Maranhão presents a rich ecosystem composed of mangroves, beaches, rivers, waterfalls and a tropical desert.
It also has the encounter between the ancient and the modern that characterizes Maranhão.
In Maranhão there is a mix of baroque tiles and space technology, centenary houses and state-of-the-art spikes, bumba-meu-boi and reggae.
History of Maranhão
Portuguese rule took a long time to consolidate in this region of contrasts, still northeastern, but already strongly influenced by the culture and traditions of the northern region of the country: the first Europeans to arrive in the region were the Spaniards, who landed in the same year as the discovery of Brazil; only 35 years later the Lusitanians would begin the colonization of the place.
In 1612, the French tried to establish the so-called Equinoctial France with the help of indigenous groups.
The territory would return to Portugal three years later, with the definitive expulsion of the French; in 1624, the capitalúa do Maranhão e Grão-Pará was created, which did not prevent another invasion in 1641, now by the Dutch – expelled in 1644.
Maranhão was detached from Pará in 1774 and expanded thanks to the production of sugar, spices, rice and cotton.
Video – Tourist attractions in Maranhão
Tourist attractions in Maranhão
In the 20th century, in the 1970s, a government project began the recovery of the old buildings of São Luís; in 1997, Unesco declared the architectural ensemble of the historic center of the capital of Maranhão a World Heritage Site.
Maranhão is one of the largest states in northeastern Brazil and has a rich ecosystem composed of mangroves, beaches, rivers, waterfalls and a tropical desert.
Undoubtedly, the location between the northeast and north regions houses typical natural beauties of the northeast, with all the audacity and esotericism of the northern region of the country.
Maranhão has incredible tourist destinations to visit in Maranhão, which are surrounded by beautiful landscapes and deserve to be admired closely.
In Alcântara, a ruin – that of the church of São Matias, which began to be built in 1648 – acts as the postcard of the city, where the Launch Center, a Brazilian rocket base, is located.
In the region of the Lençóis Maranhenses, the heritage is different: in the National Park area, white dunes embrace lagoons of a blistering blue – another spectacle of contrasts of the land
Maranhão is a state with an impressive cultural and natural diversity, offering countless tourist attractions ranging from beautiful natural landscapes to rich cultural manifestations.
Here are some of the main tourist attractions in Maranhão:
1. Lençóis Maranhenses
- Description: One of Brazil’s most impressive natural destinations, known for its white sand dunes and crystal-clear lagoons.
- Location: Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, in the municipalities of Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro and Primeira Cruz.
- Activities: Jeep rides, hiking, swimming in the lagoons, panoramic flights, and observing the fauna and flora.
- Best time to visit: From May to September, when the lagoons are full.
2. São Luís
- Description: The state capital, famous for its historic centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Attractions: Historic Centre, Palácio dos Leões, Maranhão Historical and Artistic Museum, Casa do Maranhão, and the Bumba-Meu-Boi festivities.
- Culture: Rich colonial heritage, with Portuguese, African and indigenous influences.
3. Alcântara
- Description: A historic town with many ruins and well-preserved colonial mansions.
- Attractions: Ruins of the Igreja Matriz de São Matias, Igreja do Carmo, Casa de Câmara e Cadeia, and Itatinga Beach.
- Access: By boat from São Luís.
4. Parnaíba Delta
- Description: The only open sea delta in the Americas, located on the border between Maranhão and Piauí.
- Activities: Boat trips, wildlife watching, visits to the islands and dunes of the delta.
- Nature: Mangroves, river islands and a rich biodiversity.
5. Chapada das Mesas
- Description: An environmental preservation area with impressive landscapes, including waterfalls, caves and rock formations.
- Location: Southern region of Maranhão, mainly in the municipalities of Carolina and Riachão.
- Attractions: Cachoeira da Pedra Caída, Cachoeira de Itapecuru, Morro do Chapéu, Portal da Chapada, and ecological trails.
6. Raposa
- Description: A fishing village famous for its lace and beautiful natural landscapes.
- Activities: Boat trips along the igarapés, visits to the region’s beaches and dunes, and shopping for handicrafts.
- Nature: Mangroves and quiet beaches.
7. Riachão
- Description: Known for its waterfalls and natural pools.
- Attractions: Santa Bárbara Waterfall, Poço Azul, Encanto Azul, and ecological trails.
- Activities: Bathing in crystal-clear waters, hiking and ecological walks.
8. Carolina
- Description: A town that serves as the gateway to the Chapada das Mesas.
- Attractions: Pedra Caída Complex, Poço Azul, Cachoeira do Santuário, and the Tocantins River.
- Activities: Ecotourism, adventure sports, and cultural tours.
9. Tutóia
- Description: A town on the north coast of Maranhão, known as the gateway to the Parnaíba Delta.
- Attractions: Beaches, dunes, and boat trips through the delta.
- Activities: Birdwatching, boat trips, and relaxing on the beaches.
10. Chapada das Mesas National Park
- Description: A park with stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.
- Location: Between the towns of Carolina and Riachão.
- Attractions: São Romão Waterfall, Prata Waterfall, Morro do Chapéu, and unique rock formations.
- Activities: Hiking trails, waterfall bathing and nature watching.
Maranhão is a state that offers a rich variety of experiences for tourists, combining natural beauty with a significant cultural and historical heritage. Each destination offers a unique experience, reflecting the diversity and richness of the region.
Tourist publications about Maranhão
- The old side of São Luís do Maranhão, with its buildings with facades of Portuguese tiles, and the new area of the city, full of beaches, good restaurants and shopping centers.
- The church ruins of Alcântara.
- The tour of the lagoons and the Preguiças river, in Barreirinhas.Tutóia is surrounded by beaches, dunes and mangroves.
- Tutóia is undoubtedly one of the attractions of the Rota das Emoções.
- The bucolic town of Santo Amaro is opposite the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
- Carolina, the Paradise of Waters, has 89 waterfalls and more than 400 springs.
- Atins is another option of city to go through the Lençóis Maranhenses.
- The almost deserted Lençóis beach, inside the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
- The Chapada das Mesas has a diversity of environments such as forest, plateaus and waterfalls.
- The Parnaíba Delta forms the only open sea delta in all of America
WHEN TO GO TO MARANHÃO
– From March to July, to catch the lagoons that spill between the dunes in Lençóis Maranhenses.
– From August to December, when the sun reigns supreme in São Luís (but be prepared for strong winds).
– In May, to see the beautiful festival of the Divine Holy Spirit in Alcantara.
– In June, to participate in the São João festivities in the capital or in Barreirinhas, and to watch, on the 23rd, the culmination of the bumba-meu-boi, the state’s biggest folklore celebration.
Tourism and Travel Guide of Maranhão and the Northeast
