Northern Brazil Road Trip — The Most Beautiful Beaches & Jericoacoara

The Northern Brazil Road Trip along the northeast coast – from the endless dune landscapes of the Lençóis Maranhenses about the kitesurfing mecca Jericoacoara all the way to the beaches near Fortaleza. Northeast Brazil is the Brazil away from Rio and São Paulo: wilder, more authentic, and with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Lençóis Maranhenses – The surreal dune landscape

 

The Lençóis Maranhenses They are one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the world: thousands of white sand dunes, in whose valleys turquoise freshwater lagoons form during the rainy season (January-June). The result looks like Photoshop – but it isn't. From the air (scenic flight: ~€60), the pattern of white sand and blue water is breathtaking.

Base: Barreirinhas or Santo Amaro. Jeep tours into the dunes cost €20-40 and include swimming stops in the lagoons.

Jericoacoara – Windsurfing Paradise & Backpacker Mecca

 

Jericoacoara („Jeri“) is the most relaxed place I found in Brazil: sandy streets (no asphalt in the whole village), perfect kitesurfing conditions, and sunsets from the „Dune du Pôr do Sol“ that are so spectacular that hundreds of people gather on the dune every evening.

Jeri is a top spot for KitesurfingConsistent winds (June-December), shallow lagoons, and a vibrant international kiteboarding community. Kitesurfing lessons from €50/day.

Arrival & practical tips

 

Arrival in Lençóis: Flight to São Luís, then bus to Barreirinhas (4h). Arrival in Jeri: Flight to Fortaleza, then Jeep transfer (6h, €25) – adventurous but part of the experience.

Cost: Northeast Brazil is significantly cheaper than the south. Hostel: €8-15, food: €4-10, kitesurfing: €30-50 per session.

Best time to travel: Lençóis: March-September (lagoons full). Jeri: July-December (best winds). Combination: June-September.

FAQ – Northern Brazil

 

When are the lagoons in Lençóis full?
March to September. Peak: May to July. They dry out from October onwards.

Is Jericoacoara difficult to reach?
Yes – that's part of the charm. A 6-hour jeep transfer over sandy tracks. No asphalt, no public bus. But it's absolutely worth it.

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