“Route of Emotions” – Episode 1
I have been hearing a lot about the Route of Emotions or “Rota de Emocoes” as it is called in Brazil. This is an adventure road trip done along the coast of the northeast of Brazil. There are different options to do this Route of Emotions. Below I describe what I experienced on my choice of doing the trip.
Route of Emotions takes you to some of the most beautiful national parks in Brazil. They include the amazing dunes in Lencois Maranhenses.
My itinerary included a flight to São Luis and a road trip to the famous Dunes. This was followed by a boat trip through the enormous Delta of the Parnaiba River. Next destination was Camocin followed by a river crossing with a ferry. The way to Jericoacoara was all about driving on the beach in a 4×4 vehicle. And, the last day, a longish drive all the way to Fortaleza.
I decided to undertake a private tour. My choice of tour operators fell on Eco Tours Brazil. They suggested that a good option for this tour was a duration of some five days.
Starting point of the “Route of Emotions” was Sao Luis in Maranhao State
I arrived to Sao Luis on a plane from Natal stopping over shortly in Fortaleza at around midday.
The tour operator arrange to pick me up from the airport.
After checking into the Hotel/Pousada Porta de los Amazons, I went for a walking tour in Sao Luis.
I will not get into details on Sao Luis because I have published a post on just this location.
Road from Sao Luis to Barreirinhas
After one night in Sao Luis, I boarded the minivan early next morning. There were some 10 more travellers with me on the bus.
It needed some convincing of the driver but he did permit me to sit in front on the co-driver seat. So, I enjoyed a prime view.
As it was early in the morning there was not much traffic on the road.
According to Google maps as well as the driver of the mini van the trip was supposed to take some 3 hours and 45 minutes. Albeit, it did take longer.
Half way through the trip we heard a very loud bang. It turned out that one of our tyres had burst. Luckily without any further consequent other then some delay. At the first opportunity we stopped at this quite amazing tyre repair shop.
Arriving in Barreirinhas still in Maranhao State
A rather bad road traffic accident and related traffic jam further delayed our trip.
Finally, after five hours, we arrived in Barreirinhas.
This is a little town puzzling with activity even when it is off season. According to the driver, during high season from May to August, it is close to impossible to pass through the roads due to the high number of visitors.
My accommodation
I was pleasantly surprised by my accommodation, the Pousada do Rio, located right on the River Prequicas. It was more on the simple side but the location was great.
Excursion to Lençóis Maranhenses
Due to the delayed arrival to Barreirinhas, I just had the time to get changed into my shorts and swimsuit and head off to the famous dunes.
A 4 wheel drive car picked me up. An additional three tourists were with me in the car. First thing we had to do is cross the river to the other side.
The Route of Emotions includes the famous Lencois Maranhenses dunes
After a half hour drive on a track with deep sand flanked by endemic bushes we arrived at the border of the National Park of Lencois Maranhenses.
And this is were the dune climbing started. I was amazed that the very white sand was not hot at all. It was perfectly ok to walk barefoot.
I am just inserting two pictures of the dunes of Lencois Maranhenses as, again, I have prepared a separate post on them…. they deserved it.
An amazing place
We spent some four hours climbing up and down the dunes. Luckily, it was somewhat overcast so the sun was not burning down on us. Having said that, I still hopped into the crystal clear rainwater pools in between the dunes to freshen up.
Time to head back
Eventually, as the sun was setting, it was time to return to our hotels.
At the river crossing, locals served a cool beer and were cooking Tapioca. For some 0.50 US$ cents I got myself one. It was the best food I have had in a long time.
This concludes the first part of my road trip of the “Route of Emotions”.
The next stretch on the road takes me from Barreirinhas to Tutoia. From there I will hop onto a boat and cross the enormous Parnaiba River Delta. Check out my post on this adventure.
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