Alternative Brazil: Rio, the North-East and Jericoacoara

Included in the itinerary - A visit to Christ the Redeemer. Christ the Redeemer is the symbol of Rio. A cog train takes you up through the rainforest of Tijuca - the largest urban forest in the world - to the famous statue that, with its head in the clouds, dominates the city, 2288ft above sea level. And on arrival, a knockout view of Rio and its bay, the Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. A visit to arty Santa Teresa, accompanied by one of its inhabitants who will guide you through its cobblestone streets, where time seems to have stopped in the mid 20th century, and to its artists' workshops.
Things to see and do - a visit to the Museu de Arte Moderna, built in 1960 by Alfonso Eduardo Reidy, and a must for its perfect architecture - buy a bikini at Bumbum - chill on the beach of Ipanema - observe trends in contemporary art at the Anita Schwartz Gallery - see the Maracana Stadium and the huge concrete cone of Sao Sebastiao Cathedral, Rio's twin temples - indulge in churrasco (grilled meat) and feijoada (black bean stew) - shop in the bohemian district of Lapa: home to Portuguese colonial houses in faded colours have been reinvented as second-hand clothes shops, vintage shops and antique galleries, where splendid mid-century Brazilian furniture can be found - sip Amazonian fruit juice in the cool of a rear courtyard in Leblon, after an afternoon shopping.

Flight to Sao Luis. Founded by the French as Saint Louis in 1612, the capital of Maranhao has preserved an exceptional colonial centre. A grid plan, wrought iron balconies, glazed painted tiles: the overall effect is enchanting. Overnight accommodation in a modern hotel, a short distance from the beach. Abandon yourselves to relaxation by the beautiful pool, lulled the sound of the nearby waves. Inside, modern design and lots of light; in the rooms, beautiful proportions and muted shades. The main restaurant serves international cuisine with Brazilian touches. A sauna and gym are there so that guests can appear at their best on the beach.

Included in the itinerary - Meet with your guide/driver and drive along the bays and across the plains, to the peaceful town of Barreirinhas, nestled in the lazy bends of the Preguicas River, where the bright whiteness of the dunes is punctuated by lagoons with translucent, green or dark blue waters. Spend two nights on the banks of the Preguicas River in a hotel with simple comfort, beautiful swimming pools, and spacious bungalows.
Optional - A flight over Lencois Maranhenses. By plane, the dunes and lagoons of Lencois Maranhenses look like a work of art.

Included in the itinerary - A day discovering Lencois Maranhenses National Park in a private 4x4 vehicle, 600 square miles of pristine sand dunes, dotted with embedded blue lagoons - it's an extraordinary landscape. You'll reach Barreirinhas after swimming in a lagoon at sunset.

Included in the itinerary - Cruise along the Rio Preguicas by speedboat to Atins, a fishing village between the mouth of the river, the ocean and the national park. Its main street is an avenue of white sand flanked by palms. After walking along the beaches where sea turtles nest and crab-filled mangroves, have another foray into the Lencois Maranhenses, for a swim in the lagoon. After lunch and a refreshing nap in a hammock in Canto do Atins, return to Atins, where you spend the night in a charming, warm pousada (inn), where you'll be welcomed as friends.