Lagoons and Mangroves
ITINERARY
1-2
Rio de Janeiro
City
After you touch down in Rio, you’ll be met by a guide and taken to the Arena Leme hotel to settle in. The next day, after a delicious Brazilian breakfast buffet, you’ll head out on a tour of two of the city’s best-loved attractions: Corcovado Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain. To get to Corcovado, you’ll ride along the beaches of Rio and past the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon before heading through the Reboucas Tunnel, which links the southern and northern parts of the city that are cut in two by the Tijuca Rainforest Ridge. In the Cosme Velho district, you’ll take a cogwheel train 670 meters up Corcovado Mountain. At the top, you’ll see the statue of Christ the Redeemer, not only one of Rio's finest Art Nouveau monuments but a global icon. After taking in the far-reaching views from this vantage point, it’s on to Sugarloaf Mountain. You’ll reach the top by cable car to enjoy another panoramic view of the city and beyond.

PLACES TO STAY

3
São Luís
General Tour
Today you’re on the move. Transfer to Rio airport, take a flight to Sao Luis and on arrival, you’ll be transferred to the Pestana Sao Luis hotel. Your time here is yours to spend as you please. Relax in the hotel or head out into the World Heritage-listed historic center of Sao Luis and explore the excellent selection of museums, galleries, and craft stores.

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4-5
Barreirinhas
Wildlife
In the morning you'll leave for Barreirinhas, a small town known for its easy access to the impressive Lencois Maranhenses National Park. After you've checked in at the Porto Preguiças Resort and enjoyed lunch at leisure, you'll take an exhilarating 4x4 tour of the national park. You'll cross the Preguiças River and scale huge dunes from where you'll enjoy a spectacular overview of the park's huge expanses of white dunes that run along the coastline for more than 70 kilometers. Go for a swim in the beautiful lagoon, Lagoa Bonita, and continue exploring this otherworldly desert landscape that’s dotted with seasonal rainwater lagoons.

The next day you'll embark on a boat cruise up the Preguiças River towards Caburé Beach. Along the way, you'll see palm-lined shores and mangroves that are home to an array of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Stop off at Vassouras and spot monkeys and parrots before continuing to the Mandacaru Lighthouse with its 360-degree views. You'll end up in the charming town of Caburé where you'll enjoy lunch before heading back.

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6
Delta do Parnaiba
Activity and Adventure
After breakfast, you'll leave Barreirinhas for Parnaiba, taking a speedboat to explore the Delta do Paranaiba. Along the way, your guide will show you how locals catch crabs. You'll continue to where you'll see the river and sea meet, before visiting an island. From here your tour ends, and you'll be transferred to Parnaiba to the Casa de Santo Antonio Hotel. Spend your time here as you please. Relax for a while, or head to Porto das Barcas on the Rio Igaracu waterfront where you'll find a collection of craft shops and eateries in converted 18th-century warehouses.

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7-8
Jericoacoara
Activity and Adventure
Your journey to Jericoacoara begins today. After breakfast you'll travel by 4x4, crossing the mouth of the River Coreau until you reach the beach of Tatajuba. Descend these dunes on sandboarding planks and then chill out at the Torta Lagoon. Kick back in a hammock and pick from the 'live' menu at Didi's restaurant. A second ferry crossing will take you to Guru beach, with its green-water channel and mangrove forests. From here you'll continue to the coastal town of Jericoacoara with its cozy restaurants, craft shops, and lively bars and your hotel the Vila Kalango.

The next day it's time for an off-road tour of the Paradise and Heart lagoons. Relax on the white sandy shorelines, find a shady coconut tree or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters.

 

9-10
Rio de Janeiro
City
Your adventure through Brazil will finish where it all began, in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. Based at the central Arena Leme Hotel, you can choose how you spend your final days here. Relax in the rooftop pool, chill on the nearby beach or explore the city’s fine restaurants and lively bars.