Most travellers to Brazil either visit the Amazon and Rio or the wonderful regions of Iguassu and the south coast. However, they miss the absolute jewel that is the north coast and its hinterland. An area of raw national parks and wildlife, exquisite UNESCO towns, stunning beaches and landscapes like no other. Explore the remarkable huge sand dunes of the Canoa Quebrada by horse to understand what we mean or the beautiful Parnaiba Delta.
Crossing the vast width of the Amazon, from the City of Belem the next section of the journey takes us into The Guianas, the three jewels of South America, French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana. Here savannah lands and dense tropical forests are home to some of the continent's finest flora and fauna, while the coastal Caribbean plains house some of the most interesting cities and cultures.
HIGHLIGHTS
Sample the street food of Salvador
Visit 'small Lisbon' the beautiful town of Olinda
Relax on the pink sand dunes of Canoa Quebrada
Wander around the sandy streets of Jericoacoara
Explore the stunning Lencois Maranhenses NP
Enjoy a swim in the lagoons of the National park
Explore the colonial town of Belem, where the amazon reaches the Atlantic
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is a trip that would appeal to anyone who wants to explore off beat South America. It is all about the peoples, unspoilt and rarely visited regions and some of the most beautiful beaches and river systems in the continent. The infrastructure is not always perfect, but it is a region that few foreign tourists visit.
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Visit the Tamar Turtle Conservation Project
Guided visit to the stunning Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Take a 3hr walking tour of Cayenne; climb up Cépénou hill to enjoy a panoramic view of the city; the visit will take you through numerous key spots of historical cultural or natural interest.
Visit the international Spaceport in Kourou
Paramaribo City Tour
Spend 2 nights / 3 days on an all inclusive island retreat in the Suriname River surrounded by dense rainforest birdlife and opportunities to visit local communities.
Spend a night on the Bigi Pans, taking boat trips to explore the pans and see the extensive wildlife
Take a guided tour of Georgetown
We will stay in the heart of the Iwokrama Forest at a jungle lodge where we have time to explore the rainforest and observe the wildlife and birdlife.
Take a guided walk and canoe trip on the Burro Burro River
Head out for a guided hike on the Panorama Nature Trail
Welcome to Salvador! Today there is an important group meeting at 18:00hrs, please meet at the Hotel reception. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Salvador.
Border information: If you are starting in Salvador, enter Brazil at Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (IATA code: SSA)
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Watch a candomblé ceremony
Entrance: 70 USD
Enjoy a dance performance showcasing the culture and history of Bahia
Show: 65 BRL
Visit a Capoeira school to watch the Brazilian martial art combining elements of dance acrobatics and music
Approx price: 25 BRL
Visit the Forte Santo Antonioa da Barra, Brazil's oldest lighthouse, for panoramic views of the city
Price: Free
Day 2 - Aracaju (14th March 2020)
Today we head north up the coast of Bahia, into the state of Sergipe. Along the way we will make a stop at the Projeto Tamar - a research station involved in the protection of Brazil's fives species of turtle, which spans 1000km and 9 of Brazil's states. The best time to visit is September to March when the spawning occurs.
Afterwards we will continue our journey north to Aracaju, where we can chill out in one of the town's seafront eateries, listen to some traditional forro music and enjoy the fresh crabs that the town is known for.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Visit the Tamar Turtle Conservation Project
Included
Day 3 - Olinda (15th March 2020)
We have a full day drive to the stunning colonial gem of Olinda, considered one of Brazil's most important historic sites.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Day 4 - Olinda (16th March 2020)
Explore the beautiful town of Olinda, once known as 'small Lisbon' and the richest town in Brazil. Enjoy wandering the cobblestone streets, check out some of the exquisite churches and definitely make time for lunch at Alto da Se to enjoy the views!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
See the sights and visit the imposing 16th-century Igreja da Se, located at Alto da Se (Cathedral Heights)
Entrance: Free
Go on a free walking tour of Olinda
Tips only: Free
Day 5 - Praia da Pipa (17th March 2020)
Continue the journey to the cool seaside town of Praia da Pipa.
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Day 6 - Canoa Quebrada (18th March 2020)
Today we have a drive day to the pink sands of the Canoa Quebrada beaches.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Day 7 - Canoa Quebrada (19th March 2020)
Huge pinkish sand dunes dominate the area of Canoa Quebrada, it's a fantastic spot to kick back and relax after a week of overlanding, or for the more energetic; try your hand at kite surfing, take an evening horseback ride along the beach, head out on a beach buggy. There's a laid back small town to explore too.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Take a beach buggy trip to Ponta Grossa
Activity per 4 pax: 240 BRL
Try your hand at kitesurfing
Activity: 300 BRL
Day 8 - Jericoacoara (20th March 2020)
An all day drive brings us to the laid back beach town of Jericoacoara, or 'Jeri' as it's affectionately known. Access to Jericoacoara is only by 4x4 through unpaved tracks through the dunes, making it a wonderfully hard to reach place.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Day 9 - Jericoacoara (21st March 2020)
Jericoacoara is a magical place to spend some time; wander the sandy lanes, enjoy the sunset with a caipirinha on the dunes whilst the locals practise their Capoeira, head out on a quad bike adventure to remote lagoons where you can take a dip, laze in a hammock and enjoy a seafood lunch. Jeri is also one of the prime spots for surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Enjoy a dunebuggy tour around the sand dunes
Trip: 350 BRL
Take quad bikes to the stunning Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Paraiso
Trip: 350 BRL
Learn to kitesurf in Jericoacoara
Price: 160 USD
Try a capoeira class
90 min lesson: 35 BRL
Day 10 - Barreirinhas (22nd March 2020)
Today we drive to the town of Barreirinhas, the gateway to the Lencois Maranhenses National Park.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Day 11 - Barreirinhas (23rd March 2020)
Today we adventure into the Lencois Maranhenses National Park begins.
Seen from the sky, the meeting point of the Rio Parnaiba and the Atlantic Ocean looks like a giant puzzle, made up of 85 tiny islands.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Guided visit to the stunning Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Included
Optional Activities
Quadbiking around the remote Caburé
Half hour: 60 BRL
Day 12 - Barreirinhas (24th March 2020)
Today we will head out to the protected area of Pequeneos Lencois, along the way, we will visit a small fishing village, take a short walk & enjoy views of the dunes and the Preguicas River.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Day 13 - Sao Luis (25th March 2020)
This morning we will continue our journey to the beautiful UNESCO town of Sao Luis.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Day 14 - Sao Luis (26th March 2020)
Today we can enjoy the UNESCO world heritage site of Sao Luis, the only city of Brazil to be founded by the French. The city is full is interesting museums and the historic centre houses beautiful, pastel coloured colonial mansions. You can take a boat trip to the more laid back town of Alcantara, you may spot the Scarlet Guara birds on your way.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Set within an impressive mansion are exhibits of Sao Luis festivals - Carnaval Bumba Meu Boi and Divino Espirito Santo
Price: Free
Learn about Maranhoas indigenous cultures at the Centro Perquisa de Historia Natural
Price: Free
Take a guided tour of the city
Guide (cost per group): 300 BRL
Visit the 18th-century state governor's palace, Palacio dos Leoes
Price: Free
Day 15 - Belem (27th March 2020)
Our final drive day brings us to Belem where the mighty Amazon River meets the Atlantic.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 11
Day 16 - Belem (28th March 2020)
Today is yours to enjoy the port town of Belem, one of the first Portuguese settlements. Explore the historic centre which houses various museums and cathedrals and be sure to visit the Ver-o-Paso Market, considered the largest in South America, with its stalls scattered with Amazonian fish, baskets of Acai, herbs and crafts.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Visit Cidade Velha, home to most of Belem's museums with four plazas and a riverside location
Entrance: Free
Visit the iconic waterfront colonial Ver-o-Peso market
Entrance: Free
Day 17 - Amazon River (29th March 2020)
The next four days of our itinerary will be flexible to suit the sailing times of our ferry and the road conditions.
Accommodation: Overnight Boat
Day 18 - Macapa (30th March 2020)
We hope to board the Amazon passenger boat today or tomorrow at 10am, sailing to the port of Macapa - this crossing usually takes around 24hours and is a real local experience. Be sure to bring some snacks, playing cards and a good book for the journey. Meals will be provided on the ferry but these are quite basic. Snacks and drinks are sold on board.
The truck will depart on a separate ferry the night before, as it takes around 36 hours to reach Macapa.
Whilst on board we sleep in hammocks on deck. It is possible to upgrade in advance to a cabin, please contact your Sales agent for further information.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight Boat
Day 19 - Oyapoque (31st March 2020)
Overlanding day towards French Guiana
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Day 20 - Cayenne (1st April 2020)
We will likely spend a night in Macapa on arrival, followed by 2 days overlanding to the city of Cayenne in French Guiana. Our itinerary will depend on road conditions and the arrival times of the passenger and truck ferries.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Day 21 - Cayenne (2nd April 2020)
Welcome to French Guiana!, today there is an important meeting at 18:00, please meet in the hotel reception. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Cayenne.
Border Information - If joining the trip at Cayenne, you will fly into Cayenne Félix Eboué International Airport (IATA code: CAY)
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Day 22 - Cayenne (3rd April 2020)
Today we will enjoy a half day walking tour around Cayenne. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy, perhaps even take a Kayaking trip to the Ilets du pont. Depending on departure days we may choose to visit the Space station at Kourou ths morning.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Take a 3hr walking tour of Cayenne; climb up Cépénou hill to enjoy a panoramic view of the city; the visit will take you through numerous key spots of historical cultural or natural interest.
Included
Optional Activities
Take a 2-hour kayaking trip to the Iles Dupont; sea islets positioned less than a half-mile off the beach of Cayenne’s Grand Hotel de Montabo. This site is perfect for the observation of sea turtles and dolphins.
Kayaking: 29 EUR
Take a motorboat shuttle to the Ilet La Mère to explore the islet
Boat trip: 35 EUR
Day 23 - Kourou (4th April 2020)
Today we will head out to the town of Kourou; the site of the European Space station and the starting point for boat trips around the former penal colony on Devil's Island, one of the infamous Iles du Salut, off the coast of French Guiana. The ordeal of Frenchman Henri Charriere, who spent 12 years here, would later inspire the book Papillon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Visit the international Spaceport in Kourou
Included
Optional Activities
Take a boat trip to the Iles du Salut the Devils islands; explore the old church school and hospital of Ilhe Royale photograph the native wildlife and even take a dip in the convicts swimming pool!
Boat trip: 51 EUR
Day 24 - Plage Les Hattes (5th April 2020)
Today we will visit the European Space Centre near Kourou, en route to the town of Saint Laurent du Maroni.
During Turtle viewing season (March to August) we will spend tonight at Plage les Hattes, in the hope of spotting a Olive Ridley or Leatherback Turtle.
We will stay in a local guesthouse or sleep in hammocks if we visit Plage Les Hattes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Day 25 - St Laurent du Maroni (6th April 2020)
Today we have a free day to explore the border town of Saint Laurent du Maroni, located on the Maroni river, with its interesting and dark history as an arrival point for prisoners during the 19th Century.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
This river tour will take you to the “Ile Portal” river island the Amerindian village of Biguiston and its polishing stones and finally to the Wacapou creek.
Tour: 55 EUR
Visit to a Hmong Village
Tour: 46 EUR
Day 26 - Paramaribo (7th April 2020)
We continue our journey west to the lively capital Paramaribo.
This evening we may choose to take an evening sunset boat trip in the hope of seeing some Dolphins playing in the Suriname River.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Day 27 - Paramaribo (8th April 2020)
Today we have a full day to explore Paramaribo's historic inner city and the Commewijne area. You can easily explore the historic centre on foot, visiting Fort Zeelandia and the Suriname museum, and enjoying the fantastic architecture of Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, one of the largest wooden buildings in the western hemisphere, or hire a bike and take a boat across the river to cycle the peaceful Commewijne Plantation Loop, visit the star shaped fort at Neiu Amsterdam. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Paramaribo City Tour
Included
Optional Activities
Take a sunset boat trip in search of dolphins tour includes snacks and drinks.
Boat trip: 28 EUR
Hire a bike from one of the nearby hostels, cross the river in a local ferry and explore the Commewijne plantation area.
Day Tour: 60 EUR
Day 28 - Upper Suriname Area (9th April 2020)
This morning we leave the truck behind and set off for an unforgettable adventure into the interior of Suriname. We will travel by minibus for approximately 190km to the port at Atjoni, we then hop on a boat for approx 1hr trip along the Suriname River, deep into the rainforest where we will stay for two nights on our own private island!
Be sure to pack light for this excursion, as we can only take a small bag each with us.
We will stay in comfortable cabins and enjoy our own pool. All meals are provided during our visit, though you will need a small amount of money for drinks and tips for our local guide.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Spend 2 nights / 3 days on an all inclusive island retreat in the Suriname River surrounded by dense rainforest birdlife and opportunities to visit local communities.
Included
Day 29 - Upper Suriname Area (10th April 2020)
During our stay we can visit local villages, walk around the island in the hope of meeting some of its furry inhabitants and learn about the medicinal plants, try to spot Caiman on a night time canoe trip, take a dip in the river at the Ferulassi rapids - a natural Jacuzzi, and relax on the island by our pool, spot the kingfishers on the banks of the river and enjoy the tranquillity of the Amazon Rainforest.
All meals are provided.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Day 30 - Paramaribo (11th April 2020)
This morning is free for you to enjoy how you wish, walk, swim or relax and after lunch we will transfer back to Paramaribo.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Visit the partly renovated plantation Peperpot and take a walk in the nature park
Tour: 60 EUR
Visit to a Maroon Village
Tour: 85 EUR
Go on an off-roading 4x4 Adventure
City Tour: 134 EUR
Day 31 - Bigi Pan (12th April 2020)
Paramaribo and its surroundings definitely deserve at least one more day for exploration. Today is yours to spend as you wish; take a boat trip to Jordensavanne, take part in a Moengo Cultural experience, go walking in the Peperpot Nature reserve or Brownsberg Nature Park, learn the art of Surinamese cookery, or take part in one of the many day tours available.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Spend a night on the Bigi Pans, taking boat trips to explore the pans and see the extensive wildlife
Included
Day 32 - Nieuw Nickerie (13th April 2020)
Today we will leave the bright lights of Parbo behind and head to the Bigi Pan, designated an 'Important Bird Area' for its spectacular bird life, particularly the country's largest colony of Scarlet Ibis.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 1
Day 33 - Georgetown (14th April 2020)
Today we head across the border by Ferryboat to the Guyana Capital, Georgetown.
Border information: Exit Paramaribo, Enter Guyana
In Georgetown we stay in a central located, basic but cosy, locally run hostel, with shared bathrooms in a combination of twin and dorm rooms.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Day 34 - Georgetown (15th April 2020)
Take a morning tour of the city, explore the old canals and great sea wall, visit incredible wooden cathedrals, the huge market and try to spot the manatees swimming in the National park's lake. Georgetown is a busy place, and feels happily free from mass tourism. Be sure to take your camera!
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Take a guided tour of Georgetown
Included
Day 35 - Georgetown (16th April 2020)
Today we have a second free day in the city.
Perhaps one of the greatest highlights of Guyana is the spectacularly remote and impressive Kaieteur Falls, one of the tallest single drop waterfalls in the world, and reachable only by light aircraft. Take a half day flight to the falls and then enjoy a walking tour to the Falls and search for the tiny golden rocket frogs, hiding in the tank bromeliads leaves, as well as an impressive variety of butterflies, you may also be lucky enough to spot the bright orange Guayanan Cock of the Rocks.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Fly to both Kaieteur and Orinduk Falls on this day tour
Price: 290 USD
Take a flight to the amazing Kaieteur Falls
Price: 190 USD
Day 36 - Iwokrama Forest (17th April 2020)
Today the adventure really begins, as we travel south into the Guyanan Interior. We enjoy the comforts of a tarmac road for around 120km, as far as the town of Linden, and then the dirt road begins! it's the only road that connects Georgetown to Brazil, at some times of the year it becomes impassable due to the rains, but most of the time you'll find trucks and minibuses happily bumping along the road transporting people to and from Lethem. Many people choose to fly to the jungle resorts, but as overlanders we will get to enjoy the pristine rainforest - keep your eyes peeled in case of the illusive jaguar road crossing!
Please note we will likely set off very early today in order to make the most of the cooler parts of the day.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Day 37 - Iwokrama Forest (18th April 2020)
This morning we will cross the River on a small barge and head deep in the Guyanan rainforest, which gives us some unique wildlife spotting opportunities in one of the most pristine and untouched eco-systems in the world. We have a variety of options for us including walking, bird watching, canoeing trips, nocturnal wildlife spotting and even a spot of swimming (if the watre is low enough).
Today we will have an opportunity to visit the Iwokrama Forest Canopy Walkway, set 30metres above the forest floor and providing a unique opportunity to experience the jungle's mid-level canopy through a series of suspension bridges and decks. Visits during dusk or dawn are best for bird spotting of Macaws and Tucans, you may even be lucky enough to see Red Howler Monkeys.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2
Daily Activities
Included Activities
We will stay in the heart of the Iwokrama Forest at a jungle lodge where we have time to explore the rainforest and observe the wildlife and birdlife.
Included
Optional Activities
Take a short walk into the rainforest to search of the brightest bird of the jungle - the Guianan Cock of the Rocks
Price: 35 USD
Day 38 - Rupununi (19th April 2020)
Today we leave the dense rainforest behind and head towards a village settlement in an area of Savannah, where we will take a walk in the village and a short river trip in Canoes on the Burro Burro River. Afterwards we will head to our camp, which is a little further south further into the Savannah region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Take a guided walk and canoe trip on the Burro Burro River
Included
Day 39 - Rupununi (20th April 2020)
Today we have a free day for activities such a horse riding, hiking and further opportunities for spotting wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Head out for a guided hike on the Panorama Nature Trail
Included
Day 40 - Boa Vista (21st April 2020)
This is our final day in Guyana, we will head south past the town of Lethem and onto the city of Boa Vista in Brazil
(Please note that it is possible to fly from Lethem to Georgetown for approximately 150USD, for outbound international flights).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Day 41 - Boa Vista (22nd April 2020)
Today is the final day for passengers finishing their trip in Boa Vista. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you are interested in booking an extra night of accommodation in order to fully explore the area.
Border Information: if you are finishing in Boa Vista, you will most likely exit Brazil at Boa Vista-Atlas Brasil Cantanhede International Airport (AITO code: BVB)
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