I’ll give you a heads-up: visiting Lençóis Maranhenses isn’t for everyone.
If you’re planning a trip to Lençóis, in Brazil, be prepared: after spending a few days there, you’ll fall head over heels for the place. The beauty of the dunes and lagoons, the warmth of the locals, and the rustic charm of the place will get under your skin. You’ll get home and catch yourself staring out the window, thinking: “I wish I were in Lençóis.” Every time a vacation rolls around, you’ll ask yourself: “Is it worth going back to Lençóis?” Every beach you visit will get compared to Lençóis (which, mind you, isn’t even a beach!). Every sunset will pale in comparison to the ones you saw there. At least, that’s what happened to me.
So, if you’re ready to spend the rest of your life missing it, go ahead and visit Lençóis Maranhenses!
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know to help you plan your trip to Lençóis Maranhenses.
First of all, follow me on Instagram @danae_explore – that’s where you can keep up with my trips, find lots of travel tips, and send me a DM anytime. I love chatting about travel!
What is the best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses?
The best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses is between May and September, when the lagoons are full and ideal for swimming.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Lençóis Maranhenses twice, both times in July (and I plan on going back many more times — I just need the time and money, lol). The landscape was stunning, and the lagoons were perfect for swimming.
However, this is also peak season. While the lagoons themselves aren’t usually crowded — there are so many of them and so much space that it doesn’t feel busy — the towns, especially Barreirinhas, can get quite crowded. Hotels and restaurants tend to fill up quickly. So, my advice is to book accommodations in advance and go with the flow once you’re there.
If you’d rather avoid the crowds and get better prices, May and September are great months to visit.
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How to Get to Lençóis Maranhenses
Getting to Lençóis Maranhenses isn’t as complicated as it might seem, but it does require some time and planning.
The closest airport to Lençóis Maranhenses is Sao Luis Airport (SLZ), located in the capital of the state of Maranhão, with flights to and from the main Brazilian cities, such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Salvador and Recife. From São Luís, you’ll need to travel by land to the towns that serve as gateways to the park. There are two main options:
Bus: As of my last visit, there are daily departures from the São Luís bus station to Barreirinhas. The journey takes about 5 hours.
Group or private transfers: Both times I visited Lençóis, I opted for the convenience of a transfer. The first time, the guesthouse we stayed at in São Luís (Pousada Portas da Amazônia) arranged a private car transfer to Barreirinhas. The second time, we stayed at BrisaMar Hotel and took a minibus to Santo Amaro. The trip to either of these towns takes around 4 hours, with a stop along the way for snacks and bathroom breaks.
You can also reach Lençóis from Parnaíba Airport in Piauí, about 180km away.
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Where to Stay in Lençois Maranhenses
Unlike many popular tourist spots, Lençóis Maranhenses still holds on to its simple charm — there are no big resorts or lively party scenes here. Deciding where to stay is an important part of planning your trip, and it can really shape your experience.
There are three main towns that serve as a base for exploring the region: Barreirinhas, Atins, and Santo Amaro. Each has its own character and a variety of accommodation options.
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Barreirinhas: the main tourist hub
Barreirinhas is the largest town in the region and offers the best infrastructure. You’ll find no shortage of guesthouses, along with several restaurant options and shops. While they might not be fancy, they’ll certainly meet all your needs.
The first time I visited Lençóis, I stayed five nights at Pousada Toca dos Aventureiros, a guesthouse on the banks of the Preguiças River, with excellent rooms, including family options (there were two adults and two kids in our group). It’s within walking distance of the town center, though it’s not a short walk, so the guesthouse provides transportation throughout the day.
Other options I had shortlisted include Encantes do Nordeste, with its charming chalets and a beautiful pool, and Portal do Sol, also by the river but a bit farther from the center.
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If you’re more into resorts, the best option is Porto Preguicas Resort, though honestly, a resort feels unnecessary when the whole of Lençóis Maranhenses is right there.
The downside of staying in Barreirinhas is how far the town is from the entrance to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. In 2025, a new bridge over the Preguiças River opened, making access much easier, but even after crossing the river, you still need to drive about 45 to 60 minutes on dirt roads to reach the park entrance.
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Atins: for a rustic-chic coastal experience
Atins is a small fishing village by the sea with a laid-back, rustic atmosphere. It’s precisely this authentic charm that has made it a favorite among the trendier crowd, which, of course, tends to drive up prices (read: it’s expensive).
Atins is also a fantastic spot for kitesurfing, so if that’s your thing, you’ll love it here.
Some of the top accommodation options include Vila Aty Lodge, Pousada Eureka and Pousada Lagoa do Vento. If you’re looking for the exclusivity of a private villa, Casa Buriti is a great choice, with excellent reviews across the platforms.
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Santo Amaro: close to the most beautiful lagoons
Lastly, there’s Santo Amaro, which has a much simpler structure compared to Barreirinhas, but offers unbeatable access to some of the most stunning lagoons in Lençóis Maranhenses. Santo Amaro is located right next to the park, so within less than five minutes, you can be soaking in the beauty of the region’s best lagoons.
Both times I visited Santo Amaro, I stayed at Pousada Quintal de Areias, a small and charming inn with only four rooms and exceptional service.
Other great options include Pousada Rancho das Dunas and the beautiful Villa Malie.
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Main attractions and things to do in Lençóis Maranhenses
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Lençóis twice. The first time, I spent a week between Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro; the second time, I spent four days in Santo Amaro. Without a doubt, it’s my favorite “beach” destination in Brazil, and truly one of the most unique places in the world.
I put “beach” in quotes because, obviously, Lençóis Maranhenses isn’t a beach. But it has that same Brazilian beachy vibe: summer vacation, sun, heat, water, sand. In short, it offers everything you’d expect from the best beaches in the Brazilian northeast coast, with one major advantage: crystal-clear freshwater!
I absolutely loved swimming in the lagoons. A dip in them is a thousand times better than any beach.
Plus, the lagoons are usually shallow with no currents, making Lençóis Maranhenses an excellent option for traveling with kids.
Honestly, after visiting Lençóis, I only keep going to beaches because, living in São Paulo, I can’t exactly spend the weekend there.
But beyond the lagoons, there are plenty of activities for all kinds of travelers, whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to relax and soak in the scenery. Check it out:
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Dunes and Lagoons
Let’s be honest, the main reason you’re coming to Lençóis Maranhenses is to enjoy the lagoons and dunes, right?
There are countless lagoons, and while I can only recommend a few, you’re sure to discover others that are just as stunning.
Don’t get too caught up in the names of the lagoons. Trust your guide: they’ll know which ones are worth visiting at that time of year. Depending on the season, and even the specific year, one lagoon may be better than the one I visited, or the one your friend raved about, or the one where that Instagram influencer took the perfect shot.
Still, here are some suggestions:
Lagoons accessible from Barreirinhas:
- Lagoa Azul: One of the most popular, with incredibly clear waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing. Don’t miss the climb up the dune surrounding the lagoon — the view from the top is absolutely worth it.
. - Lagoa Bonita: The climb up the wooden staircase is an adventure in its own right, and the view from the top is one of the most spectacular in all of Lençóis. I even have a photo of my daughters from this spot hanging in my living room!
. - Lagoa do Peixe: A quieter spot, perfect for those who want to escape the crowds.
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Lagoons accessible from Santo Amaro:
- Lagoa da Gaivota: One of the largest and most impressive lagoons in the region, with easy access and usually covered on a half-day tour.
. - Lagoa das Emendadas: Another great option for a half-day tour. The walk takes you through several smaller lagoons and dunes, each more beautiful than the last.
. - Circuito Betania: One of my personal favorites. A full-day tour through gorgeous lagoons, with a stop for lunch in a local village.
. - Ponta Verde: Another full-day tour, with stops at several lagoons along the way..
. - Rancharia: One of the longest tours, featuring a boat ride through a lagoon fringed by lush vegetation in the most extraordinary colors I’ve ever seen.
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What are the tours like through the dunes and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses?
All tours in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park are guided and take place in off-road vehicles built for the dunes. You can book online in advance or when you arrive in town — every town has agencies offering similar options. In general, the tours are quite similar, with the main differences being group size (shared or private) and how well-equipped the operator is.
Half-day tours typically run from 9 am to noon, or depart at 2:30 pm and return just after sunset, around 6 pm (with slight variations depending on the time of year). Full-day tours usually start at 9 am and also return after sunset.
In Santo Amaro, we did all our tours with Junior Bolota, an excellent local guide. You can reach him on WhatsApp at +55 98 8506-4490.
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Night tour of the dunes
No matter which town you use as your base, you can take an evening tour of the dunes and stargaze under one of the most spectacular night skies in the country. I only discovered this tour on the last day of our trip, it’s already on the list for next time.
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Quad bike tour
On our first trip to Lençóis, we did a quad bike tour through the “Pequenos Lençóis,” an area just outside the National Park that is equally beautiful.
This is a full-day tour departing from Barreirinhas, with several stops for swimming, photo ops, and lunch along the way. Each quad can accommodate up to two people, and no prior experience is needed — the guides walk you through everything before you set off. I admit I was a bit nervous, especially since I had my 8-year-old daughter riding on the back, but it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip for her. Of course, only people aged 18 and over are allowed to drive the ATVs.
You’ll find similar quad tours available in Santo Amaro and Atins as well.
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River Tubing Tour on the Formigas River
Tired of visiting dune after lagoon, after dune after lagoon? Okay, maybe it’s hard to get tired of them, but sometimes a change of pace is nice, right?
The river tubing tour along the Formigas River offers just that — a welcome change of scenery and a different rhythm to your days in Lençóis Maranhenses.
We did this tour from Barreirinhas on our first visit to Lençóis.
You’ll float down the river on large individual inner tubes (which are essentially tire tubes!), gently carried by the current. As you drift along, you’ll pass through mangroves, palm trees, forests, and small riverside communities.
While I wouldn’t call it a must-do, it was a lovely, low-key experience that gave us a glimpse of life along the river.
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Day trip to Atins
We visited Atins on a day trip from Barreirinhas. With only a week in Lençóis, we chose to base ourselves in just two towns instead.
It turned out to be a perfect day! We started with a lagoon visit in the morning, then arrived in Atins around lunchtime, where we had time to enjoy a delicious meal and relax on the beach, watching the kite surfers. On the way back, we stopped at another lagoon for a quick dip.
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Flight of the scarlet ibises (Revoada dos Guarás)
One of the most awe-inspiring tours in Lençóis Maranhenses is the Revoada dos Guarás, or the “flight of the scarlet ibises,” where you can witness hundreds of these vivid red birds taking flight together at sunset.
Although the main base for this tour is Barreirinhas, we did it from Santo Amaro during our second visit. Our guide took us to the small town of Primeira Cruz, where we boarded a boat to the river’s mouth. After some time enjoying the beach, we headed to the spot where the scarlet ibises gather to roost for the night.
The tide was low when we visited, so we were a bit far from the trees where the birds were settling for the night, but it was still an unforgettable experience. If you happen to visit during high tide and get closer to the trees, I have no doubt it’ll be one of the highlights of your trip.
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Flight over the Lençóis Maranhenses
For a perspective like no other, a flight over Lençóis Maranhenses is one of the most breathtaking experiences you can have. Unfortunately, it didn’t fit our budget, but if you can make it happen, definitely include it in your itinerary and let me know if it wasn’t the cherry on top of your Lençóis Maranhenses adventure!
You can take this flight by helicopter from Santo Amaro or by plane or helicopter from Barreirinhas.
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Suggested itineraries
I’ve visited Lençóis Maranhenses twice, once for 7 days and once for 5. Below are the itineraries I followed, along with a suggestion for a 10-day trip to Lencois.
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4 or 5 day itinerary in Lençóis Maranhenses
If your time in Lençóis Maranhenses is limited, I recommend sticking to one town to avoid wasting time traveling between them. My personal pick was Santo Amaro, but any of the three towns — Barreirinhas, Atins, or Santo Amaro — will offer a great experience. Choose the one that suits your style best.
Day 1: Arrive in São Luís do Maranhão and transfer to Santo Amaro.
If you arrive before 1 pm, you can fit in a half-day lagoon tour. I’d suggest Lagoa Gaivotas, América, or Emendadas.
If you arrive later, you may still have time for the scarlet ibis flight tour. During our second visit, we arrived just in time for lunch, and by 3 pm we were off on the ibis tour, which left directly from our guesthouse.
Days 2, 3 and 4: These days are all about the lagoons! We opted for the full-day Ponta Verde, Betânia, and Rancharia circuits. The tours follow a similar rhythm: departing around 9 am, you’ll visit one or two lagoons in the morning, enjoy a homemade lunch at a riverside village, stop at another lagoon in the afternoon, and wrap up the day with a stunning sunset over the dunes.
Day 4 (if applicable): If your flight isn’t until later, you might still have time for a half-day tour before heading back to São Luís or your next destination.
Day 5: Head back to São Luís do Maranhão and fly home.
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7-day itinerary in Lençóis Maranhenses
With a week in Lençóis, I’d strongly recommend splitting your time between two of the three towns surrounding the park. On my first visit, I chose Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro, but feel free to mix and match based on your preferences!
Day 1: Arrive in São Luís do Maranhão and transfer to Barreirinhas.
If you arrive before 1 pm, you can join an afternoon tour. That’s exactly what we did on our first trip — we got there just in time for the tour to Lagoa Bonita, returning to Barreirinhas after sunset, which was absolutely magical.
Day 2: Day trip to Atins, with stops at two or more lagoons along the way.
Day 3: ATV tour through Pequenos Lençóis.
Day 4: In the morning, tubing along the Preguiças River, or if you prefer, a half-day lagoon tour such as Lagoa Azul. In the afternoon, transfer to Santo Amaro.
Days 5 and 6: Exploring the Santo Amaro lagoons. For full-day tours, I recommend the Ponta Verde, Betânia, and Rancharia circuits; for half-day options, consider Gaivotas, América, or Emendadas.
Day 7: Head back to São Luís do Maranhão.
If you have an extra day, I suggest taking another full-day lagoon tour from either Barreirinhas or Santo Amaro.
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10-day itinerary in Lençóis Maranhenses
With ten days, you can do everything I’ve suggested for 7 days, plus enjoy an additional 3 days in Atins.
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What to pack for Lençóis Maranhenses
Sun and heat are a given: the weather in Lençóis is warm and sunny year-round.
There is no shade on the dunes! On some tours, especially those from Santo Amaro, guides will provide a beach umbrella and chairs. Check with your guide beforehand to see if they’re included.
Light, comfortable clothing is essential. Opt for sun-protective t-shirts, shorts, and swimwear to keep cool.
Leave your shoes and sneakers at the hotel — or even better, at home! The best way to explore the dunes is barefoot, and in the villages, flip-flops are all you need.
Don’t forget a hat or cap, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen. A quick-drying towel is also worth packing for the lagoon stops.
And, as I always say: travel light! You don’t need much to enjoy Lençóis; simplicity is part of the charm.
I hope these tips are helpful, and that you enjoy Lençóis Maranhenses as much as I did. Every dune, every lagoon, every village will surprise you. It’s the kind of place that reminds you how little you need to be happy. If you, like me, are drawn to raw, unspoiled nature, Lençóis Maranhenses will not disappoint.
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All our posts about traveling in Brazil, be sure to check them out before planing a trip to my home country:
- Brazilian Amazon – How to visit the Amazon Rainforest
- What to do in Alter do Chão: Exploring amazonian beaches and rainforests in Brazil
- What to do in Chapada dos Guimaraes, Mato Grosso
- The best tours to do in Bonito, Brazil, in 4 days
- Ultimate Guide to Bonito: Exploring the Southern Brazilian Pantanal’s Hidden Paradise
- Bonito, Brazil with kids: When is the right age to visit?
- Complete guide to visiting Lençóis Maranhenses: Tips and essential itinerary
- Chapada das Mesas – Complete itinerary: what to do, where to stay, how to get there
- What to do in Pirenópolis: ecotourism and history in the interior of Goiás
- Chapada dos Veadeiros – Complete guide: best waterfalls, accommodations and many tips.
Check out all our posts about traveling in Central and South America:
Colombia
- What to do in 3 days in Bogotá
- What to do in Cartagena de Indias – Colombia
- How to visit Tayrona National Park – the most beautiful beaches in mainland Colombia
- The best of Colombia – 12-day itinerary
Argentina
- Northern Argentina: a 10-day itinerary through Salta and Jujuy
- El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier – the best of Argentinan Patagonia
- The best of Ushuaia – A 4-day itinerary for spring and autumn
Chile
Belize
- One week in Belize: a perfect itinerary for first-time visitors
- What to do in Belize: the best of San Ignacio, Caye Ambergris and Caye Caulker
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