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Lençóis Maranhenses

Lençóis Maranhenses Tourist Guide

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 sand of Brazil’s largest dune field, cooling off in the crystal clear lagoons and watching the sunset are unique experiences that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.

All this with the thrill of off-road driving in 4×4 vehicles specially adapted to negotiate the sandy and flooded terrain of the Lençóis Maranhenses.

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 park’s total area. The main attraction of the park is the lagoons that form between the dunes during the region’s rainy season.

The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is located in three municipalities of the State of Maranhão, which have facilities to receive and guide 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.

1. main attractions

1. Dunes and Lagoons

  • Description: The main landscape of Lençóis Maranhenses is made up of huge white sand dunes interspersed with crystal clear lagoons formed by the rains from January to June.
  • Activities: Walking along 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 managed by ICMBio (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation).
  • Activities: Guided tours, photography, fauna and flora observation, authorised camping in designated areas.

3. Preguiças River

  • Description: A tranquil 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 cities

1. Barreirinhas

  • Description: The main gateway to the Lençóis Maranhenses, with a well-developed tourist infrastructure.
  • Activities: 4×4 excursions to the dunes and lagoons, boat trips on the Preguiças River, visit to the National Park.

2. Santo Amaro do Maranhão

  • Description: A smaller and quieter city than Barreirinhas, offering a more immersive experience.
  • Activities: Access to less visited lagoons such as Lagoa das Andorinhas and Lagoa da Betânia, boat trips and walks.

3. Atins

  • Description: A fishing village at the mouth of the Preguiças River, known for its rustic beauty and relaxing atmosphere.
  • Activities: Kite surfing, visiting the lagoons, hiking and trying the local cuisine (especially the prawn dishes).

2. Adventure activities and eco-tourism

1. 4×4 Tours

  • Description: Tours in 4×4 vehicles are the most common way to explore the dunes and lagoons of the Lençóis.
  • Activities: Visits to various lagoons and dunes, including stops for swimming and photography.

2. Walking and trekking

  • Description: For the more adventurous, there are trails that criss-cross the park, offering an immersive experience in the unique landscape of the Lençóis.
  • Activities: One or more day treks with experienced guides, camping in approved areas.

3. Boat Trips on the Preguiças River

  • Description: Boat trips (voadeiras) from Barreirinhas along the Preguiças River to nearby villages.
  • Activities: Explore the river communities, visit the Mandacaru lighthouse, observe 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 drive).
  • Accommodation: Barreirinhas offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget inns to more sophisticated hotels. Santo Amaro and Atins also have accommodation, but it tends to be more rustic.
Lençóis Maranhenses

Atins: A Hidden Gem on the Maranhão Coast

Atins is a small, picturesque fishing village located at the mouth of the Preguiças River in the Lençóis Maranhenses. Known for its beautiful natural landscapes, quiet beaches and rustic, cosy atmosphere, Atins has become a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic and relaxing experience. Location and access Atins is […]

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