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The high season in Lençóis Maranhenses begins in June and continues until August, when the lagoons are full.
But the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is open to visitors all year round.
With good tourist facilities, Barreirinhas in Lençóis Maranhenses is the main base for exploring the crystal-clear lagoons formed by rainwater in the middle of the dunes.
The main attractions of the Lençois Maranhenses are the freshwater lagoons, which fill up between January and June, during the rainy season.
There is beauty in the lagoons of various levels: from very full lagoons, which overflow and form spliced areas, to those that are already shallower due to the drying process and where you can even see algae at the bottom.
August is the windiest month, so some of them are already starting to dry up.
The lagoons that receive the most visits are the ones that usually dry out first, but the park is huge and there are beautiful lagoons to visit all year round, bathe in and enjoy.
Water levels in the lagoons of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
1. High water level
After the rainy season on the eastern coast of Maranhão, which sees up to four months of intense rainfall, the lagoons and rivers of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park are at their highest water level, giving visitors the opportunity to see the symbol image of the Lençóis Maranhenses: multicoloured lagoons surrounded by white sand dunes.
Recommended activities:
Water recreation, swimming; Contemplation of lagoons and dunes; Hiking.
Period: From May to August
2. Average water level
As the dry season takes hold, the lagoons start to dry out due to the action of the sun and wind. During this period, the lagoons are not as full, but there are still limited opportunities for water recreation.
Recommended activities:
Limited water recreation; Contemplation of lagoons and dunes; Hiking.
Period: September to October / February to April
3. Low water levels
At the height of ‘summer’, as the dry season in the region from June to January is called, the lagoons and temporary rivers are dry or have low water levels.
Recommended activities:
Water recreation in the perennial lagoons; Dune contemplation; Hiking.
Period: November to January
Lençóis Maranhenses - Quando ir + QUANTO CUSTA
Reportagem sobre os Lençois Maranhenses
Barreirinhas nos Lençóis Maranhenses09:07
Barreirinhas, Atins e Tutóia - Guia de Turismo10:58
Atins nos Lençois Maranhenses09:32
1. Main villages in Lençóis Maranhenses
1. Barreirinhas
Barreirinhas is the main base for exploring the Lençóis Maranhenses. The town has a more complete structure for receiving tourists, especially family groups.
Two unmissable tours include a visit to the Bonita and Azul lagoons.
If you have another day available, take a speedboat trip along the Preguiças River.
There are stops at Vassouras, Mandacaru and Caburé, where you can have lunch, relax in a hammock or take an ATV ride along the beach to the giant wind turbines that produce wind energy.
2. Atins
Atins is a fishing village that forms part of the municipality of Barreirinhas. As well as the nearby lagoons, it has a beach and is one of the most popular destinations for kitesurfers.
Of the three options, the town of Atins is the most rustic and least known to travellers. However, that doesn’t mean that the small fishing village isn’t stunning.
Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the mouth of the Preguiças River, the town is perfect for recharging your batteries. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
3. Santo Amaro
Although it is the municipality of Santo Amaro closest to the national park, it doesn’t offer as much tourist infrastructure as Barreirinhas. On the other hand, if you like simplicity, you’ll love the town’s rustic beauty.
2. São Luís do Maranhão
Before your flight home, take time to walk around the historic houses of São Luís, a World Heritage Site;
Lençóis Maranhenses Travel and Tourism Guide
