head to São Luís and then the Lençóis Maranhenses, where white sand dunes frame freshwater lagoons.
The route continues along the Preguiças River, through the Parnaíba Delta and the sunset flight of the scarlet ibises, before four nights in Jericoacoara. An ideal itinerary for combining a first taste of Rio with the sweeping landscapes of the Northeast.
Trip at a glance
- Three days in Rio: Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and a free day.
- The historic center of São Luís, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Lençóis Maranhenses: Lagoa Bonita, Lagoa Azul and a boat trip down the Preguiças River to Caburé.
- The Parnaíba Delta by private boat and the flight of the scarlet ibises.
- Four nights in Jericoacoara to enjoy the village at your own pace.
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 by our English-speaking guide and private transfer to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free to rest or start exploring the city at your own pace.
Included: private airport–hotel transfer with English-speaking guide, accommodation.
Day 2 — Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer
Rio de Janeiro
Cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for a panorama over Guanabara Bay, the beaches and the mountains.
Up Corcovado to see Christ the Redeemer and one of the finest views of Rio. An ideal introduction to the city’s geography, set between ocean, mountains and tropical forest.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide, admission to 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 that suits you.
Included: accommodation with breakfast.
Day 4 — Flight to the Northeast
Rio de Janeiro, São Luís
Private transfer to Rio airport and flight to São Luís. On arrival, welcome and private transfer to your hotel.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private transfers, Rio de Janeiro – São Luís domestic flight.
Day 5 — São Luís, then Barreirinhas
São Luís, Barreirinhas
In the morning, a walking tour of São Luís’s historic center with your English-speaking guide. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it preserves entire streets of 18th- and 19th-century mansions, a legacy of the Portuguese colonial era.
In the afternoon, private transfer to Barreirinhas, the main gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tour of the historic center with English-speaking guide, private São Luís – Barreirinhas transfer.
Day 6 — Lagoa Bonita and Lagoa Azul
Lençóis Maranhenses
Lagoa Bonita: by 4×4 to the foot of the dunes, then a short walk to take in the landscape and, depending on conditions, swim in the lagoons.
Lagoa Azul: a 4×4 excursion to another part of the park, with time to enjoy the dunes and a swim.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private excursions with English-speaking guide.
Day 7 — Down the Preguiças River to Caburé
Barreirinhas
A ride by voadeira, the small motorboat typical of the region, down the Preguiças River to the ocean, past mangroves, palm trees and dunes.
Three stops: Vassouras, in the heart of the Pequenos Lençóis, the village of Mandacaru, then Caburé, between the river and the Atlantic. Optional ATV rides or stand-up paddleboarding available on site.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private excursion with English-speaking guide.
Day 8 — The Parnaíba Delta and the flight of the scarlet ibises
Barreirinhas, Parnaíba
Drive by private vehicle to Parnaíba, then board a private boat to cruise among the delta’s river channels, mangroves and islands.
In the late afternoon, hundreds of scarlet ibises fly into the mangroves to roost for the night: an unforgettable sight at sunset. Return to the port and transfer to your hotel.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private Barreirinhas – Parnaíba transfer with English-speaking guide, private boat excursion in the delta.
Day 9 — Along the coast to Jericoacoara
Parnaíba, Jericoacoara
Depart by 4×4 for Jericoacoara, through coastal landscapes. Check-in and the rest of the day free.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private Parnaíba – Jericoacoara transfer with English-speaking guide.
Days 10 to 12 — Jericoacoara at your own pace
Jericoacoara
Sand streets, dunes, beaches and lagoons in a protected natural setting: Jericoacoara is one of the most iconic destinations in the Northeast.
Locally, we can arrange buggy rides in the dunes or a visit to Lagoa do Paraíso and Lagoa Azul.
Included: accommodation with breakfast.
Day 13 — Departure via Fortaleza
Jericoacoara, Fortaleza
Breakfast, then private transfer to Fortaleza airport for your international flight. End of our services.
Included: breakfast, private transfer from Jericoacoara to Fortaleza airport.
Map
Included in this price
- 12 nights in hotels or pousadas, in a double room, with breakfast.
- Domestic flight Rio de Janeiro – São Luís, airport taxes included.
- All transfers in the itinerary, by private vehicle or by the means of transport planned for each leg.
- Private tours and excursions as listed in the itinerary, with an English-speaking guide where indicated.
- Excursions in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and the boat trip on the Preguiças River.
- Private boat excursion in the Parnaíba Delta to see the scarlet ibises fly in.
- Admission to the sites and parks mentioned.
Not included
- International flights (we’re happy to advise you).
- Meals and drinks not mentioned.
- Optional activities offered locally.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Travel, cancellation and repatriation insurance.
Nothing is set in stone: every step can be adjusted with our team.
Add nights in Jericoacoara, a stop in Atins or upgrade your hotels: we’ll recalculate 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.
Superior / Boutique
- Miramar Hotel by Windsor — Rio de Janeiro
- 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
What to pack
- Light, comfortable clothing suited to the Northeast climate.
- Comfortable shoes, sandals and a swimsuit for the dunes, lagoons and beaches.
- A light rain jacket.
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap.
Good to know
The order of visits and excursions may be adjusted depending on the weather, road conditions, sailing conditions and natural conditions.
In the Lençóis Maranhenses, the water level and appearance of the lagoons vary with the season and the rains.
The flight of the scarlet ibises is a natural phenomenon: it depends on the birds’ behavior and the conditions on the day.
Some activities offered in Caburé or Jericoacoara are optional and may involve an extra charge.
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