Brazil’s Route of Emotions exceeded my expectations!
In July I was fortunate enough to be invited by Embratur, Brazil’s tourist board, on a trip to the off the beaten path Route of Emotions. This journey took me through three states in the north east of the country from Sao Luis in Maranhao state, through Piaui to finish in Fortaleza, in Ceara.
Eleven days of pure adventure, travelling through mesmerising landscapes and meeting some of Brazil’s friendliest people. These are my top ten highlights of a truly memorable journey.
1. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
The landscapes here left me breathless. An endless landscape of white sand dunes scattered by fresh water lagoons. One of the best highlights is travelling in buggies through the park and stop for picnics and a swim in the crystalline waters.
The perfect time of the year to be in the park is July and August. You must travel after the rainy season when the lagoons are full of water as most of them are just temporary and ‘appear’ after the heavy rains.
2. Flight of the Ibis birds on the Parnaiba river
It was a long boat journey, I will not lie to you, along the Parnaiba river but getting to the right spot at sunset and see the Ibis birds flying back was stunning and a beautiful moment with nature.
You will have the sun setting behind and the bright red coloured birds flying from all sides and resting on the island. A truly privileged sight. My suggestion is try not to take pictures – unless you have a professional camera – as they will not be great and simply enjoy the moment.
3. Atins
This village is one of the getaways to the Lencois Maranhenses National Park but it is also a charming place. Boutique hotels, lovely restaurants and donkeys on the streets! Do not worry, they don’t belong to anyone but the local community looks after them.
I had two delicious meals here, lunch at Antonio’s restaurant and dinner at Pininga restaurant. Both were wonderful and highly recommended.
4. Bahia das Caraubas, Camocim
Can a hotel be one of the highlights? In my opinion, yes!
This boutique property is elegance and charm, set on a deserted beach outside of the town of Camocim, it felt like paradise on earth. The service is impeccable and you can enjoy tons of privacy, and indulge in pure bliss.
5. Jeri(coacoara)
Jericoacoara – but please call it Jeri if you want to be Brazilian – is an old fishermen’s village that has become a very famous resort. Yes it can be busy but it still has plenty of charm.
It was actually very welcoming and nice to finish the trip here, because we had access to boutique shops – a bit of shopping therapy doesn’t hurt – and some amazing restaurants. I didn’t feel overwhelmed at all, on the contrary, on the Saturday evening the locals flocked to the beach for live Brazilian music, drinks and lots of dancing!
6. Paradise lagoon, Jeri
You can simply relax in Jeri, there are some beautiful boutique hotels! But I do suggest a buggy ride to Paradise Lagoon. You can bathe in the crystalline water, have a cocktails in a hammock over the water and the lunch at the restaurant was simply delicious, lots of freshly caught fish cooked to perfection!
The buggy ride here it is also fun and beautiful.
7. Peixe Boi Estuary
This was a wonderful experience! First take an old fisherman boat and go in search of the manatee – we didn’t see one unfortunately but it was still one the best days, then you disembark on a sandy beach and whilst you take a dip in the water, the fishermen cook a wonderful lunch!
This is not part of a traditional itinerary but I totally recommend it. It was on of the best parts of the trip.
8. The food!
The success of a holiday is also measured at the dinner table!
Every day and every meal was a great gastronomic journey. We did eat a lot of fish but if this is not your preference, please rest assured that there were other offerings from meat to vegetarian options.
The best restaurant for the food itself was Tamarindo in Jeri, the most experimental was Pininga Restaurant in Atins, and the most memorable the lunch at Casa do Caboclo. The owner is a true character!
9. The buggy rides!
The journeys can be quite long on some of the days, but some of the 4×4 transfers go through amazing beaches and over the sandy beaches, and you are often the only car for miles.
The buggy rides were a true highlight, so much fun apart from the stunning views. I felt like I was a kid again.
10. The people!
The people of Maranhao, Piaui and Ceara states truly welcomed us with open arms and showed the best their three states can offer.
Brazilians here are very proud of their heritage and the natural beauty they are blessed with, and there is a strong sense of community, thriving to preserve it. It was a true privilege to visit and the Route of Emotions should be on everyone’s bucket list!
Written by Val Garibotti
Top Travel Tip
“Travel is about discovery and digging under the surface of a country. Take your time, go off the beaten track and plan ahead if you can.”
– Valeria Garibotti – Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay expert
