Rota das Emoções

A three-state off-road route along Brazil's northern coast linking Jericoacoara, the Parnaíba Delta and Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.

The "Rota das Emoções" (Route of Emotions) is a cross-state route promoted by Brazil's tourism ministry. It runs along Brazil's northern coast through the states of Ceará, Piauí and Maranhão, about 500 km in all, tying together three natural wonders. The usual starting point is Jericoacoara in Ceará, a fishing village ringed by dunes, with the Pedra Furada rock arch, the Sunset Dune, Paradise Lagoon and world-famous kitesurfing. In the middle is the Parnaíba River Delta in Piauí, the only delta in the Americas that opens freely to the sea; boat trips thread through mangroves to see scarlet ibises returning to roost and dune islands. The finish is Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Maranhão, where after the rainy season thousands of bright blue rainwater lagoons form between white crescent-shaped dunes. You can enter by 4WD from Barreirinhas or Atins, hike and swim, or take a small plane to see it from above. The full route usually takes 5–8 days, flying into Fortaleza and out of São Luís (or the reverse). Sandy tracks and beach stretches are passable only in local 4WD vehicles or on a tour, so ordinary cars can't do it. Best when the lagoons are fullest, Jun–Sep. The dune areas have no shade, so bring sun protection and water, and you must enter the national park with a licensed guide.

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