Route of Emotions: An unforgettable adventure through the Northeast

The Route of Emotions unites the Lençóis Maranhenses, in Maranhão, the Delta do Parnaíba, in Piauí, and the Jericoacoara, in Ceará, in a unique journey.

Adventure and culture

Travelling along the Route of Emotions is a real adventure: you can drive a 4×4 along gravel roads, windsurf, explore dunes, dive in a river alongside seahorses, taste typical north-eastern dishes and finally relax in a hammock overlooking a stunning beach.

The activities can be done in a few days or over the course of a week, depending on your time and preferences. This exciting route promises to be an unforgettable experience.

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Rota das Emoções no Nordeste - Guia de Turismo

Route structure

The route consists of three main destinations in the Northeast: Jericoacoara, in Ceará; the Parnaíba Delta, in Piauí; and the Lençóis Maranhenses, in Maranhão. Each of these places offers different natural attractions as well as a rich local culture.

Tours and activities

Tours include visits to lagoons, dunes, beaches and trails, as well as stops in villages where you can get to know the handicrafts and cuisine of the local communities. The practice of extreme sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing is also a major attraction.

Water sports in Jericoacoara

The most popular water sports in Jericoacoara are

• Windsurfing: With strong, steady winds, it’s ideal for beginners and experts alike.
• Kitesurfing: The wind and open spaces are perfect for gliding over the waves.
• Stand Up Paddle (SUP): A peaceful activity for exploring lagoons and beaches.
• Diving: Opportunities to explore the rich marine life.
• Snorkelling: Ideal for admiring the reefs and crystal clear waters.

These activities appeal to both adventurers and those who want to relax in the heart of nature.

Municipalities and personalisation of the route

The official route covers 14 municipalities (Araióses, Barreirinhas, Paulino Neves, Santo Amaro and Tutóia in Maranhão; Jijoca de Jericoacoara, Barroquinha, Camocim, Chaval and Cruz in Ceará; and Cajueiro da Praia, Ilha Grande, Luis Correia and Parnaíba in Piauí).

The agencies promoting the tours have worked on personalised itineraries to meet the different needs of tourists.

Karin Goidanich, a consultant who has been organising the route since 2005, explains that although the agencies were already offering the route, it was the organisation and support of the government and Sebrae from 2007 that strengthened the Rota das Emoções brand.

Contact with nature

Despite the rustic atmosphere of the route, the structure required for the adventure is complex, with most packages including transport (speedboat, 4×4 car and transfers). Although the trip is not the cheapest, the itinerary can be adapted to suit your budget.

Interest in the region has grown by around 20 per cent a year, generating significant income for local people, including artisans and owners of guesthouses and restaurants. The route passes through three Environmental Protection Areas and the programme is designed to encourage contact with nature and interaction with the local community.

Origin and formation of the Lençóis Maranhenses

The Lençóis Maranhenses are a unique geological formation in Maranhão, the result of natural processes that have taken place over thousands of years:

• Sedimentation: Formerly a marine area, the region has been shaped by the action of river currents and wind, leaving behind sediments of sand.
• Wind action: The wind has shaped the sand into dunes that can reach up to 40 metres high.
• Rainwater: During the rainy season (January to April), intermittent lagoons form between the dunes, creating a stunning landscape.
• Ecosystem: The interaction between sand, water and vegetation creates a diverse ecosystem with a rich flora and fauna.

These climatic and geological factors have led to the creation of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, an impressive tourist destination.

Features of the Parnaíba Delta

The Parnaíba River Delta has several characteristics:

• The Only Open Sea Delta: It is the only delta in the Americas that flows directly into the open sea.
• Third Largest Delta in the World: It covers a vast area with many islands, lagoons and rivers.
• Archipelago: With more than 75 islands, it offers biodiversity and stunning scenery.
• Dunes and lagoons: Sand dunes and freshwater lagoons form between the islands, creating rich habitats.
• Rich biodiversity: The region is home to a variety of ecosystems, including mangroves and sandbanks, which provide habitats for a wide range of species.
• Cultural and Tourist Activities: Inhabited by traditional communities, the area offers boat trips, fishing and bird watching.
• Tropical climate: This contributes to the abundance of vegetation and the fertility of the soil.

These characteristics make the Parnaíba Delta an important tourist destination, attracting visitors in search of unique natural and cultural experiences.

Main attractions of the Route of Emotions

1. Jericoacoara

The town of Jijoca de Jericoacoara (280 kilometres from Fortaleza) is the gateway to the village of Jeri, an old fishing village surrounded by dunes. Jijoca has a good infrastructure of restaurants and the blue waters of Lagoa Paraíso.

The beaches of Jericoacoara are perfect for long walks, both in the morning and at sunset, towards Pedra Furada and Serrote, or in the opposite direction, towards Guriú and Tatajuba.

The winds make it a popular destination for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Its beaches, dunes, lagoons and sandbanks are part of the Jericoacoara National Park, administered by Ibama, which has been a Nature Reserve since 1984.

2. Parnaíba Delta

The Parnaíba River Delta is the only delta in the Americas that flows into the open sea, and the third largest in the world. Its branches form an archipelago of more than 75 islands, dunes, freshwater lagoons and tropical forests.

Located in the north of Piauí, close to the border with Maranhão, its main islands, such as Ilhas Canárias, Igaraçu, Ilha do Caju, Ilha da Melancieira and Tutóia, have good infrastructure for visitors.

Brazil’s smallest coastline (66 kilometres long) is a peaceful place where the beaches are mainly visited by locals. Clean, transparent waters attract fishermen, swimmers and kite surfers looking for an adrenaline rush that combines sport with admiring natural beauty.

3. Lençóis Maranhenses

The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is made up of thousands of lagoons on white sand dunes, covering an area of 155,000 hectares, with around 70 kilometres of deserted beaches.

During the rainy season, the force of the water creates lagoons that become veritable oases and are the main attraction of the place. It is important to plan your visit to make the most of these lagoons, which are at their deepest between May and September.

The small town of Barreirinhas, 260 kilometres from São Luís, has a good infrastructure to welcome tourists.

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