Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
After arriving in São Paulo, settle in and head to Avenida Paulista, ideally by Metro to Trianon–MASP or Brigadeiro; traffic on this corridor can be slow, especially on weekday afternoons. Allow about 1½ hours to walk between bookshops, cafés, street vendors, and the entrances to Bela Vista and Jardins. Continue to the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) for roughly 1½ hours. Check the current exhibition calendar and reserve timed admission if required, since popular shows can sell out; budget around R$40–60 for entry, with reduced prices often available. Then spend about 45 minutes at Japan House São Paulo, a short walk along the avenue, where compact design, photography, and Japanese-Brazilian cultural exhibitions make for an easy first-day visit. Admission is generally free, though special events may require registration.
Take the Metro or a short taxi or app ride toward Mercado Municipal de São Paulo in Centro. The market is best treated as a quick, lively tasting stop rather than a long meal: try seasonal fruit, pastries, or the famously oversized mortadella sandwich. Allow around an hour, plus time to navigate the busy interior and negotiate produce samples politely. Check the market’s same-day hours before going—stalls commonly close earlier than the building itself—and avoid carrying valuables openly in the surrounding streets. From the market to República, an app ride is usually simplest; the Metro is inexpensive but less convenient with luggage.
Finish at A Casa do Porco in República, one of the city’s most celebrated places for inventive Brazilian pork dishes. A reservation is strongly recommended, and the restaurant may use timed seating or a queue system depending on the service; check its official booking channel before leaving for the market. Set aside about 1½ hours and roughly R$100–200 per person, excluding drinks. If you still have energy afterward, stay around República only on well-lit, busy streets and use an app ride back to your accommodation—particularly if you have arrived with bags or are unfamiliar with the center.
After your early arrival in Salvador, go straight to Pelourinho and begin with an unhurried wander through the Centro Histórico. Allow about two hours for the steep, cobbled lanes, colorful façades, and squares around Largo do Pelourinho and Largo Terreiro de Jesus. Arriving before late morning is worthwhile: the light is beautiful, temperatures are gentler, and the streets are generally more relaxed. Use a taxi or app car from the airport to your accommodation or directly to the historic center; avoid carrying visible valuables and keep your phone discreet on quieter side streets.
Continue to the Igreja e Convento de São Francisco, one of Salvador’s great Baroque interiors, where the carved and gilded decoration is remarkably dense. Allow roughly an hour, but check the current visitor schedule before setting out because access can be affected by Mass or religious services; admission is commonly around R$10–15. A short walk then brings you to Casa do Carnaval da Bahia, where an hour is enough to explore the exhibits on Bahia’s music, costumes, and carnival traditions. Museum hours and ticket prices can change, so verify them locally if this visit is essential.
From the historic center, take a taxi or app car downhill to the Elevador Lacerda. The ride itself is brief, but allow around 30 minutes for the queue and the harbor panorama from the upper and lower approaches; the fare is usually only a few reais. Continue into the Mercado Modelo, directly across the square, for about an hour of browsing regional crafts, lace, woodwork, and souvenirs. It is tourist-oriented, so compare prices and bargain politely; keep enough time for the return uphill by taxi, as walking back involves a steep climb. After a break at your hotel, return to Pelourinho for dinner at Restaurante do SENAC, whose Bahian buffet is a practical introduction to dishes such as moqueca, vatapá, acarajé, and cocadas. Expect roughly R$80–150 per person, and confirm dinner service hours—especially if your visit falls on a day with a reduced schedule.
Start in Barra at Farol da Barra, arriving around 8:30–9:00 so you can enjoy the lighthouse before the strongest sun and busiest beach crowds. Allow roughly 1½ hours for the maritime museum and the views across the entrance to Baía de Todos-os-Santos; confirm the museum’s opening hours before leaving, as they can change. From here, walk a few minutes along the waterfront to Praia do Porto da Barra for a late-morning swim or a relaxed stretch of sand. The water is usually calm, but keep valuables minimal and use a staffed beach kiosk rather than leaving anything unattended. A taxi or app car from central Salvador generally takes 15–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
After the beach, take an app car toward Comércio for Solar do Unhão and the Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia. The waterfront setting is the real pleasure here—leave about two hours to see the galleries, stone buildings, gardens, and sunset-facing bay views. Check the museum’s current gallery schedule before committing, since some exhibitions and spaces may not open every day; budget around R$10–30 if an admission charge applies. For lunch, a simple meal near Mercado Modelo or along the Comércio waterfront is more practical than making a long detour. In the early evening, continue by taxi or app car to Dique do Tororó, where the monumental Candomblé orixá sculptures rise from the lake; 45 minutes is enough for a stroll and photographs, though go before it gets too late.
Finish in Rio Vermelho with dinner at Casa de Tereza, known for polished Bahian cooking in a convivial neighborhood setting. Reserve ahead, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, and expect approximately R$100–180 per person before drinks. The ride from Dique do Tororó usually takes 10–20 minutes, but evening traffic can be unpredictable. Dress lightly, carry only what you need, and use an app car between neighborhoods rather than attempting the whole route on foot after dark.
After arriving in Porto Seguro, head north to Praia do Mutá, in Coroa Vermelha. Allow roughly 30–45 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic, and aim to arrive before 10:00, when the water is calmer and the beachfront is quieter. Spend about two hours swimming and walking the broad, pale-sand shore; the sea is generally gentler here than on more exposed beaches. Beach chairs and umbrellas are usually available through the kiosks for a consumable charge, but prices vary, so confirm before settling in. Bring cash and reef-safe sunscreen, and check the tide if you hope to see the shallow pools.
Return toward the Orla Norte for the Memorial da Epopeia do Descobrimento, allowing about an hour for the exhibits and replica ship focused on the Portuguese arrival and the region’s history. Opening hours and admission can change seasonally, so verify locally before going; expect a modest entrance fee. From there, continue to Cidade Alta for the Centro Histórico de Porto Seguro, ideally in the late afternoon when the light is softer. The colonial churches, small museums, and overlook toward the coast are best enjoyed slowly over about 1½ hours. The streets are uneven, and some viewpoints involve steps; use a taxi or app car between the waterfront and the upper town rather than attempting the steep walk in the heat.
After descending, spend around 1½ hours along the Passarela do Descobrimento, the pedestrian strip in Centro, where craft stalls, souvenir shops, sweets, and casual bars become livelier after sunset. It is a pleasant place to browse, but keep phones and wallets secure in crowded sections and agree on taxi pickup points away from the busiest traffic. Finish at Gallo Praia on the Orla for a relaxed seafood dinner near the water. Budget approximately R$80–150 per person, excluding drinks; ask about the catch of the day and confirm whether service is included. If you are tired after the flight, eat earlier—around 19:00—before the promenade becomes busiest.
This is a demanding transfer day, so treat the flight from Porto Seguro to São Luís and the onward road journey to Barreirinhas as the main event. Door to door, allow roughly 8–12 hours, including airport access, check-in, any connection, baggage collection, and the pre-booked shared or private vehicle. Reserve the road transfer in advance with Gi Conect, your hotel, or a reputable local operator; the final arrival time can shift considerably with flight connections and highway conditions. If you cannot reach Barreirinhas by mid-afternoon, skip the park excursion rather than attempting it after dark.
If you arrive with enough daylight, check in quickly and meet a licensed 4x4 operator for the Circuito da Lagoa Azul, usually a 3–4-hour excursion through the dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Most departures involve a rough open-sided 4x4 ride followed by walking over soft sand, so wear sandals or shoes that can get wet, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a dry bag for valuables. The lagoons are seasonal and depend on recent rainfall; confirm the day’s conditions, access, and pickup time with the operator before paying. Expect an excursion cost of approximately R$100–200 per person, depending on the season and group size, with park or local access fees sometimes charged separately.
After returning to town, walk or take a short taxi ride to Beco do Crepe, a casual evening stop near the waterfront for crepes and dessert. Budget approximately R$40–80 per person, and keep the meal simple after the long travel day. Service can be relaxed and opening hours vary with the season, so ask your accommodation to confirm that the venue is operating and to arrange a table or backup nearby. If the transfer runs late, save the Lagoa Azul excursion for the following morning rather than rushing the dunes in poor light.
Leave Barreirinhas around 06:00–07:00 in a pre-booked shared minivan, allowing roughly 4–5 hours door to door. The road is straightforward but the shared service may include hotel pickups, so confirm the exact pickup point and luggage allowance the night before. After arriving in São Luís, leave your bags at your accommodation in or near Praia Grande and take a short break before sightseeing; trying to fit the museums in immediately after the transfer usually makes the afternoon feel rushed.
Begin at Casa de Nhozinho, a beautiful historic mansion in Praia Grande displaying Maranhão folk art, traditional toys, weaving, and regional craftwork. Allow about an hour and confirm the opening schedule locally, as cultural attractions in São Luís can have reduced hours or occasional closures. From there, walk through the tiled streets of the historic center to Palácio dos Leões, where the interiors, artwork, and views over the bay are the main draw. Guided visits may run only at set times and can require advance confirmation, so check the same day rather than assuming you can enter immediately.
Continue to the Museu Histórico e Artístico do Maranhão, another roughly one-hour visit focused on period interiors and the city’s social history. The three attractions are close enough to do on foot, but use a ride-hailing car if the heat is intense or you are carrying luggage; cobblestones and uneven sidewalks make wheeled bags inconvenient. Individual admission is generally inexpensive, often around R$5–20, but opening hours and tour availability should be verified with your hotel.
Finish at Casa das Tulhas, the lively covered market in Praia Grande, ideally from about 16:30 onward. Browse stalls selling local sweets, spices, dried seafood, regional produce, and cachaças, and ask before photographing vendors or sampling products. It is a good place to pick up small edible souvenirs, though keep valuables secured and avoid displaying cash in the quieter surrounding lanes after dark.
For dinner, walk or take a short ride to Restaurante Cafofinho da Tia Dica in the historic center. Order a Maranhão specialty such as arroz de cuxá with seafood, and allow around 1½ hours; budget approximately R$70–140 per person before drinks. São Luís’s colonial center is atmospheric in the evening, but stick to the busier, illuminated streets and arrange a ride back to your accommodation rather than wandering far after dinner.
Leave São Luís around 05:00–06:00 in your pre-booked shared minivan or 4x4 toward Jericoacoara, allowing 7–9 hours door to door. The final approach is over sandy roads via Jijoca de Jericoacoara, and vehicles normally stop at the edge of the village because the central lanes are pedestrian-friendly and mostly unpaved. Confirm whether your accommodation includes the short local buggy or 4x4 connection, and keep cash handy for small transfer or luggage charges. With this journey, expect to reach the village in the late afternoon; if the transfer runs late, treat the sunset stops as flexible rather than rushed.
After checking in, walk through the sandy lanes to Praça Principal de Jericoacoara for about 45 minutes. This is the easiest place to get oriented, arrange a next-day buggy or 4x4 tour, and pick up essentials before shops and agencies begin closing. ATM availability can be unreliable, so withdraw or exchange some Brazilian reais before departure from São Luís if possible. From the square, it is only a few minutes on foot to Praia de Jericoacoara; spend roughly 1½ hours along the shore, watching the light change over the water and settling into the slower rhythm of the village.
Walk west toward Duna do Pôr do Sol about 30–40 minutes before sunset. The climb is easy but the sand is soft, so sandals or bare feet are more practical than formal shoes; bring water and protect phones from blowing sand. The dune is popular, but arriving early gives you a better position and time to watch kitesurfers and local vendors setting up below. After dark, return to the village for dinner at Tamarindo, a relaxed garden-style restaurant known for seafood and Brazilian dishes. Budget approximately R$80–160 per person, and expect dinner to take around 1½ hours; reservations are sensible in busy periods, especially if you arrive with luggage or a larger group.
Start early with a licensed buggy or 4x4 tour from Jericoacoara to Lagoa do Paraíso, allowing roughly 30–45 minutes each way depending on the route and sand conditions. Spend about three hours swimming and relaxing beside the exceptionally clear water. The famous net loungers are usually claimed quickly, so arriving around 8:00–8:30 gives you a better chance of a quieter spot; bring cash, sunscreen, and a dry bag, as card machines and mobile signal can be unreliable. Expect around R$30–80 for food or drinks, with any access or chair fees varying by beach club.
Continue east toward Lagoa Azul, a quieter stop generally reached as part of the same organized buggy or 4x4 circuit. Allow about 1½ hours here for a swim and a slower break before returning toward Jericoacoara. Confirm in advance that the driver includes both lagoons and ask whether the quoted price covers all passengers, park access, and return to the village; a private buggy or 4x4 commonly costs roughly R$400–700 for the vehicle, depending on the route and season. Back in the village, have a light meal and water before heading toward Serrote in Jericoacoara National Park. The elevated walk takes about an hour and is best in the late afternoon, when the light softens and the views over the dunes and village are particularly good. Wear closed shoes—the paths can be sandy and uneven.
From Serrote, walk toward Malhada Beach and follow the coastal path to Pedra Furada, allowing around two hours round trip. Check the tide with your accommodation before setting out: sections of the route are easier along the beach at low tide, while high water may require the higher inland path. Leave enough daylight for the return, carry water, and avoid relying on taxis—vehicles cannot access the beach path, and the village streets are largely pedestrian. Finish with dinner at Na Casa Dela, a small, intimate restaurant in Vila de Jericoacoara known for creative regional cooking. Reserve ahead, particularly in busier periods, and budget approximately R$100–180 per person; dinner usually takes about 1½ hours.
Leave Jericoacoara around 07:00 in your pre-booked shared 4x4 or minivan, allowing 5–6 hours door to door. The final arrival point is usually your accommodation or a central drop-off, but confirm this when booking, especially if you are continuing to Fortaleza–Pinto Martins Airport. Check in, leave your luggage, and keep the afternoon flexible: traffic along the coast can make the transfer run later than expected.
Once settled, take a taxi or app car to Mercado dos Peixes in Mucuripe. Choose your seafood at the market and have it prepared simply—grilled fish, shrimp, lobster, or crab—at one of the surrounding stalls. Allow about 1½ hours and budget roughly R$60–120 per person, depending on the catch and portion size. It is liveliest from late afternoon onward, and carrying some cash is useful even though many vendors accept cards or instant payment.
From Mucuripe, walk or take a short ride west along Avenida Beira-Mar toward Meireles, where the waterfront promenade and evening craft stalls make for an easy, breezy hour or two. Keep valuables discreet and use the busier, well-lit stretches. Continue by taxi or app car to Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura in Praia de Iracema for its galleries, striking modern architecture, or a scheduled cultural program; check the official program and opening hours before leaving, since individual spaces can vary. If you are flying onward, do not stay late: allow roughly 1½–2 hours from central Fortaleza to the airport, plus check-in, baggage drop, and security. For the journey to São Paulo, schedule the flight only after confirming your Jericoacoara transfer buffer; door to door, the flight day requires about 5–7 hours including the airport transfer and formalities.
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