📍 Brazil

NORTHEAST LAGOONS: LENÇÓIS, DELTA AND SECRET BEACHES

Turquoise lagoons shimmer between dunes, the delta splits into channels, plateau mountains overlook the beaches. The Northeast is Brazil's best-kept secret.

≈ 17
Days
1290
Km
8
Stops
📖 8 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Discover São Luís and its colonial architecture, the dunes and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses, the Parnaíba delta and Ceará's secret beaches. Brazil's Northeast remains unspoiled by mass tourism.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Sao Luis

colonial historic island city

Sao Luis - Photo 1Sao Luis - Photo 2Sao Luis - Photo 3Sao Luis - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Historic center of São Luís: azulejos, colonial alleys and colorful facades (UNESCO).
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset walk on the Praia Grande esplanade and Centro viewpoints.
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 260 km
Travel time: 5h
2
Day

Atins

dune village lagoon access

Atins - Photo 1Atins - Photo 2Atins - Photo 3Atins - Photo 4Atins - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Boat trip down the Rio Preguiças with stops at Vassouras (pequenos Lençóis), Mandacaru (lighthouse) and Caburé.
🎯

Activities

→
Climb up Mandacaru lighthouse for the view over the delta and ocean.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25 km
Travel time: 30min
3
Day

Atins

dune village lagoon access

Atins - Photo 1Atins - Photo 2Atins - Photo 3Atins - Photo 4Atins - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park: 4×4 and walk on the dunes, swimming in the lagoons.
2
Canto do Atins: lagoons and sandy points at tide.
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset observation on the dunes.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 70 km
Travel time: 2h
4
Day

Tutoia

delta river village gateway

Tutoia - Photo 1Tutoia - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Caburé beach between river and ocean, then road/lancha to Tutóia.
2
Navigation in the Delta do Parnaíba: islets, mangroves and dunes.
🎯

Activities

→
Observation of scarlet ibises at the end of the day.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 110 km
Travel time: 2h30
5
Day

Curimas Barroquinha

plateau beach village transition

Curimas Barroquinha - Photo 1Curimas Barroquinha - Photo 2Curimas Barroquinha - Photo 3Curimas Barroquinha - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the village of Curimãs: fishing boats, dunes and coastal life.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk along the beach and coves between dunes and mangrove.
6
Day

Curimas Barroquinha

plateau beach village transition

Curimas Barroquinha - Photo 1Curimas Barroquinha - Photo 2Curimas Barroquinha - Photo 3Curimas Barroquinha - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Relaxation day: beaches of Curimãs and observation of nets and jangadas.
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming and twilight stroll on the beach.
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 320 km
Travel time: 6h
7
Day

Ubajara

mountain forest waterfall canyon

Ubajara - Photo 1Ubajara - Photo 2Ubajara - Photo 3Ubajara - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Route to Serra da Ibiapaba: viewpoints and plateau forests.
2
Ubajara center and surroundings, gateway to the national park.
🎯

Activities

→
Short acclimatization walk on the park trails.
8
Day

Ubajara

mountain forest waterfall canyon

Ubajara - Photo 1Ubajara - Photo 2Ubajara - Photo 3Ubajara - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Ubajara National Park: cable car/Ubajara cave (if open) and Atlantic forest trails.
2
Viewpoints over canyons and waterfalls.
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming in natural pool at the foot of a waterfall.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 65 km
Travel time: 1h30
9
Day

Vicosa Do Ceara

plateau coastal mountain edge

Vicosa Do Ceara - Photo 1Vicosa Do Ceara - Photo 2Vicosa Do Ceara - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Trek on the ridges of Serra Ibiapaba: Paredões and private reserves.
2
Historic center of Viçosa do Ceará: colonial architecture and rapadura/liqueur workshops.
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset from a mirante on the serra.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 220 km
Travel time: 4h30
10
Day

Moitas Amontada

lagoon beach hidden village

Moitas Amontada - Photo 1Moitas Amontada - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Descent to the coast: arrival at Moitas (Icaraí de Amontada), fishing village and mangroves.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk on the beaches at low tide between sandbanks and mangroves.
11
Day

Moitas Amontada

lagoon beach hidden village

Moitas Amontada - Photo 1Moitas Amontada - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Buggy excursion on the coast: deserted beaches, isolated villages and large dunes.
2
Caetanos Lagoon: swimming break in the heart of the dunes.
🎯

Activities

→
Tasting grilled fish or fresh coconut by the sea.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 30 km
Travel time: 1h
12
Day

Moitas Amontada

lagoon beach hidden village

Moitas Amontada - Photo 1Moitas Amontada - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Boat trip in the mangrove and discovery of the hinterland with red lands.
🎯

Activities

→
Village immersion: exchange of know-how and tasting of local products.
13
Day

Moitas Amontada

lagoon beach hidden village

Moitas Amontada - Photo 1Moitas Amontada - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 13
🔍

Discover

1
Kayak or paddle on the rio Aracatiaçu between mangroves and river mouth.
🎯

Activities

→
Free afternoon on the beach and observation of jangadas.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 190 km
Travel time: 3h30
14
Day

Fortaleza

northeast beach city gateway

Fortaleza - Photo 1Fortaleza - Photo 2Fortaleza - Photo 3Fortaleza - Photo 4Fortaleza - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 14
🔍

Discover

1
Journey to Fortaleza and final walk on the Beira Mar according to departure time.
🎯

Activities

→
Last viewpoints over the Atlantic

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🛡️ Travel advice - Brazil

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Summer (December-March): Peak tourist season, hottest weather, Carnival season, highest prices, crowded beaches, vibrant atmosphere.

Fall (April-June): Excellent weather, fewer crowds, good prices, ideal for most regions, comfortable temperatures.

Winter (July-September): Dry season in most regions, perfect for Pantanal wildlife, cooler temperatures, great for cultural activities.

Spring (October-November): Good weather returning, moderate crowds, reasonable prices, excellent for outdoor activities.

Regional Variations: Amazon best May-September (dry season), Northeast beaches year-round, South cooler June-August.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 14 and 20 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Brazil?

Carnival energy, Amazon rainforest, and pristine beaches create the ultimate South American adventure. Experience vibrant cities, incredible biodiversity, and passionate culture from Rio's beaches to Pantanal wetlands. Samba music, capoeira martial arts, and incredible football culture showcase national spirit. Brazil offers unparalleled natural wonders with infectious cultural energy.