Dunes Adventure 10 days

A journey through the wildest portion of the Brazilian Coast. This package invites you to an ecologic expedition through this marvelous part of Brazil, combining the endless dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses, known as the Brazilian Saara, the wonderful Delta do Parnaíba, a unique ecosystem compounded by more than 80 islands in the mouth of the Parnaíba River and Jericoacoara, elected one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The program includes a rally over the dunes in Lençois, an off-road journey through the beaches of Piauí State and visits to the lagoons of Jericoacoara. A delight for eyes and soul... What is included? · 9 nights in the in best hotels or lodges in the region; · All scheduled flights and transfers in Brazil; · All tours and excursions listed; · All transfers, service charges and taxes, excluding airport taxes; . 9 breakfasts; . Full time accompaniment; . Travel insurance.

Features that make the difference • Three different destinations in just one trip. • The itinerary allows the best utilization of time with harmonious transfers. • Eco-Social Tourism concept: “to travel, learn and preserve”. • Contact with the local population. • Best selection of hotels in each location. • Daily departures.

Biosfera Brasil- www.biosferabrasil.com - Phone: (55 11) 3813-9257

Itinerary Day 1 – São Paulo – Fortaleza Departure from São Paulo to Fortaleza in jets by Gol airlines. Reception and transfer to the chosen hotel. Night in Fortaleza. (B) Day 2 – Fortaleza – Mundaú We leave Fortaleza in the morning in an off-road vehicle through the beaches of Ceará State. The Cumbuco is the first one, where the tourists have the first sights of the dunes and experience the sand board. Than we take the road to the beaches of Paracurú and Lagoinha, certainly two of the most beautiful postcards of Ceará, where we have lunch (not included). After lunch we get the road to Mundaú, a small village famous for the wonderful lacework handmade by local women. There, travelers have the opportunity to see these women working and learn some techniques of this job. After 160km of sand and astonishing views we are reward with the sunset in the warm waters of Ceará. (B)

Day 3 - Mundaú - Jericoacoara After breakfast we leave Mundaú and head out to Jericoacoara passing through secondary roads and virgin beaches, such as Baleia, Caetanos and Icarazinho, this one, a cinematographic bay surrounded by a vast coconut tree plantation, perfect for windsurfing. Stop in the Preá Village for lunch (not included). Arrival in Jeri (as Jericoacoara is locally called) in the end of the afternoon for accommodation in the chosen hotel. Free night. For dinner we suggest the Creperia Naturalmente, where you can eat one of the best crepes in the world. (B)

Day 4 – Jericoacoara Free morning. Depending on tide conditions we suggest a walk to the Pedra Furada, Jeri’s most famous postcard. Afterwards we visit the astonishing Blue Lagoon and Paradise Lagoon. Created by the rainwater, these natural pools reflect the eternal sunlight of the region, what gives them a deep blue color. Perfect place for bath and relaxing. There we have lunch (not included). Return to Jeri where we have the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful nature spectacles in Brazil: the sunset over the big Sunset Dune. (B)

Day 5 - Jericoacoara – Camocim - Parnaíba After breakfast, we leave Jericoacoara through the beach in direction to the Environment Protection Area of Tatajuba, where we can see the ruins of the Old Tatajuba, a small fisherman village located besides the Guriú River, that was covered by the dunes a few years ago. Opportunity to bath in the Tatajuba and Green Lagoons (the most beautiful in the region). Then, we drive to the city of Camocim, a nice ocean town. From there we can have a nice view from the Coreaú River mouth and the Love Island, full of dunes and Carnaúba trees. Then, we get the asphalted road to the Parnaíba Delta, arriving in the Hotel Pousada dos Ventos in the afternoon. (B)

Biosfera Brasil- www.biosferabrasil.com - Phone: (55 11) 3813-9257

Day 6 - Parnaíba On this day, the visitor will have the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful places around Brazil. Our tour starts when we reach the port where we get the boat through the Parnaíba River main arm, called Igaraçú River in direction to the mouth of the river. In this 6 hours journey, we follow the untouched mangrove forest on the riverside, where travelers get in close contact with the local fauna and flora. (B)

Day 7 - Parnaíba - Caburé - Barreirinhas After breakfast, the group leaves to Parnaíba by 4 X 4 driving through a paradisiac road. We head to the Rio Novo Oasis, one of the most interesting places and less explored places of the region. Close to the oasis we find the small village of Paulino Neves, one of those towns that got lost in time. With only 500 mts of asphalt it proudly shows the streets covered by white sand and the wooden bridge that cover the Novo River. The small town of Barreirinhas appears magically in the middle of the Dunes. Located in the border of the Preguiça River the town is known by its rustic beauty and tranquility. After lunch (not included) or according to the tide, we follow in a rapid boat through the Preguiça River. As we go along the river we get in touch with the local fauna and flora with the opportunity to see many birds species. Our small boat finally arrives at the Barra das Preguiças, the river mouth, where the Caburé Beach is located with its charming and rustics houses. The last tour of the day will be at the Mandacarú Lighthouse built on the II World War which offers a magnificent view of the area (subject to authorities’ permission). Accommodation in Barreirinhas at Pousada Buriti or similar. (B) Day 8 – Barreirinhas - Lençóis Maranhenses National Park After breakfast, we take a 4 X 4 that will lead us to the point where we take the ferry to cross over to the National Park of the Lençóis Maranhenses. After a 10 minutes hike we get to the famous Blue and Bonita Lagoons and at the bottom of a huge dune. It’s crystalline waters invites all of our visitors to a relaxing bath. Getting on the park trails we stop by a 30m high Dune challenging the visitors for a nice climb. At the top of this Dune we have a unique panoramic view of the smaller dunes and the lagoons. After the hike we will go for a nice swim at the Bonita Lagoon, one of the biggest in Lençóis. At the end of the day we return to Barreirinhas. (B)

Day 9 - Barreirinhas – São Luiz The morning is free and can be used to get to know a bit more about the local culture with visits to the village and the handmade lacework market. Afterwards, we take a van to São Luiz, the capital of Maranhão State (3h 30min). Accommodation at the chosen hotel. Opportunity to visit the historical quarter of São Luiz, with the magnificent colonial architecture and houses with walls covered by blue Portuguese porcelain. (B) Day 10 - São Luiz After a nice night of sleep and a nice breakfast our visitors will be ready to be taken to the airport, finishing this great adventure. (B)

*(B) = Breakfast

Biosfera Brasil- www.biosferabrasil.com - Phone: (55 11) 3813-9257

CLIMATE The temperature is constantly stable, rarely under 25C (77F) or over 35C (95). A cool breeze is always present to relieve the hot sun. The sun shines all over the year, but the probability of rain is higher between February and April. Out of this period rain is very rare. Despite its desert-like appearance, the Lençóis Maranhenses records a high annual rainfall rate. All this water comes down during the well marked rainy season, from January to June, when lagoons become full of water. The rest of the year is the dry period, when the lagoons drain completely or partially. The best time to visit the region is after the rainy period, between May and October, when the lagoons are filled up and temperatures and more moderate.

ELEGIBILITY We consider most of these to be easily or moderately strenuous programs. However, walking, swimming, climbing stairs are sometimes required and are part of many excursions. All trip members are expected to be in active good health. Tour participants requiring any form of assistance are required to notify BIOSFERA BRASIL in writing at the time of reservation, and must be accompanied by an individual responsible for providing those services. Happiness and good humor are essential to have a nicer trip. To ensure the welfare and satisfaction of trip members and guarantee the desired group harmony, all trip members must be ready to experience group acquaintance and cultural differences with grace. BIOSFERA BRASIL reserves the right to reject or expel any individual who is deemed incompatible with the interests of the group. All expenses to do so will be borne by the passenger.

Biosfera Brasil- www.biosferabrasil.com - Phone: (55 11) 3813-9257

Hotel List Fortaleza

Hotel Villa Mayor Room: Standard

Nice and comfortable hotel, located 100 mts. from the beach, very close to the lacework fair in the Iracema Beach. The rooms have air conditioning, mini-bar, cable TV, phone, private locker and hot shower. The hotel offers swimming pool, bar and other facilities.

Mundaú

Located in front of the the wonderful beach of Mundaú, 140 km far from Fortaleza, this charming hotel has 20 apartments with a balcony with view to the beach, equipped with air conditioning, mini-bar, TV and hot shower. The hotel also offers a swimming pool with a bar, beach service, play-ground and beach volley court.

Jericoacoara

Located in the center of the village, this inn has 13 comfortable rooms equipped with air conditioning, mini-bar, TV and hot shower. The hotel also offers locker, room service, laundry, leisure room and swimming pool.

Parnaíba

Located in the center of the village of Parnaíba, the gateway of the Delta, this hotel has rooms with air conditioning, mini-bar, TV, phone and hot shower. The breakfast is well served with various fruits and typical local foods. The hotel also offers a swimming pool and nice atmosphere, surrounded by local fruit trees, what brings different species of birds to the area.

Barreirinhas

Located in the center of Barreirinhas, the gateway of the Lençóis Maranhenses, it is probably the best option of accommodation in the village. The hotel has 30 rooms and some bungalows adapted for people with physical difficulties. The rooms have air conditioning, mini-bar, TV, phone and hot shower. The hotel also offers a swimming pool, play-ground and a barbecue area.

Pousada das Marés

Pousada Recanto do Barão

Pousada dos Ventos

Pousada Buriti

Biosfera Brasil- www.biosferabrasil.com - Phone: (55 11) 3813-9257

São Luis

Pousada do Francês

This Pousada is located in a charming and beautiful colonial house from 18th century, in the old district of São Luis. The rooms have air conditioning, mini-bar, TV, phone and hot shower.

Biosfera Brasil- www.biosferabrasil.com - Phone: (55 11) 3813-9257