Lençois is an unforgettable paradise of 1500km². Dunes and lagoons stretch as far as the eye can see. It is a magical place, close to the unreal, where an almost mystical atmosphere reigns. Do not fly from Brazil without discovering this jewel of the Northeast.
Sao Luis, the starting point
Sao Luis is the starting point of the road trip. Indeed, the city's airport is well connected. Sao Luis was founded on an island by the French in the 17thcentury ( by the famous Daniel de la Touche, famous yes, but only in Brazil!)
On site, you can visit the historic center of this colonial city, a World Heritage Site. The capital of the state of Maranhão offers colorful and renovated colonial buildings as far as the eye can see. Art galleries, shops, cafes and restaurants are numerous in town. Two days in Sao Luis is more than enough.
Lençois Marenhenses, a magical place
This desert of dunes and lagoons is one of the new wonders of the world. You will be blown away by its vastness, its calm, and the impression that the site leaves on each of its visitors. Even as a frequent traveler, it is certain that you will never have seen such a landscape. This wonder of nature is located in the Northeast, a region of Brazil renowned for its aridity but with divine beaches.
From Sao Luis, it is easy to reach the national park via bus lines. Do not forget to book them, but they are quite regular in their departures.
It takes no less than three days to fully enjoy the Lençois National Park. By offering you the services of a guide and/or a specialized tourism agency, you can visit different lagoons (Lagoa Bonita, Lagoa Azul, etc.). But the lagoons less popular with tourists are accessible after a few hours of trekking in the sand. The bravest will be treated to a breathtaking show by attending a sunrise over the dunes. The guides fold into 4 so that tourists see amazing things. The sunset is also part of it. And then, do not leave the national park without going through the obligatory rite of Lençois, an unforgettable swim in one of the lagoons of the park!
To enjoy an incredible view of the park of Lençois Marenhenses, nothing beats a helicopter tour. You will be able to admire from the sky the dunes and lagoons, which will give a whole new dimension to the park.
You can find, near the park, plenty of villages offering pousadas, these cheap youth hostels. Whatever the village where you stay, tourist agencies will offer you various and varied tours.
The surrounding villages, Barreirinhas and Atins
Barreirinhas is one of the small villages close to the park. Staying there then allows you to take a walk on the Rio Perguiças, to reach the small village of Atins. During this journey on the water, you can also stop on the banks of the river, as many villages border it. The locals will be happy to welcome you and show you the local crafts. In addition, it is an opportunity to discover the "little Lençois". As its name suggests, it is also sand dunes but on a much smaller area.
The cities crossed: Tutoia, Parnaiba and its Delta
Continuing your journey in the Northeast, you will have to cross several villages, such as Tutoia, and Parnaiba. These last two are places of passage, where you will easily find a bus or any means of transport for your next destination (yes because do not be afraid to travel by 4×4, buggy, or on the water!). If you happen to find yourself in Parnaiba, do not miss the "Parnaiba Delta". It is a mouth between several islands, where the fauna and flora are very diverse. You will surely have the chance to see beautiful red Ibis flying. Many tourist agencies also offer excursions to the Parnaiba Delta.
Jericoacoara, the little paradise
A trip to the Northeast without going through Jericoacoara is similar to a visit to Paris without going through the Eiffel Tower. Jericoacoara is a small village whose streets are all sandy. There are only pousadas, tourist agencies, and many typical restaurants. The atmosphere is incredible: it feels like a hippie seaside resort from the 80s. Calm and serenity are required. You will not be bored since the tourist agencies will offer you various more or less sporting activities. The "lagoa Azul" and the "lagoa del paraiso" are accessible from the dunes in buggies. You can also discover the "Pedra Furada" and the "Perguiça" tree passing through the rocky coastline. Do not hesitate to make a stopover in Tatajuba where you can enjoy hammocks, feet (and buttocks) in the water. Party goers can even enjoy the dance evenings organized by one of the rooftop restaurants in Jericoacoara. Find every evening the small market of Jericoacoara, as well as the caipirinhas sellers who will roll out the red carpet, from the village to the beach. A week is not too much to enjoy all that Jericoacoara has to offer.
Morro Branco, where the unmissable red cliffs
Morro Branco is also a village located by the sea. Its particularity is that it is surrounded by cliffs of ochre and red sand, which contrast with the turquoise sea and the usually white dunes of the Northeast. Going deep into the "labyrinth of red cliffs", you will be amazed at the atmosphere that reigns there: everything is calm, and you hear the sound of the sea even though you feel like you are in a desert in Arizona. This is undoubtedly an essential step on your trip. From Morro Branco, you can also stop at the "Praia Canoa Quebrada", which borders a small fishing village, quiet and quiet, with very friendly inhabitants. It is ideal to spend two days there.
Fortaleza, the end of the journey
The "Blonde of the Sun" is a surprisingly big place. It is the 5th largest Brazilian city and capital of the Northeast. It attracts both Brazilian tourists and foreigners, coming for its immediately accessible beaches, and for its festive atmosphere. You should definitely go through the "parque ecologico do côco" and the José de Alencar theater (whose façade is very impressive).
Fortaleza Airport is international and will serve all your return dates (and/or take you on your next trip!)
Go without further delay to discover these landscapes and these fabulous places, which are waiting for you!
