Route of Emotions in Brazil: itinerary, map, and best time to visit in 2026

Map, how many days you need, and how to travel the route that connects Lençóis Maranhenses (MA), Delta do Parnaíba (PI), and Jericoacoara (CE)

The Route of Emotions is the tourist itinerary that links three of the most sought-after destinations in northeastern Brazil: Lençóis Maranhenses (MA), Delta do Parnaíba (PI), and Jericoacoara (CE). It spans hundreds of kilometers across 14 municipalities and 3 states in a single trip, featuring sweeping dunes, rainwater lagoons, dense mangroves, and pristine beaches.

In 2024 alone, the route welcomed 496,705 visitors registered via digital vouchers, generating an estimated R$ 83.1 million. In July of that same year, the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the 24th Brazilian site to make the list.

Want to know how to organize this trip? PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in Route of Emotions tours, has prepared a complete guide with everything you need to know for a smooth, unforgettable experience. Check it out below!

What is the Route of Emotions and why does it exist?

The Route of Emotions is the official name of the tourist itinerary that connects the northeastern coast of Brazil (Maranhão, Piauí, and Ceará) across 14 municipalities spread over roughly 900 km of coastline.

The project was launched in 2005 by Sebrae Nacional (Sebrae (Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service) is a private, non-profit organization established to foster entrepreneurship and the development of small businesses in Brazil.)  in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism (MTur) and state-level branches. The goal was to structure regional tourism by integrating three spectacular destinations that, until then, were largely visited in isolation.

According to Sebrae, the itinerary has injected over R$ 670 million into the local economy since 2009. By December 2025, it celebrated 20 years of tourism success, economic growth, and international recognition.

Map of the Route of Emotions

The Route of Emotions map crosses 14 municipalities across three states, hugging the coastline the entire way. The order in which you visit depends on your starting point — São Luís (MA) and Fortaleza (CE) are the two main gateways. At PlanetaEXO, the adventure typically begins in Maranhão.

• Maranhão (5 cities): Santo Amaro, Barreirinhas, Paulino Neves, Tutóia, and Araioses.
• Piauí (4 cities): Ilha Grande, Parnaíba, Luís Correia, and Cajueiro da Praia (Barra Grande).
• Ceará (5 cities): Chaval, Barroquinha, Camocim, Jijoca de Jericoacoara, and Cruz.

The route’s three main hubs are Barreirinhas (gateway to Lençóis), Parnaíba (gateway to the Delta), and Jijoca de Jericoacoara (gateway to the Ceará park). The remaining municipalities serve as scenic crossing points, alternative bases, or technical stops between the major landmarks.

How to get there and logistics between destinations

By air

The two main airports servicing the Route of Emotions are São Luís (SLZ) in Maranhão and Fortaleza (FOR) in Ceará — most itineraries start at one and end at the other to avoid backtracking. You can also fly directly into Parnaíba (PHB), Piauí, and Jericoacoara (JJD), Ceará.

Beyond commercial flights, Azul Conecta (Azul’s regional charter branch) operates a nine-passenger Cessna Caravan connecting Fortaleza, Jericoacoara, Parnaíba, Barreirinhas, and São Luís about three times a week.

While each stretch takes 3 to 6 hours by road, these scenic flights take an average of 45 minutes to 1 hour. It’s the fastest — though most expensive — way to cover the route.

By road

This is the most common way to travel between the destinations. While some adventurers choose to rent a car and drive themselves, the vast majority of tourists rely on transfer services (shared or private). This seamless logistics approach is built into PlanetaEXO’s Route of Emotions itineraries.

Distances per segment:

• São Luís → Barreirinhas: 260 km / 4–5 hours by transfer.
• Barreirinhas → Tutóia: ~100 km / ~3h, passing through Paulino Neves.
• Tutóia → Parnaíba: 120 km, usually involving a boat crossing through the Pequenos Lençóis.
• Parnaíba → Jericoacoara: ~270 km / 5–6h, passing through Camocim.
• Jericoacoara → Fortaleza: ~300 km / ~5h.

👉 Learn more about how to get to Lençóis Maranhenses

What is the best time to do the Route of Emotions?

The best time to do the Route of Emotions is between late June and early September, when the lagoons in Lençóis Maranhenses are brimming with water and the climate across all three regions is drier.

Practical calendar:

• January to May: Rainy season. The lagoons begin to form and fill up progressively. Road access to certain areas may be temporarily affected.
• June to August: The peak season for full lagoons. This is high season, so be sure to book your accommodation 3 to 4 months in advance.
• September: The lagoons still hold a good amount of water, but you’ll find fewer crowds and better prices.
• October to December: In Lençóis, the lagoons shrink significantly, and some dry out completely. However, this is when Jericoacoara experiences the best winds of the year for kitesurfing and windsurfing, with consistent gusts from July through January.

Average temperatures hover between 25 °C and 32 °C (77 °F to 89 °F) year-round across all three destinations. The main variables are simply the water levels in the dunes and the wind intensity in Jeri.

👉 Read more about the best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses

What to expect from each part: Lençóis, Delta do Parnaíba, and Jericoacoara

Lençóis Maranhenses, Maranhão

Spanning 1,550 km², the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is globally famous for its sweeping white sand dunes and thousands of crystal-clear lagoons formed purely by rainwater.

Surrounded by the base towns of Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro, and Atins, the primary activities include hiking or taking 4×4 tours through the dunes, swimming in the lagoons (Lagoa Azul, Bonita, Gaivota, Betânia, etc.), cruising down the Preguiças River, and visiting local villages (Mandacaru, Vassouras) and Atins Beach.

Delta do Parnaíba, Piauí and Maranhão

The Delta do Parnaíba is the mouth of the Parnaíba River, nestled between the states of Piauí and Maranhão. It is the only open-sea delta in the Americas and the 3rd largest in the world, covering around 2,700 km² across more than 70 islands.

The classic tour sets off from Parnaíba (PI) via speedboat or catamaran, navigating the five river branches — Igaraçu, Canárias, Caju, Melancieiras, and Tutoia — until reaching Porto dos Tatus, the beating heart of the route. Once there, highlights include exploring the Morro do Meio dunes and visiting the Canárias Islands and Pontal Beach.

The flocking of the scarlet ibises (Revoada dos Guarás) is absolutely unmissable. In the late afternoon, speedboats depart from Porto dos Tatus toward islands wrapped in dunes and mangroves. From the water, you can watch hundreds of vibrant scarlet ibises returning to roost, painting the sky red with their feathers. It’s an unforgettable sight.

Jericoacoara, Ceará

Before you even arrive at the Jericoacoara National Park (88.8 km²), the route treats you to other jaw-dropping spots in Ceará, including the Coreaú River, Ilha do Amor (Island of Love), and the raw beaches of Tatajuba and Guriú.

Once in Jeri, a few experiences are practically mandatory: lounging at the iconic beaches (Lagoa do Paraíso, Preá, Principal, Barrinha), visiting Pedra Furada and the Buraco Azul, tearing across the sand in a buggy, and enjoying the laid-back nightlife in the sandy streets of Vila de Jericoacoara.

How many days are ideal to do the Route of Emotions?

Trip duration depends entirely on your pace and interests, but generally, the Route of Emotions takes between 6 and 13 days. Naturally, the longer you stay, the deeper and more immersive the adventure becomes.

• 6 days: 2 days per destination + travel/arrival days. (A fast-paced highlights reel).
• 10 days: 3 days per destination + extra time to explore Atins, Barra Grande, or Camocim.
• 12 days or more: The sweet spot. Enough time to comfortably hike the Lagoa Bonita Circuit, watch the sunset in Mandacaru, and tackle the eastern route of Jericoacoara without feeling rushed.

Route of Emotions Packages

Travel with PlanetaEXO to discover some of Brazil’s most beautiful landscapes along the Route of Emotions!

PACKAGE	HIGHLIGHTS	STARTING PRICE
Route of Emotions – 6 days	Lençóis Maranhenses (dunes, lagoons, Preguiças River, Atins Beach, and villages of Vassouras and Mandacaru); Delta do Parnaíba (Parnaíba, Porto dos Tatus, Morro do Meio, flocking of the scarlet ibises); Jericoacoara (Principal, Preá and Lagoa Paraíso beaches, Lagoa Azul, Buraco Azul, Pedra Furada, sand buggy).	US$ 1,490
Route of Emotions – 10 days	Lençóis Maranhenses (dunes, lagoons, Mirar das Estrelas, Preguiças River, Ponta do Mangue, Canto do Atins); Delta do Parnaíba (flocking of the scarlet ibises, Barra Grande, Camocim); Jericoacoara (Principal, Preá and Lagoa Paraíso beaches, Lagoa Azul, Buraco Azul, Pedra Furada, sand buggy).	US$ 2,100
Route of Emotions – 13 days	Lençóis Maranhenses (dunes, lagoons, Santo Amaro, Ponta Verde, Barreirinhas, Mirar das Estrelas, Preguiças River, Canto do Atins, villages of Vassouras and Mandacaru); Delta do Parnaíba (flocking of the scarlet ibises, Barra Grande, Camocim); Jericoacoara (Principal, Preá and Lagoa Paraíso beaches, Lagoa Azul, Buraco Azul, Pedra Furada, sand buggy).	US$ 2,590

*Per person, based on double occupancy in group departures. Prices may vary depending on the season and availability. Exchange rate as of May 21, 2026; subject to change.

Accommodation on the Route of Emotions itinerary

The accommodation experience is as dynamic as the trip itself, transitioning across three different states and vibes. Check out PlanetaEXO’s top hotel and pousada recommendations for Lençóis Maranhenses, Delta do Parnaíba, and Jericoacoara!

Lençóis Maranhenses (Barreirinhas, Maranhão)

• Porto Preguiça Resort (Estrada do Carnaubal, s/n – Carnaubal)
• Pousada Pérola do Rio (Av. Amapá – Lote 48)
• Pousada Viva Vida (R. da Luz, 35)
• Pousada Terra das Águas (R. Cincinato Ribeiro Rêgo, 166)
• Pousada Pérola dos Lençóis (R. Bela Vista, 17)
• Pousada Encantes do Nordeste (R. Boa Vista, s/n)

Delta do Parnaíba (Parnaíba, Piauí)

• Pousada Aeroporto (BR-343, 4289)
• Pousada Vila Parnaíba (R. Monsenhor Joaquim Lopes, 500)
• Pousada Barbacoar (Av. São Sebastião, 4040)
• Nautillus Hotel (Av. Nossa Senhora de Fátima, 3105)
• Casa de St. Antônio Hotel Boutique (Praça Santo Antônio, 988)

Jericoacoara (Jijoca de Jericoacoara, Ceará)

• Jeri Village Hotel (R. São Francisco, 160)
• Eco Resort Vento Leste (R. Nova Jeri, s/n)
• Hurricane Jeri (R. da Igreja, s/n)
• Blue Residence Hotel (R. São Francisco, s/n)
• Vila Kalango (R. das Dunas, 30)

Embark on the PlanetaEXO Route of Emotions itinerary

Now that you know what the Route of Emotions is, have mapped out the geography, and figured out the best time and logistics, there’s only one thing left to do: lock in your dates and start packing!

PlanetaEXO is a premier ecotourism platform offering seamless Route of Emotions tours and specializing in fully-guided Lençóis Maranhenses tours. We work exclusively with accredited local operators in each destination, ensuring authorized transfers, certified expert guides, and hand-picked, comfortable accommodations. Contact us today!