Caburé: A Unique Experience in Lençóis Maranhenses

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Caburé is a charming little peninsula located between the Preguiças River and the Atlantic Ocean, and is one of the most fascinating stops on the speedboat trip along the Preguiças River. Located in the Lençóis Maranhenses region, Caburé offers a unique and diverse experience, combining beach, river, dunes and enchanting tranquillity.

Caburé has a good stretch of clear, soft sand, suitable for swimming and water sports;

Caburé nos Lençóis Maranhenses
Caburé nos Lençóis Maranhenses

The place has good infrastructure, with bars and restaurants serving snacks and drinks from a simple fishing village. It’s a good option for a pleasant day at the beach.

Nestled between the Preguiças River and the sea, Praia de Caburé is an alternative excursion for those travelling to the Lençóis Maranhenses.

Caburé has a good infrastructure of bars and restaurants, from the coolest to the simplest but cosiest stalls run by the inhabitants of the nearby fishing village.

Mapa dos Lençois Maranhenses
Mapa dos Lençois Maranhenses

Flying boat trip from Barreirinhas to Caburé

The classic day trip from Barreirinhas takes a whole day. The route takes you to the villages of Vassouras, Mandacaru and Caburé, which belong to the municipality of Barreirinhas.

The region is very rustic, full of little houses with buriti straw roofs. Those coming from Barreirinhas need to take a boat from the pier on Avenida Beira Rio. The journey continues for around 40 kilometres on the Preguiças River.

Caburé is the final destination where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. This route is about 40 kilometres along the river.

The Preguiças River got its name because it has almost no current, due to its charming curves. Another curiosity is that the waters of the Preguiça have no routine, at one time of the day they flow into the river and at another into the sea and in some stretches the tide goes out, providing yet another wonder for travellers.

Mandacaru nos Lencois Maranhenses
Mandacaru nos Lencois Maranhenses

The Circuito Caburé, in the Lençóis Maranhenses, is done by speedboat along the Preguiça River and lasts almost a whole day. The first stop is Vassouras with the dunes and lagoons of the Pequenos Lençóis. Note the clever little monkeys that appear in the local tents to interact (and if you’re not careful, take something) with the tourists.

Then it’s on to the village of Mandacaru, whose main attraction is a 35 metre high lighthouse with a beautiful panoramic view. The third and final stop is in the early afternoon at Praia da Caburé, where the strip of sand divides the river from the sea.

Atins and Caburé, obligatory stops on boat trips along the Preguiças River, to the east of the park, and Santo Amaro do Maranhão, to the west. The latter is one of the least explored places, with even more impressive dunes and crystal-clear lagoons that are not yet visited by large groups of tourists.

What to do in Caburé

1. Beaches and bathing

  • Praia do Rio Preguiças: On one side of the peninsula, the Rio Preguiças offers a calm beach, ideal for swimming and relaxing in the fresh waters.
  • Atlantic Ocean Beach: On the other side, the open sea beach is perfect for those who like waves and long walks on the sand. It’s a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset.

2. Restaurants and Gastronomy

Caburé has a few restaurants and stalls serving typical Maranhão food, such as fresh fish, prawns and shellfish. Take the opportunity to savour local dishes such as arroz de cuxá and peixada.

3. Quad rides

Renting a quad bike is an exciting way to explore the dunes and the surrounding region. Guided tours take you to stunning landscapes and spots that are less accessible on foot.

4. Relax in the hammocks

Many inns and restaurants by the river offer hammocks to rest in and enjoy the view. It’s a great way to relax after a day of exploring.

Natural Exploration

The dunes around Caburé are perfect for hiking and exploring the local flora and fauna. Local guides can provide a richer and safer experience.

5. Accommodation in Caburé

  • Inns and Chalets: Caburé has several accommodation options that range from simple to more comfortable. Most of the pousadas offer spectacular views of the river or the sea and a cosy experience.
  • Hostelling Tips: It is advisable to book in advance, especially in high season, to guarantee a place in the best pousadas.

How to get to Caburé

  • Lacha Boat Trip: The most common way to get to Caburé is by the speedboat trip that leaves from Barreirinhas and passes through Vassouras and Mandacaru before arriving at Caburé.
  • 4×4 vehicle: Another option is to go by 4×4 vehicle, which can be hired in Barreirinhas. This route is more adventurous and offers a different perspective of the region.

Tourist Guide to Caburé in Lençóis Maranhenses

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