Northern Brazil Uncovered

Our trip starts today in Belem, the Amazon's port city, situated at the Guaraja Bay in the eastern part of the vast Amazon delta. In the late 1800s, the city owed much of its wealth to the burgeoning rubber trade and its rich history is evident in the colonial-era buildings found within Belem's downtown district. Our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome briefing, and for those who wish there will be the option to have dinner together with the group this evening. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Belem at any time. If you miss the meeting, our tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Belem's Val de Cans International Airport (BEL), which is approximately a 20-minute drive from our hotel. Those arriving earlier in the day might like to visit the Museu Goeldi, a fantastic botanical garden that provides an introduction to the culture, fauna and flora of the Amazon region.

This morning, a local guide will show us around the city's main sights, introducing us to the Portuguese-tiled houses and beautiful baroque churches of the city centre. One of the most noteworthy attractions is the Ver-o-Peso market on the docks of the city. This huge public market stocks everything imaginable from meat, fish, and medicinal plants to arts and crafts and even a specialised market selling only the endemic acai berry, a staple of the Brazilian Amazon populations. We'll also visit the main opera house (entrance not included), built in the late nineteenth-century at a time that was known as the 'Golden Age of Rubber'. This afternoon, you're free to wander the shady streets of Belem. Belem is the Amazon's culinary capital, using many indigenous plants and fruits, as well as plenty of fresh seafood. Then, this evening, the Estacao das Docas is well worth exploring - this series of three historic dockside warehouses has been converted into restaurants, bars and even a small theatre, with views out to the river.

Rising early this morning, we'll drive out of the city to the ferry port to catch our public ferry across to Marajo Island, a land mass in the Amazon River Delta that's bigger than the Netherlands. The ferry journey takes approximately two-and-a-half to three hours, and you'll be able to walk around freely and take in the views as we approach the lush banks of the island. Snacks and drinks are available on board. Upon arrival we'll drive to our pousada (local inn), situated on a cliff overlooking Joanes Beach, a deserted stretch of Atlantic coastline harbouring fresh water, the influence of the mouth of the Amazon. This afternoon, we might take the opportunity for a canoe trip on the Rio Limao, or walk along the miles of deserted beaches.

The open grasslands of Marajo Island flood during the rainy months, creating a year-round wetland habitat that's excellent for wildlife spotting. It's particularly well known for its water buffalo - the story goes that some 150 years ago, a ship heading for the West Indies, carrying a herd of Indian water buffalo, sank off the Marajo coast. Most of the cattle were adept swimmers, and eventually reached the shore, making their home on the island, where they proliferate today in both a wild and domestic setting. They are commonly used in agriculture as well as being a form of transport around the island. Today we'll experience a real cultural immersion as we spend time with local people who live on the island. We'll start early by vehicle and by boat to one of the many farms on the island - Fazenda Sao Jeronimo. The owner will take us on a tour of his land, where he runs a coconut-farming business. Our visit will include walks along forested, a canoe journey up the river that runs through his property, and a wooden walkway that will take us through the important mangrove habitat. While buffalos help with the farming here, Sao Jeronimo isn't a buffalo farm. However, our next stop - the nearby Mironga Farm - is. Over 700,000 buffalos live on Marajo Island, more than humans, which is a testament to their economic importance. Here, we'll have lunch and a tasting session including items produced on the farm - butter, cheese and buffalo meat. Time permitting, we may make a visit to a small pottery centre, which houses some early ceramic finds from the Marajoara culture, and take a small walk along a mangrove beach, before heading back to our pousada.

We have some free time this morning before heading back to the ferry terminal and catching our public boat back across the Baia de Marajo to city of Belem, where the remainder of the afternoon is free. The Sao Jose Liberto Jewellery Hub is well worth a visit, with it being housed in a building that dates back to 1749 and has been used as both a prison and hospital, before being repurposed as a jewellery centre in the 21st century. It's a great showcase of how local designers craft the natural materials of the Amazon into contemporary jewellery as well a range of other handicrafts. Alternatively, you could visit the 15th-century Portuguese Forte do Presepio, or the neoclassical Theatro da Paz.

We make the short drive to Belem airport this morning to catch our flight to Sao Luis. We'll endeavour to book a direct flight, but in the event of limited availability, we may need to travel via Fortaleza. On arrival, we'll transfer to our hotel, with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Set on an island off Brazil's north-eastern coast, Sao Luis is known for its well-preserved centre, with colourful townhouses, churches and a maze of narrow cobbled streets. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city has a distinctly Portuguese character, with many of its facades covered in azulejos – colourful ceramic tiles that, as well as being visually striking, help protect the buildings from the tropical heat. Sao Luis has developed a rich cultural identity shaped by Indigenous, European and African influences, particularly evident in its food and music, with the city renowned for its strong reggae culture. This evening, there's the option to explore Sao Luis after dark, strolling through the atmospheric streets of the historic centre and then having dinner accompanied by a traditional tambor de crioula performance.

We set off this morning to uncover a little more of this fascinating city as we explore the historic heart of Sao Luis. Starting in the atmospheric neighbourhoods of Praia Grande and Desterro, we'll wander streets lined with colourful colonial buildings, many decorated with the distinctive Portuguese tiles that are a hallmark of the city. Along the way, we'll see historic squares, churches and grand civic buildings, including the Palacio dos Leoes, Igreja da Se and Teatro Arthur Azevedo, as well as the narrow lanes and courtyards of the old city. We'll also visit Mercado das Tulhas, a traditional market where local produce and ingredients offer a taste of Maranhao's distinctive food culture. Arroz de Cuxa is the state's most celebrated dish - white rice mixed with dried shrimp, sesame, and vinagreira leaves that give it its tangy flavour. After lunch, we set off along Brazil's Atlantic coast, making our way to Barreirinhas, the gateway to the spectacular Lencois Maranhenses National Park. The drive takes around four hours, including stops. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lencois Maranhenses National Park is a vast expanse of rolling white dunes stretching towards the horizon, with freshwater lagoons forming in the hollows between them during the rainy season. In stark contrast to the surrounding tropical vegetation, Lencois has been formed by strong winds that have carried the sand inland from the coast, creating this otherworldly landscape. We'll have our first glimpse of this extraordinary area as we approach Barreirinhas, ready to explore it over the coming days.

We set off in our 4WD vehicles today, first driving onto a ferry to cross the river and into the National Park. Entering this wild expanse of 155,000 hectares, we'll follow deep sandy tracks for around an hour, making the journey into the park an adventure in itself, before reaching the dunes. These unusual desert lagoons are formed by the region's seasonal rains, which fill the natural hollows between the dunes. As the dry season takes hold, evaporation causes the water levels to gradually fall, meaning the size, shape and colour of the lagoons can change throughout the year. Many eventually disappear altogether, before returning with the next rainy season. Our first stop is Lagoa Azul, one of the area's most eye-catching lagoons, and, conditions permitting, a great place for a refreshing swim. From here, we'll walk for around 20 minutes across the dunes to Lago dos Peixes, or 'Fish Lagoon'. As its name suggests, fish can often be found swimming in this particular lagoon. The fish here have adapted to a highly seasonal environment, with their eggs surviving in the sands during the dry season and hatching when the lagoons refill with water. We then stop for lunch in the small village of Tratada de Cima (not included), where there's time to relax in one of the village hammocks. This afternoon we continue by 4WD to Lagoa Bonita, where the journey through the dunes is as spectacular as the destination. We'll drive up a steep dune to reach the viewpoint, where a sweeping panorama opens out across the seemingly endless sands, dotted with blue-green lagoons. Staying until sunset, we'll watch the changing light cast long shadows across the dunes before returning to Barreirinhas, around an hour away.

After yesterday's adventure in the dunes, today is free to relax by the hotel pool or take a stroll around the town of Barreirinhas. If you're keen to see more of the area, there are a couple of optional excursions to choose from: There is a full-day trip that takes you along the Rio Preguicas by speedboat, travelling through a landscape of palm-fringed riverbanks, mangroves and small riverside communities. Keep an eye out for capuchin monkeys in the trees as you make your way downstream, before the river eventually opens out towards the dunes of Cabure Beach, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. There's time to enjoy the beach and take in the views before returning to Barreirinhas. Alternatively, you could join an afternoon walking tour to Lagoa das Emendadas. After a 4WD transfer into the dunes, we'll walk for around 40 minutes to reach the lagoons, where you'll have time to enjoy the scenery and watch the sun set over the dunes before returning by 4WD.

We continue our journey along Brazil's north-eastern coast today, driving to Parnaiba, a journey of around four and a half hours. Leaving the white sands of Lencois Maranhenses behind, the landscape gradually changes as we approach the Parnaiba Delta, where the river branches into a maze of winding channels, mangroves and islands. After settling into our hotel, we head out by boat to explore the delta's waterways. We'll keep an eye out for some of the wildlife that inhabits this rich wetland environment, with caimans in the water and capybaras, monkeys and iguanas often found along the riverbanks. The delta is also home to large numbers of scarlet ibis, whose vivid red plumage makes them hard to miss against the green mangroves. Our boat will navigate the winding channels, shallow waters and mudflats, whilst we keep watch for these colourful birds and the other wildlife that calls the delta home.

We set off for Jericoacoara this morning, a journey of around 200 kilometres/120 miles, expected to take approximately four and a half hours. Approaching the coast, the road gives way to sandy tracks as we make our way through the dunes towards the village. Known affectionately as 'Jeri' by its locals, Jericoacoara was once a small fishing village and has grown into a relaxed beach destination, with plenty of restaurants, bars and cafés popping up alongside its sandy streets. Surrounded by coastal dunes, the village has retained its distinctive character, with sand underfoot rather than paved roads and the beach never far away. Our accommodation for our next two nights is close to the heart of the village and just 450 metres from Malhada Beach, making it a great base for exploring Jeri. Built in the style of a colonial villa, the hotel has light and airy rooms with modern comforts, as well as a swimming pool. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax by the pool or head down to the beach.

Today has been left free to enjoy Jericoacoara at your own pace. Relax by the hotel pool, head down to the beach or take a wander through the sandy streets of Jeri. Alternatively, there is the option to take a trip out of the town by beach buggy to Lagoa Azul and Lagoa do Paraiso. Surrounded by white sand and coastal vegetation, the clear blue-green waters are perfect for a refreshing swim, while the famous hammocks strung out over the water at Lagoa do Paraíso offer an ideal spot to relax and take in the scenery.

After breakfast we make the four and a half hour drive to Fortaleza this morning, where the tour ends at the airport (FOR). We plan to arrive at the airport at around 1pm, so the earliest your international flight can depart is 4pm.