North Coast Brazil
Brazil’s North Coast is a region of contrasts, home to the fascinating Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
The north coast of Brazil stretches from Fortaleza in Ceará state to São Luís in Maranhão and is locally known as the Rota das Emoções (Route of Emotions) due to its stunning contrasts. São Luís, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded by the French and named after Louis XIII, is the perfect starting point, along with nearby Alcântara. Inland lies Serra da Capivara National Park, home to over 300 archaeological sites and cave paintings dating back more than 25,000 years – some of the oldest human records in South America.
Traveling east from São Luís brings you to Barreirinhas, the gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. This vast desert landscape fills with freshwater lagoons after the rains (March – May), making the following months ideal for visiting. To the east lies the Parnaíba Delta, a wildlife-rich region known for sightings of vibrant red Guarás in flight.
Strong coastal winds make this region a hotspot for kite and windsurfers, with Barra Grande, Cumbuco, and Ilha do Guajiru drawing professionals from around the world. One of the most popular destinations is Jericoacoara (Jeri), a remote, sandy town now more accessible via Cruz airport. Jeri offers a mix of luxury and laid-back beach vibes, with daily sunset rituals atop a nearby dune.
Fortaleza, Brazil’s fourth-largest city, serves mainly as a transport hub to the northern beaches. Nearby Cumbuco provides a quieter overnight option. Remote, wild, and diverse, Brazil’s north coast offers a unique and adventurous escape.
- Team Highlight
"My favourite moments here include trekking across the vast sand dunes of Lencois Marahanses National Park or seeing a flock of guaras in flight in the Parnaiba Delta."
FOUNDER, TRAVEL DESIGNER
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