The Northeast Coast of Brazil stretches across states like Ceará, Maranhão, and Bahia. It's always been there, but search interest is spiking. Travelers are typing "Brazil hidden gems" and "alternative Brazil beaches" more than ever.

Part of that comes from fatigue. Rio is incredible, but it's also crowded, expensive, and heavily touristed. The Northeast offers space. You'll still meet other travelers, but you won't fight for a spot on the sand.

The landscapes here also stand apart. This isn't just tropical coastline. You get desert dunes, river deltas, mangroves, and those famous seasonal lagoons that look like they belong on another planet.

And honestly, the infrastructure is catching up. Direct flights are improving. Hotels are opening without sacrificing the laid-back vibe. This is the moment to visit before the secret gets out.

Jericoacoara, or Jeri as locals call it, sits on the northern coast of Ceará. It's a village surrounded by sand. Not beach sand, actual Sahara-style dunes that shift and grow and eventually meet the Atlantic.

The main beach curves gently, dotted with wooden fishing boats and colorful kites from the kitesurfing crowd. Jeri is one of the best kitesurfing spots in the world, thanks to consistent wind and warm water. If you've been curious about trying it, this is the place.

But you don't need to kitesurf to appreciate Jeri. The Duna do Pôr do Sol, a towering dune on the edge of the village, turns into a gathering spot every evening. People climb up with beers or caipirinhas and watch the sun drop into the ocean. It's a ritual, and it works every single time.

Beyond the main beach, you can take buggy tours through the surrounding dunes. You'll stop at hidden lagoons like Lagoa Azul and Lagoa do Paraíso, where the water is so clear you can see your feet no matter how deep you go. These lagoons are tucked between dunes, which makes them feel private even when they're not.

Jeri doesn't have an airport. You fly into Fortaleza, then take a shuttle or shared van for about four to five hours. The last stretch involves driving on sand, which is why normal cars can't make it. Some people find this inconvenient. Others see it as the reason Jeri hasn't been overrun yet.

The village itself is sandy, literally. No paved roads, just sand streets lined with pousadas, restaurants, and shops. Staying in the village gives you a walkable base and easy access to nightlife.

If you want beachfront, you'll find options just outside the main area. These tend to be quieter and pricier, but you wake up to ocean views without the village buzz.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park sits in Maranhão, a few hundred kilometers west of Jeri. It looks like a desert. White sand dunes stretch for miles, rippling in perfect patterns under the sun. But this isn't a real desert because it rains here, a lot.

From January through June, the park floods. Rainwater collects between the dunes, forming thousands of temporary lagoons. The dunes stay white, the lagoons turn blue or green depending on depth and algae, and the whole landscape becomes something you can't quite believe is real.

By July, the water levels peak. The lagoons are deep enough to swim in, warm enough to stay in for hours, and scattered across the park like someone spilled turquoise paint on a canvas. This is the best time to visit.

Come October, the dry season drains the lagoons. The dunes remain, but the magic fades. You want to catch this between June and September.

Barreirinhas is the gateway town. It's small, functional, and positioned right along the Preguiças River. Most visitors base themselves here and book day tours into the park.

Tours use 4x4 trucks because the sand is too deep for regular vehicles. You drive in, walk the dunes, and swim in the lagoons. Some tours include river trips through mangroves or visits to smaller coastal towns like Atins.

Walking the dunes is harder than it looks. Sand shifts under your feet, and the sun reflects off the white surface. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. The payoff is worth it. You'll crest a dune and see lagoons stretching out in every direction, with no one else in sight.

Photos don't quite capture the scale. The dunes are massive, sometimes 40 meters high. The lagoons are warm, almost bath temperature. The silence is absolute when the wind dies down.

You might feel small out there. That's part of it.

Combining Jericoacoara and Lençóis Maranhenses makes sense geographically. They're not next to each other, but buses and shuttles connect the two. Budget a week minimum if you want to see both without rushing. Ten days feels better.

A typical route looks like this: Fly into Fortaleza, spend three to four days in Jeri, take a bus or transfer to Barreirinhas, spend two to three days exploring Lençóis, then fly out of São Luís.

Direct transfers exist, but expect long travel days. Jeri to Barreirinhas involves at least eight hours by road, sometimes more depending on connections. Some travelers break it up with a stop in Parnaíba or Tutóia.

Domestic flights within Brazil are affordable if you book early. Check options through Fortaleza, São Luís, and Teresina when planning connections.

The Northeast Coast is cheaper than Rio or São Paulo. Meals at local restaurants run 30 to 50 reais. Pousadas in Jeri start around 150 reais per night for basic doubles. Tours in Lençóis cost between 100 and 300 reais depending on the package.

You'll spend more if you want beachfront accommodations or private tours, but the baseline is accessible.

The Northeast is generally safe for travelers, but standard precautions apply. Don't flash valuables, avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep copies of important documents.

Portuguese is the primary language. English is less common than in Rio, so having a translation app or basic Portuguese phrases helps.

Cash is useful in smaller towns. ATMs exist, but having reais on hand avoids issues.

Brazil's recognition as Destination of the Year for 2026 is already pushing more travelers toward lesser-known regions. The Northeast Coast is benefiting from that attention.

Airlines are adding routes. Hotels are expanding. But the vibe hasn't shifted yet. Jeri still feels like a village. Lençóis still feels wild.

That balance won't last forever. Give it another five years, and these places will likely be busier, more developed, and less raw. Right now, they're in that sweet spot where infrastructure exists without overwhelming the landscape.

If you've been thinking about Brazil but want to skip the Rio crowds, this is your answer. The Northeast Coast delivers everything people love about Brazil (beaches, warmth, culture, food) with far fewer tourists and way more space.

And honestly, the landscapes here rival anything in the country. You just need to know where to look.

Airbnb
Good for monthly stays with strong discounts.

Booking.com
Helpful for private studios and long term deals.

Skyscanner
Simple for tracking flight prices in and out of Brazil.

HolaFly
Reliable eSIM for immediate mobile data in Brazil. Get 5% discount on all plans.

Brazil Travel Essentials
Everything you need for Brazil, and nothing you don't.

Kiwi
Great for multi city travel across South America.

Jericoacoara and Lençóis Maranhenses represent a side of Brazil that doesn't get enough credit. These aren't backup options. They're world-class destinations that happen to fly under the radar.

2026 is the year to visit before that changes. Brazil's Northeast Coast is ready. The question is whether you are.

What is the best time to visit Jericoacoara and Lençóis Maranhenses?

Visit Jericoacoara any time between July and January for consistent wind and sunshine. For Lençóis Maranhenses, plan your trip between June and September when the lagoons are full and swimmable.

How many days do I need for both destinations?

Budget at least seven days. Three to four days in Jericoacoara, two to three days in Lençóis Maranhenses, plus travel time. Ten days gives you a more relaxed pace.

Is it safe to travel to Brazil's Northeast Coast?

Yes, with standard travel precautions. Avoid displaying valuables, stay aware of your surroundings, and stick to well-traveled areas. The Northeast is generally safe for tourists.

Do I need to speak Portuguese?

Basic Portuguese helps, especially in smaller towns where English is less common. A translation app makes communication easier.

Can I visit Lençóis Maranhenses independently or do I need a tour?

Tours are recommended because the park requires 4x4 vehicles and local knowledge. Independent hiking is possible but challenging due to the heat and lack of marked trails.

What's the best way to get between Jericoacoara and Lençóis Maranhenses?

Shared shuttles and buses connect the two, usually taking eight to ten hours. Some travelers fly between Fortaleza and São Luís to save time.

Are there direct flights to Jericoacoara?

No. Fly into Fortaleza and take a shuttle or transfer to Jeri. The journey takes four to five hours.

What should I pack for the Northeast Coast?

Sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, sandals, light clothing, and a reusable water bottle. Bring cash for smaller towns and a waterproof bag for beach and lagoon visits..

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you purchase through them, Cheers to Travels may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we truly believe in.