Considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the country, Lençóis Maranhenses combines kilometers and kilometers of white dunes dotted with freshwater lagoons, sometimes blue, sometimes green. The gateway to paradise, protected by National Park status, is the municipality of barriers.
From there, the exploration of the scenery begins, which becomes even more exuberant between the months of June and September, when the lakes are completely full.
To get to know the main postcards of Lençóis – and other little-known places -, the support of tourist agencies is essential. To enter the reserve, for example, you need to be accompanied by an accredited guide. As for getting around the region, full of sand trails and rivers, only in four-wheel drive vehicles or by boat.
There are also jeeps and boats that take you to neighboring towns, with less explored attractions. In Santo Amaro do Maranhão is the largest lake in the region, the Gaivota. Atins is the easiest access to the Lençóis beach, 70 kilometers long and completely deserted.
Tours in Lençóis Maranhenses
Lencois Maranhenses National Park
The paradisiacal scenery of the park spreads over an area of 155 thousand hectares, sheltering dunes that reach 40 meters in height, lagoons with transparent waters with nuances ranging from turquoise blue to dark green, deserted beaches and migratory birds.
The main gateway to the reserve is Barreirinhas, from where jeep tours and hikes depart that lead to attractions such as Bonita and Azul lagoons.
Inside the park, the roads and trails are sandy and without signage, with 4×4 vehicle traffic and the hiring of accredited guides (including for walking routes).
It is recommended to take water and light food for the walks, since there is no support infrastructure in the area protected by the park.
Lagoa Bonita and Lagoa Azul
Despite being relatively in the same direction, each lagoon requires an exclusive day tour and a lot of willingness to walk among the dunes. To get to Lagoa Bonita, you have to climb a 40-meter mound of sand – there are help ropes along the way so that no one gets discouraged.
As for Lagoa Azul, which lives up to its name and is one of the most popular in the region, access is less complicated.
Over there, it is worth waiting for the fall of the afternoon to watch the sunset from a cabin. Between the months of April and June, several other lagoons appear around Bonita and Azul, increasing the look.
Rio das Preguiças
The tour lasts the whole day and continues along the banks of mangroves, buritizais and streams. The route includes stops at the Pequenos Lençóis dunes and lakes; at the Mandacaru lighthouse – with a panoramic view; and in Caburé, for lunch. The journey continues to Atins, the mouth of the Preguiças River.
The tour ends with the sunset seen from the boat.
Lençóis beach
With almost 70 kilometers long, Lençóis beach is practically deserted. The best way to get there is from the village of Atins, an hour away from Barreirinhas by boat.
Village of Santo Amaro do Maranhão
An alternative entrance to Lençóis Maranhenses, the village nestled in the dunes is home to Lagoa da Gaivota, one of the largest in the region, with turquoise water and surrounded by mounds of fine sand. The depth reaches 2.5 meters and the invitation to bathe is irresistible.
Santo Amaro is almost 100 kilometers from Barreirinhas, half of which is on sandy trails. To get there, only in 4×4 vehicles. City agencies offer day trips.
Preguiças Lighthouse
It is worth taking the 160 steps that lead to the top of the lighthouse, 35 meters high. Up there, the panoramic view reveals the river, the sea and Lençóis. Built in 1940 in the town of Mandacaru, the lighthouse is an hour's drive along the Preguiças River.
How to go to Lençóis Maranhenses
For those traveling by plane, single-engine and twin-engine planes depart from São Luís airport and the journey takes 50 minutes to the city of Barreirinhas, where it is possible to rent four-wheel drive vehicles to discover Lençóis Maranhenses.
For those who intend to go by car, departing from São Luís – 272 km away, take the BR-135, heading south, to Bacabeira. Then, turn left on the MA-402 (Translitorânea) towards Humberto de Campos, where a dirt road begins that leads to the city of Barreirinhas, entrance gate to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
When to go to Lençóis Maranhenses
The best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses is between June and September, when the lakes are full and the landscape is stunning.
During the dry season, which runs from October to March, some ponds dry up completely.
Where to stay in Lençóis Maranhenses
Lençóis Maranhenses offers a wide variety of accommodation, ranging from cozy inns to luxurious resorts. Here are some hotel options, selected by Guia Quatro Rodas:
- Lençóis Flat Residence Resort
- Porto Preguiças Resort
- Hotel Pousada do Buriti
- Preguiças Riverside Hotel
- Pousada Encantos do Nordeste
- Pousada Água Doce
Where to eat in Lençóis Maranhenses
Seafood dominates the menus of restaurants around Lençóis Maranhenses. The prawns, always very fresh and paired with typical fruit sauces, are the highlight – however, attention is often shared with the landscape that frames the establishments, formed by dunes, open sea and lagoons. Below are some suggestions for restaurants in Lençóis.
- Camarão da Luzia – Fish and Seafood
- Open Kitchen Slow Food – Variety Cuisine
- Paturi – Fish and Seafood
- Porto Preguiças – Varied Cuisine
- Restaurante do Carlão – Fish and Seafood
- Terraço do Preguiças – Fish and Seafood
Climate of Lençóis Maranhenses
The climate in the region is tropical, with an average annual temperature of 26°C. The dry season runs from December to August. A good time to visit is from December to July, when the lakes are fuller, the heat is milder and the view is beautiful. In the rainy season the local population goes to the sea to fish.
Transport Lençóis Maranhenses
To circulate within the National Park – by car or on foot – you must be accompanied by accredited guides and vehicles must be 4×4. To get to know the villages around the park, rent or take a jeep tour. It is also possible to discover some corners on boat trips.
Shopping
The handicraft produced in the region uses buriti straw as raw material. From it, hats, tablecloths, bags, purses and backpacks are made. The works can be found in the little shops scattered around the center of Barreirinhas, in the stalls on the edge of the Bonita lagoon and on the ferries that cross the Preguiças river.
romantic touch
- Visit the Blue and Bonita lagoons, which are certainly one of the biggest attractions in Lençóis.
- Take a boat trip on the Preguiças River, ending the tour with the sunset seen from the boat.
- View all the immensity of Lençóis through a panoramic flight. The tours last half an hour and fly over the park to the coast, returning over the Preguiças River. It's a must!
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