This article was originally published on our magazine n°6 : Travel spots to (re)discover
Straddling the regions of Maranhao and Ceara, it is possible to find, far from the irresistible exuberance of Rio de Janeiro, turquoise waters and fine sand in one of the favorite regions for lovers of authentic Brazil.
Jericoacoara
A four-hour bus ride from Fortaleza along the main road, or six if one opts for the wild coast via all-terrain vehicles, is the Jericoacoara nature reserve. Between the sand dunes and the dry mangrove, multiple excursions possible in buggy, quad or 4×4, allow to admire the amazing contrasts of this lesser-known region. Quietly settled in a hammock by the water of the Lagoa do Paraiso, we change worlds in a few seconds. Fans of large sandy beaches can enjoy a peaceful ocean on the leeward coast, and sports enthusiasts of kitesurfing can practice on one of the most renowned spots in the world! At nightfall, don’t miss the sumptuous sunset from the Duna do Pôr do Sol!
Lençois Marahenses
Halfway between Fortaleza and Sao Luis, Barreirinhas, is the gateway to the pearl of Brazil: the Lençois Marahenses. Shaped by sea winds, the immense white sand dunes and crystal-clear lagoons as far as the eye can see seem surreal. The sky blends with the earth and gives the impression of a walk on the clouds. The possible excursions are numerous, whether on foot or motorized, they allow, between June and September, after the rainy season, to dive into these emerald pools during the explorations.
The meeting of exceptional conditions reveals in this area remarkable and varied sites, where man and nature coexist. You can visit the Mandacaru lighthouse, which watches over the Rio Preguiças and guides the fishermen on their jangadas in the middle of a wild nursery, where a multitude of protected species live, such as the dwarf caiman, the red ibis, the turtle and the capuchin monkey. Navigate to Atins and the Parnaiba delta to enjoy lobster, crab and fresh fish in this natural sanctuary that remains intact.
Sao Luis
The last stop on the Route of Emotions is located 400 kilometers north of the Lençois Marahenses: Sao Luis. Founded by two French sailors in the 17th century, the capital of the State of Maranhão is a wonder classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The historic center, protected by still visible French fortifications, houses many buildings with Portuguese colonial architecture married to the beauty of Lisbon azulejos.
The Cathedral da Sé, the Church of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, and the official buildings are all testimony to the major importance that the city has exercised for nearly three centuries on trade from the new continent to Europe. Sao Luis has since developed harmoniously, it has retained all its inspiring charm. It is easy to understand why Maria Firmina dos Reis, considered the mother of Brazilian literature, and a number of other national novelists and poets have resided there, which earned it the nickname “the Brazilian Athens.”
