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Santo Amaro do Maranhão is a charming village and one of the gateways to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Less well known than Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro offers a quieter and more authentic experience, with stunning landscapes and an intimate connection with nature.
The municipality of Santo Amaro do Maranhão has gained fame because of the beautiful lagoons that are “hidden” there. With just an hour’s walk from the town centre, visitors can already appreciate these natural beauties that attract so many tourists.
Santo Amaro do Maranhão is the ‘B side’ of the park, with an inland climate and easy access to the lagoons.
The municipality of Santo Amaro is located 113 km away from the capital of Maranhão. A quiet town located in the interior of Maranhão, the municipality can be considered the “B-side” of the Lençóis Maranhenses, and is one of the must-see destinations for those wishing to visit the entire National Park.
Different from Barreirinhas (side A), the best known entrance to the Lençóis Maranhenses, Santo Amaro do Maranhão has a car park very close to the Andorinha and Gaivota lagoons and those of the Betânia Circuit. But the structure of the village is smaller.
The size of the city of São Paulo, the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is the Brazilian “desert”. With huge sand dunes on all sides, it is home to freshwater lagoons formed by rainfall and groundwater.
For those who like adventure and hiking, it’s worth visiting the lagoons of the Emendadas circuit. On the way there is knee-deep water and steep dunes. And it’s a long walk – an hour to go and another hour to come back.
If you just want to relax, Santo Amaro has easier access to the lagoons than Barreirinhas, because you can park right next to the dune to enjoy the Andorinha, Gaivota and Betânia lagoons, where you can watch the sunset.
Private vehicles are not allowed in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park covers an area of 300 square kilometres, divided between dunes and crystal-clear freshwater lagoons.
A curiosity about this place is that in the dry months, the lagoons end up drying up, transforming the landscape into a great desert. That’s why the best time to visit the city is between the months of May to September.
And it’s not just dunes and lagoons that the town has to offer. The small town is crossed by the Rio Alegre, where you can admire a sunset that perfectly complements the landscape.
Videos – Santo Amaro do Maranhão Tourist Attractions
Vila de Santo Amaro do Maranhão03:07
Santo Amaro, Betânia, Andorinhas e Quadriciclo nas dunas10:00
Lagoa das Emendadas, a Lagoa das Andorinhas e a Lagoa das Gaivotas06:20
Santo Amaro - Guia de Turismo
Vilarejo Betânia em Santo Amaro do Maranhão03:07
Tourist attractions in Santo Amaro do Maranhão
1. Gaivota Lagoon
Lagoa da Gaivota is the main attraction in the municipality and is considered the most beautiful landscape in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
Lagoa da Gaivota is located in a seagull nesting area, making it possible to watch the birds.
Also on the circuit are the Andorinha, Cajueiro and Maçarico lagoons, suitable for kitesurfing. On the way to the attraction you can see the Santo Amaro lake.
It can be reached by hiking or by 4×4 vehicle accredited by the park.
2. Betânia Lagoon
Like Lagoa da Esperança, this is a river course interrupted by a field of dunes. The attraction is in the village of Betânia, which offers some basic services.
The varying colours of the water and the landscape with the dune field in the background make visiting this attraction a unique experience.
3. Lagoa das Emendadas
Accessible only by hiking, there are several interdune lagoons (inside the dune field) that connect and stretch for kilometres.
As an attraction within the dune field, it gives visitors an idea of the size of the Lençóis Maranhenses.
4. Lagoa das Andorinhas
Another spectacular lagoon, perfect for a swim and for appreciating the natural beauty of the region. Sunsets are especially beautiful here.
5. Canoeing on the Rio Alegre
A canoe trip down the Rio Alegre allows you to explore the local flora and fauna in a calm and relaxing way. It’s a great opportunity to observe birds and other animals.
6. Walks and Trails in the Dunes
Explore the dunes on foot with the help of local guides. The walks offer breathtaking views and the chance to discover hidden lagoons.
7. 4×4 tours
4×4 tours are an exciting way to explore the dunes and lagoons. These tours usually include stops to swim in the lagoons and enjoy the scenery.
8. Santo Amaro Beach
Although not the main attraction, Santo Amaro beach is a pleasant place to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the village.
9. Travosa Beach
Located near the fishing village of Travosa, Travosa beach is a long stretch of beach with a field of dunes in the background. In April there is a surfing championship in the area.
Santo Amaro do Maranhão Tourist and Travel Guide
