Ecocity and Ecoland border the breathtaking environmentally protected lands of the Delta del Parnaíba. Made up of 82 islands and 700 kms of navigable channels, the Delta do Parnaíba occupies 2700 km² between the states of Piauí and Maranhão.

This extraordinary delta in the Americas is a rare phenomenon that is only matched in size and environmental scope by the Nile River in Africa and the Mekong River in Asia.

Originating in Chapada das Mangabeiras, the Parnaíba River is a splendour to behold. It is celebrated by native Brazilians and tourists alike for its rushing beauty, its unique and diverse ecological settings and its river rafting, which promises hours of pure adrenalin rushes for thrill seekers.

This one of a kind ecosystem reveals a wide variety of contrasting landscapes: rivers, lagoons, giant dunes, flood lands, pristine white-sand beaches, mud flats and swamps containing a variety of luscious mangrove trees, the roots of which are home to several species of crabs and where tree foliage provide nesting and roosting sites for large exotic birds such as Macaws.

Small caimans, monkeys, tortoises, crabs and different types of birds; scarlet ibis and herons coexist peacefully in this rarified environment, with both human and beast- Crab and saltwater fishermen, farmers and cattle herds. Parnaíba is also home to lace makers; Brazilian women who design, weave and sell intricate handcrafted laces that are indigenous to the Parnaíba region.

Parnaiba is the point of entry for the “Route of Emotions,” or the “Rota das Emoçoes,” the wilds of which are considered by environmental scientists as an ecological paradise, prized for its extreme biodiversity,  spectacular scenery, flora, fauna, rainforests and waterways.

Visitors to the Route of Emotions can expect to enjoy nature, adventure, culture and sports.  The area is almost 300 kilometers in size, and covers two national parks and an area for environmental promotion. Currently, there are approximately 550 hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and tourist services along the way.

“The Route of Emotions” is considered the “Holy Grail” of eco-destinations. An expedition through the area has been described as a spiritual journey that explores the very roots of creation and ancient civilization; an experience that cannot be duplicated anywhere in the world. The wilds of the Rota Das Emocoes are typically toured with guides who are familiar with the geography and acceptable levels of environmental footprint that can be left behind by tourists.

In February 2008 the governments of Piauí, Ceará and Maranhão agreed to jointly improve and market the ‘Route of the Emotions’ (Delta Parnaíba, Jericoacoara Bed and Maranhão). The Regional Sustainable Development organization operates under one umbrella with the three goverments collaborating to promote community-based eco-tourism that will financially benefit the entire region.

Planned and underway are major infastructure developments, airport expansions, sanitation improvements, and energy efficiency improvements. This will create a continuous route encompassing 12 municipalities, and all will be tied together. The corridor and the region will further be promoted worldwide as a major eco-attraction and ecotourism destination that remains sensitive and respectful to the ecosystem.

The government collaboration established several goals for the newly formed integrated tourism route. This includes hotel accommodations increases of 20%, a 15% increase of tourist time spent there, marketing the region as a multi-season destination, and a 20% expansion in sector tourism revenues.