Our Routes in Northern Brazil …with Product Executive, Hannah
In the next instalment of Our Routes series dedicated to sharing travel experiences from our experts all over Latin America, we take a look at a road less travelled with product executive Hannah Finch, who had a blast over the sandscapes of the Route of Emotion’s Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in the northeast of Brazil.
Hannah loving dune life in her buggyWhat were your main destinations on this trip to Northern Brazil?
We travelled the Route of Emotions – visiting Sao Luis, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Parnaíba, Jericoacoara.
Palm trees and boat on the Route of Emotions coastHow did you get to Northern Brazil?
We travelled from London Via Lisbon and Recife with Air Portugal (TAP), then overland travel by 4x4, dune buggy, boat, and ferry-raft for the ultimate adventure.
Taking 4x4s across the watery stretches of the parkWas this your first time visiting Brazil or a repeat trip?
This was my first time visiting Brazil… but definitely not my last though!
Hannah enjoys the beach swing in JericoacoaraWhat was your favourite location?
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park – I’d seen pictures but they don’t do it justice. The park is so vast, pristine, stunningly beautiful and feels out of this world.
Beachgoers enjoy the unique landscape of this national parkWhat was the most memorable moment?
Driving around the dunes in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, taking in the scenery, we ended at a completely deserted lagoon. Covered in sand, I jumped straight into the water! It was crystal clear, really refreshing and we had it completely to ourselves, no other people for as far as the eye could see. Paradise!
Splashing around the lagoonWhat was the best excursion or experience on this holiday to Brazil?
There were loads of great experiences, romantic sunset picnics in the dunes, experiencing a carnival in Sao Luis and a boat ride along the Parnaíba Delta to see flocks of scarlet ibis coming in to roost. At exactly 5.45 pm, while the sun was setting the birds flew in from every direction, their bright red feathers catching the light, it was magical. But my personal favourite excursion had to be buggy driving in the dunes, it was really great fun driving up and down the dunes, and through streams.
What do you recommend packing or prepping for a trip to Northeast Brazil and the Route of Emotions?
Pack light – in the day all you’ll need is shorts and t-shirts, swimwear and flip flops, then something nice for the evening. Top tip: make sure you have enough cash or be prepared to pay on a card, there are very few ATMs and hardly anywhere changes money along the way.
Hannah captures some well-dressed dancers for Sao Luis CarnivalWhat was your favourite food or drink on your trip?
The food was amazing, fresh fish, shrimp, crab, lobster, octopus – every day. However, my favourite was a feijoada (pork and black bean stew) buffet where we tried all different cuts of pork and sausages, served with salads, rice, cassava chips and lots more.
Hannah’s sunset dining view
Being Brazil it would be rude not to say a caipirinha was my favourite drink, I sampled many along the way… all in the name of research of course!Hannah’s sunset dining view
A twist on a favourite from back home – London dry gin with a popsicle!Favourite photo?
This one of sunset in lovely Atins.
Sunset in AtinsSum up your trip to Northeast Brazil & the Route of Emotions in just three words:
Stunning, peaceful, unforgettable.
Sunset over the dunesReady to book your trip to northern Brazil? Get in touch with one of our Brazil travel specialists today.
