One of South America’s most exceptional off-road adventures is the coast-hugging 4×4 journey between Jericoacoara and Sao Luis in remote northeastern Brazil. Carving a route through dunes and backwaters, across rivers and along beaches, passing a succession of attractive low-key fishing villages and out-of-the-way colonial towns, it’s a rewarding adventure that brings something new each day. Connected by a string of exquisite off-grid lodges, private houses and tented camps, it undoubtedly makes for one of South America’s most stylish and memorable road trips.
"Along the way, there will be opportunities to explore on foot, from the back of a horse or from a light plane."
Best done between June and August, after the rains have recharged the thousands of lakes in the vast white-sand dune sea known as the Lençois Maranhenses, it’s an adventure that can be done in a few days but ideally over the course of a week to really let you soak up the uniqueness of the place.
We’ll set you up with a 4×4 vehicle, and you’ll be fully supported with a private guide to lead the way, and a mechanic and spares to bail you out if necessary. It would be perfect to slot into an adventurous honeymoon, or you could form a private group of friends to take on the challenge together.
Along the way, there will be opportunities to explore on foot, from the back of a horse or from a light plane. Take advantage of the world’s most reliable kiteboarding conditions with a top pro to teach you. Head out with an expert naturalist guide to look for anacondas, silky anteaters and scarlet ibis in the Parnaiba Delta. Stop for a surprise gourmet lunch set up for you in the middle of the dunes, on a beach, or on a river island. And, at the end of each day, after a long and sometimes bumpy drive, the promise of cold beers, a comfortable bed and a delicious dinner beneath the stars.
