10-Day Northeast Brazil Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Northeast Brazil tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNortheast Brazil travel expert at TourRadar

• 9 Day Northeast Brazil Itinerary, incl. Lençóis Maranhenses and Jericoacoara

  Your 8-day 4x4 and speedboat journey cuts through 3 Brazilian states, hitting Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Delta do Parnaíba, and Jericoacoara. You'll swim in crystal-clear lagoons like Lagoa Bonita and Lagoa do Paraíso, catch sunset with hundreds of scarlet ibis along Parnaíba River (May-Oct), and see Pedra Furada's famous rock arch in Jeri.

  

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  • Day 1

    São Luis

    Arrive at Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport to start your adventure. Book an early flight to avoid São Luis's busy afternoon traffic. If you have extra daylight hours, take some time to explore the historic center.

    
  • Day 2

    Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

    Start with a 4-hour 4x4 transfer to Barreirinhas in the morning. Head out in the afternoon to see the Great Lençóis lagoons by 4x4. The sand gets very hot so bring water shoes. Plan your swim for late afternoon when it's cooler. A recent visitor shared: "The contrast between white dunes and blue lagoons is unreal - time your visit for sunset when the colors are most vibrant."

    
  • Day 3

    Preguiças River to Atins

    Take a speedboat ride up the Preguiças River to Caburé Beach. Stop at Vassouras to meet the local monkeys. Visit the 8-floor Mandacaru lighthouse early for the best views. Cross to Atins later in the day. The boat trip takes about 2 hours total with stops. Bring something light to wear as morning river trips can get chilly.

    
  • Day 4

    Canto do Atins

    Visit the lagoons near Atins. Get to Canto do Atins restaurant before 1 PM to try their famous grilled shrimp before the tour groups arrive. Spend your afternoon relaxing on the beach. The weather is best from June through September with clear skies and nice temperatures.

    
  • Day 5

    Delta do Parnaíba

    Start early with a boat to Caburé followed by a 4x4 to Tutoia. The delta route shows off countless islands. Bring binoculars to spot wildlife. Look for bright red ibis birds at sunset between May and October. You'll need to switch transport a few times but the views make it worth it.

    
  • Day 6

    Barra Grande

    Take it easy in this local fishing village. Try kitesurfing if you're interested or just enjoy the beach. The beachfront bars offer great caipirinhas and fresh seafood. Stay close to the main street for easy access to food and services.

    
  • Day 7

    Journey to Jericoacoara

    The 115km drive includes two ferry crossings. Timing depends on the tides so keep your schedule flexible. You'll pass white dunes and palm forests on the way. Try to arrive for the sunset gathering at Duna do Pôr do Sol. Wear good shoes as you'll be walking in deep sand throughout your stay.

    
  • Day 8

    Jericoacoara

    Take a buggy tour to Pedra Furada and Lagoa Azul in the morning. Visit Lagoa Paraíso in the afternoon to try the water hammocks. One visitor noted: "The buggy ride itself is an adventure - hold on tight and bring a bandana to keep the sand out of your face!"

    
  • Day 9

    Departure from Fortaleza

    The trip to Fortaleza airport takes about 4 hours. Book an afternoon flight to avoid leaving too early. You'll see different landscapes from coast to countryside on the way.

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• 10 Days in Brazil, incl. Salvador and Chapada Diamantina

  Your Brazilian expedition unfolds across Salvador (2 nights), Chapada Diamantina (4 nights), and Morro de São Paulo (3 nights). Rich daily activities blend city tours, waterfall treks, and leisurely beach time.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Salvador

    Arrive after 3 PM since early check-ins cost an extra night. Start your mornings exploring the UNESCO-listed Pelourinho district before the heat picks up. A recent visitor shared: "The pickups and transfers were perfectly timed, and the guides really brought Salvador's African-influenced culture to life through the food and music."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Chapada Diamantina (Igatu & Buracão Waterfall)

    The 6-hour drive from Salvador to Igatu shows a stunning change from coast to mountains. You'll need sturdy water shoes for the 6km Buracão Waterfall trail and swimming through the canyon with life vests. Visit Igatu's unique rock-carved buildings at sunset for great photos.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Lençóis & Cave Exploration

    Stay in Lençóis to explore nearby caves. Visit Poço Encantado between April and September to see sunlight create stunning blue water effects. Bring water shoes for swimming in Pratinha Cave. The 20-minute climb up Pai Inácio Hill offers excellent sunset views. Remember a flashlight for walking down.

    
  • Day 7

    Transit to Morro de São Paulo

    Take the morning fast boat to Morro. It takes about 2 hours. Pack light or hire a porter since there are no cars on the island. You'll walk to your hotel on sandy paths. Bring cash for the tourist tax.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Morro de São Paulo

    The beaches are numbered First through Fourth. Each gets quieter as you go. Third Beach gives you a nice mix of amenities and peace. The best weather comes November through January but expect higher prices then.

    
  • Day 10

    Return to Salvador

    Give yourself 3 hours to get back to Salvador's airport including the boat ride. Book early morning ferries since afternoon winds can cause delays.

    

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• 8 Day Northeast Brazil Itinerary, incl. Fortaleza and São Luís

  Northeast Brazil reveals its charm across 6 vibrant cities in eight days. The route spans from Fortaleza's golden shores to São Luís's colonial streets, featuring Lençóis Maranhenses' striking dunes and Parnaíba Delta's intricate waterways.

  

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  • Day 1

    Fortaleza

    Land at Pinto Martins International Airport and head to your hotel in Meireles or Iracema beach areas. These neighborhoods are safe and convenient for visitors. Try to arrive with enough time to watch the sunset at Praia do Futuro.

    
  • Day 2

    Fortaleza to Jericoacoara

    Get ready for a 6-hour journey to Jericoacoara ("Jeri") along remote beaches and through fishing villages. You'll need a 4x4 vehicle for the final part across sand dunes. Bring motion sickness medicine for the bumpy off-road section and pack light with just a day bag.

    
  • Day 3

    Jericoacoara

    Explore this relaxed beach town and its impressive dunes. Visit Pedra Furada stone arch during low tide for the best photos. Head to Duna do Pôr do Sol around 5 PM for sunset. Bring good sandals the sand gets really hot midday.

    
  • Day 4

    Jericoacoara to Parnaíba

    Take a full-day trip to Parnaíba crossing rivers and dunes. You'll pass through Vila Nova de Tatajuba, an interesting village that had to move because of advancing sand dunes. The journey takes 7-8 hours with stops.

    
  • Day 5

    Parnaíba to Atins

    Start early with a boat tour of Parnaíba Delta's mangroves and islands before it gets too hot. In the afternoon take a 4x4 along the beach to Atins. Bring different layers since temperatures vary between boat and beach.

    
  • Day 6

    Atins and Lençóis Maranhenses

    Take a morning boat ride on Rio Preguiças stopping at Mandacaru lighthouse. The afternoon brings you to the incredible Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. You'll see 130-foot white sand dunes with freshwater lagoons unlike anywhere else. Visit between July and September when the lagoons are full but the weather is nice.

  • Day 7

    Barreirinhas to São Luís

    Drive about 4 hours to São Luís. Take a walking tour of the UNESCO historic center known for Portuguese tiles and colonial buildings. Wear good shoes for the slippery cobblestones.

  • Day 8

    São Luís

    Spend your final morning in São Luís. If your flight is later visit Casa do Maranhão to learn about local reggae culture and traditions.

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