Experiences and local guides in Lençóis Maranhenses

Nature

The Lençóis Maranhenses are 1,550 km² of white dunes pushed by the wind from the coast up to 50 km inland. Between May and September, the rains of the first half of the year leave thousands of turquoise and green freshwater lagoons between the dunes. The park meets the sea at Atins and Santo Amaro, with empty beaches, mangrove rivers such as the Preguiças and Caburé, and the town of Barreirinhas as the base.

Activities

• Azul and Bonita lagoon circuit by 4x4 from Barreirinhas, with swimming and sunset over the dunes
• 3 to 4-day walking traverse across the dunes from Santo Amaro to Atins, sleeping in oasis homes
• Kitesurfing at Atins, one of the best wind spots in the world from July to December
• Boat trips on the Preguiças river to Vassouras, Mandacaru and Caburé; stand-up paddle in the mangroves
• Quad rides and dawn walks, Lagoa da Gaivota at Santo Amaro, shrimp and fish cuisine

When to go

June to August is the best time: full lagoons and clear skies. May and September are still good; from October to December the lagoons dry up but the wind is ideal for kiting. January to April is the rainy season.

How to get there

From São Luís (SLZ, flights from São Paulo, Brasília and Fortaleza), 4 hours by van or bus to Barreirinhas, the main base. To Atins, inside the park, by 4x4 along the beach or by boat on the Preguiças river (1 h 30). Lagoon circuits leave from Barreirinhas, Atins and Santo Amaro by 4x4 with a guide; the walking traverse is arranged with local guides.