Lençóis Maranhenses

The dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses are almost 50 metres high and stretch for 100 kilometres along the coast and 50 kilometres inland.

Walking on the white sands of Brazil’s largest dune field, cooling off in crystal-clear lagoons and watching the sunset are unique experiences that you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life.

All of this with the thrill of an off-road trip in 4×4 vehicles specially adapted to overcome the sandy and flooded terrain of the Lençóis Maranhenses sandbank.

Its 155,000 hectares are home to diverse and fragile ecosystems, such as the restinga, the mangrove swamp and a dune field that occupies two thirds of the total area of the park. The main attraction of the National Park is the interdune lagoons that form during the region’s rainy season.

The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is located in three municipalities in the state of Maranhão, which have facilities for receiving and guiding visitors: Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro and Primeira Cruz.

Lençóis Maranhenses is one of Brazil’s most spectacular and unique destinations. Located in the state of Maranhão, the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is famous for its vast white sand dunes and freshwater lagoons that form during the rainy season.

Tourist guide to exploring Lençóis Maranhenses

1. Main Attractions

1. Dunes and Lagoons
  • Description: The main scenery of the Lençóis Maranhenses is made up of huge white sand dunes interspersed with crystal-clear lagoons, which are formed by the rains from January to June.
  • Activities: Hiking through the dunes, swimming in the lagoons (the most famous are Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Bonita and Lagoa do Peixe).
2. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
  • Description: With an area of approximately 155,000 hectares, the park is protected and administered by ICMBio (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation).
  • Activities: Guided tours, photography, observation of fauna and flora, authorised camping in designated areas.
3. Preguiças River
  • Description: A serene river that cuts through the Lençóis region and flows into the sea.
  • Activities: Boat trips (voadeiras) to explore villages such as Vassouras, Mandacaru (with its lighthouse) and Caburé (with its river and sea beaches).

2. Access towns

1. Barreirinhas
  • Description: The main gateway to the Lençóis Maranhenses, offering a well-developed tourist infrastructure.
  • Activities: 4×4 trips to the dunes and lagoons, boat trips on the Rio Preguiças, visits to the National Park.
2. Santo Amaro do Maranhão
  • Description: A smaller, quieter town than Barreirinhas, providing a more immersive experience.
  • Activities: Access to less visited lagoons such as Lagoa das Andorinhas and Lagoa da Betânia, boat trips and hikes.
3. Atins
  • Description: A fishing village at the mouth of the Preguiças River, known for its rustic beauty and relaxing atmosphere.
  • Activities: Kitesurfing, visiting the lagoons, hiking, and trying the local cuisine (especially the prawn dishes).

2. Adventure and Ecotourism Activities

1. 4×4 rides
  • Description: Tours in 4×4 vehicles are the most common way to explore the dunes and lagoons of the Lençóis.
  • Activities: Visits to different lagoons and dunes, including stops for swimming and photography.
2. Hiking and trekking
  • Description: For the more adventurous, there are trails that cross the park, offering an immersive experience in the unique landscape of the Lençóis.
  • Activities: One-day or multi-day trekking, with experienced guides, camping in permitted areas.
3. Boat trips along the Preguiças River
  • Description: Boat trips (voadeiras) that depart from Barreirinhas and follow the Preguiças River to nearby villages.
  • Activities: Exploration of riverside communities, visit to the Mandacaru Lighthouse, observation of the local fauna.

3. Practical Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is between June and September, when the lagoons are full and the climate is drier.
  • How to Get There: The main access is via São Luís, the capital of Maranhão. From there, you can take a bus or transfer to Barreirinhas (about a 4-hour journey).
  • Accommodation: Barreirinhas offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget inns to more sophisticated hotels. Santo Amaro and Atins also have accommodation options, but they are more rustic.
  • Gastronomy: Try typical Maranhão dishes, such as arroz de cuxá, grilled fish, prawns, and guaraná Jesus, a regional drink.

4. Final considerations

Lençóis Maranhenses is an unmissable destination for those who love nature and adventure. With its breathtaking landscapes of dunes and lagoons, the park offers a unique and memorable experience. The combination of ecotourism, adventure activities and the rich Maranhão culture make this region one of Brazil’s most precious treasures.