Hey all, I've got about 12 days to travel between Fortaleza and Belem and was thinking about doing something like:
Fortaleza
Jericocoara or Canoa Quebrada
Ubajara
Sete Cidades
Parnaiba
Lencois Mara...
Sao Luis
Belem
Any recommended routes? Also what are the must sees and which are really worth it? If you have an idea about travel times that would be great too (i assume its all local bus or 4x4) Thanks a million!


I have been to the first 3. All worthwhile. Driving, this would be easy. By bus and public 4x4 it may be tough to do all of them, especially someplace like Sete Cidades, but you will need to peruse carefully the LP guide (or others) on Brazil and hear from other posters. I liked Ubajara, including the famous caves, though we drove a private car. Took the bus directly from Fortaleza to Parnaiba several years ago (a long haul, I found). Really enjoyed the slow, small river boat from there to Tutoia (bring a hammock to string on the hooks on the boat, otherwise virtually no seating). Good luck. Sounds fun. I guess you realize Sete Cidade, like most of interior Piaui, can get really hot. If time gets short, could you fly from São Luis to Belem?

i have about 4/5 days to do the same
can anyone suggest a the must see destinations - i prefer nature as a pose to nightlife.......
thanks

I could fly Sao Luis - Belem, but was counting on an overnight bus for cost reasons...

Lencois Maranhenses and Jeri are the best places to see. You will only need a half day tour to see the Maranhenses dunes. They are truly one of the most spectacular sights in Brazil and should not be missed if you are in the area. Jeri is good for several days.
Fortaleza, Canoa Quebrada, Sao Luis and Belem are OK to see but nothing special. I can't advise on Ubajara or Sete Cidades- never been there.
The trip along the coast from Jeri to Tutoia is very memorable but can take 3 days or so as there is usually just a rough track to follow.