Lençóis Maranhenses – Travel Guide, Tips and Accommodation

Lençóis Maranhenses… Who has never heard of the wonderful lagoons in the middle of the dunes?

Jeep rides, walks feeling the soft sand between your fingers, the coolness of the lagoons, diving on deserted beaches, boat trips through little-explored corners, restaurants by the sea or in deserted regions bringing the unparalleled flavor of Maranhão cuisine. These are the main attractions for those traveling to Maranhão.

The mandatory points for those in the region are the visit to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Lagoa Bonita e Azul, the walk over the Rio Preguiças, Lençóis beach, the wild lagoons of Santo Amaro do Maranhão, the exuberant view of the Lighthouse Sloths and the lively single-engine tour.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Created in 1981 by the federal government, the park reserves a vast green area for tourists, as well as deserted beaches and exotic birds. The park does not charge entry.
The park is home to 155 thousand hectares of many dunes and lagoons. The dunes stand out for reaching 40 meters in height, which allows a stunning view of the blue-toned lagoons. Some deserted beaches are hidden in the park as well. The reserve also includes migratory birds that fly across the clear blue sky. To go on this tour, in addition to having willpower for the walks, you need to bring food and water, in addition to hiring an accredited guide.

See the Lagoa Azul photo gallery

Lagoa Bonita and Lagoa Azul

Located in the city of Barreirinhas, the Bonita and Azul lagoons are the most beautiful and frequented in the region. The journey there is done by jeep.

The jeep takes visitors to the Preguiça River by ferry, a journey that takes a maximum of 5 minutes. From there, again by car, the route continues through sand and crossing small rivers until reaching the dunes, where the tour continues on foot. This walk requires stamina due to the strong sun and the climb up the dunes, which is great exercise for your legs. Doing the circuit in the late afternoon is the best choice, as not only is the sun no longer so scorching, but there is also the bonus of enjoying the sunset. End the tour with a well-deserved swim in the lagoons.

See the Lagoa Bonita photo gallery

Rio Preguiças

The tour along the Preguiças River is one of the most beautiful, as it offers an exclusive view of the mangroves, streams and buritizais. To visit Rio Preguiças, set aside a whole day to enjoy every minute.

The river tour is done by boat. Take the opportunity to visit Atins, a village that is the eastern entrance to the National Park, where the Verde and Mário lagoons are located, little explored by visitors. Along the way along the Preguiças River, make stops in Caburé and Farol Preguiças. The route includes a visit to the Lençóis dunes and a stop at the Mandacaru lighthouse. Take the opportunity to try the famous shrimp at Luzia’s restaurant and return satiated.

See the photo gallery of Caburé Beach

Caburé – Lençóis Maranhenses beach

70 km long, Lençóis beach draws attention for its transparent waters with greenish and bluish tones.

If you’re not already sick of the water, take the opportunity to visit Praia de Lençóis. As much as you’ve visited the dunes and refreshing lagoons, nothing compares to a swim in the sea. The coolest thing is that the beach is deserted, so you can relax without worrying. Access is through the village of Atins, an hour by boat from Barreirinhas.

See the photo gallery of Caburé Beach

Santo Amaro do Maranhão

100 km from Barreirinhas, this corner has become an attraction in recent times. Despite having difficult access, the landscape and lagoons that reside there are rewarding.

This city is even more deserted than Atins. Access is via the sand road with 4×4 jeeps and heavy trails. All your tiredness is rewarded when you reach the Gaivota and Betânia lagoons. Around the region, go to the nearest inns and enjoy the Malaysian shrimp served without ceremony. Some tour agencies do the entire tour with a guide, which makes the adventure easier.

See the photo gallery of Santo Amaro do Maranhão

Preguiças Lighthouse

The Preguiças Lighthouse brings visitors closer to one of the most beautiful panoramic views. Access to the lighthouse is via a one-hour boat ride along the Preguiças River.

The lighthouse was built in 1940 by the community of Mandacaru. When you disembark the boat, be prepared to climb 160 steps to reach the top of the lighthouse. There is no other way to climb, so only go if you are in good spirits and in a good mood. However, when reaching 35 meters above the ground, the reward is gratifying when observing the seas, rivers and sheets of Maranhão.

See the photo gallery of Caburé Beach

Single Engine Tour

This tour is one of those most stunning. The view that reveals dunes and lakes forms a beautiful mosaic, only appreciated by those who admire it from above, a privileged angle.

There is nothing more suitable for enjoying an incredible panoramic view than a single-engine cruise. Several companies with accredited pilots travel this route, which is a beauty in itself. From up there, the panoramic view takes in the magnificent dunes and lagoons surrounding it, which have a unique effect. The tours last half an hour, enough to cover the route from the park, coast to the Preguiças river.