The high season in Lençóis Maranhenses starts at the end of June and continues until September, when they start to dry. But Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is open to visitors all year round.
With a good tourist structure, Barreirinhas in Lençóis Maranhenses is the main base to explore the crystalline lagoons that form with rainwater in the middle of the dunes.
The main Lencois Maranhenses attractions are the freshwater ponds, which fill up between January and June, during the rainy season.
There is beauty in ponds of different levels: from very full ponds, which overflow and form amended areas, to those that are shallower due to the drying process and where it is even possible to see algae in the background.
Nobody needs to change their vacation plans because of the level of the ponds.
August is the windiest month and, therefore, some of them are already starting to dry.
The ones that receive the most visitors are the ones that usually dry first, but the park is huge and there are beautiful ponds to visit all year round, bathe and have fun.
When the closest ones dry up, we take tourists to the more distant ones and the spectacle is the same. Seven days is enough to explore the lagoons and São Luís, the capital.
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Main Villages in Lençóis Maranhenses
barriers
barriers it is the main base to discover Lençóis Maranhenses. The city has a more complete structure to receive tourists, especially groups with families.
Two must-see tours include a visit to the Bonita and Azul lagoons.
You can choose one to do part-time, depending on the time available, but some agencies opt for full-day tours, including the two points of the circuit.
With one more day available, take the speedboat ride through the Rio Preguiças.
There are stops at Vassouras, Mandacaru and Caburé, where you can have lunch, rest in the hammock or pay for an ATV ride along the beach to the giant weather vanes that produce wind energy.
Reached
Reached is a fishing village that is part of the municipality of Barreirinhas. In addition to the nearby lagoons, it has a beach and is one of the most sought after destinations by those who practice kitesurf.
Among the three options, the city of Reached it is the most rustic and least known by travelers. However, that doesn't mean the small fishing village isn't des-lum-bran-te.
situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the mouth of Preguiças River, the municipality is perfect for recharging your energies. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Is time short? You can take a day trip to discover the corners of Atins and lagoons such as Capivara.
Some agencies make the journey by 4×4, others do it by boat, which can be direct or with stops in neighboring towns.
If you have a few more days, stay at one of the inns in the town and take a free day to walk along the soft sand streets to the beach. Enjoy the local cuisine in one of the charming restaurants in the village or the hustle of the bars by the sea.
You can take a day trip from Barreirinhas to Santo Amaro, but there are so many cool tours that it's worth staying there to make the most of the region.
Santo Amaro
Although it is the municipality of Santo Amaro it is the closest to the national park, however it does not offer as much tourist infrastructure as Barreirinhas. On the other hand, if you like simplicity, you will love the rustic beauty of the city.
Tours in Lençóis Maranhenses
spliced lagoons
The main attraction is the tour of the spliced lagoons, held in the afternoon – ends with a breathtaking sunset.
Lagoa das Emendadas is located between two huge dunes
Another tour is the Bethany Circuit
It lasts all day, contemplates several lakes, has a stop for lunch and also ends after sunset. Don't be fooled into thinking that the script is similar, the landscape changes every day.
If you have the opportunity, include the sunrise on the dunes in the itinerary.
When to go
As the main attractions of Maranhenses Sheets are the natural pools, the best time to visit the destination is between the months of June e September,since, it is when the natural pools reach the highest water levels.
Always stay tuned for news about the region to see if it rained enough for the pools to be full. Remember that everything depends on nature and things don't always turn out the way we want.
Sao Luis do Maranhao
Before the flight back home, take time to walk among the historic mansions of São Luís, World Heritage Site. Take a stretch to Raposa to get to know the Fronhas Maranhenses.
The tour can last from 2h30 to 4h. By boat, you travel along the river (with a stop for swimming) until you reach the Dunas de Carimã.
Lençóis Maranhenses Tourism and Travel Guide
