Lençóis Maranhenses National Park: Natural World Heritage Site
Walk through a sea of white sand dunes stretching to the horizon, dotted with crystal-clear lagoons in shades of blue and green. This is the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, recently designated a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
Covering 155,000 hectares, this unique desert located on the oceanic coast of Maranhão is a singular biome in South America. It transforms during the rainy season, when thousands of temporary freshwater lagoons create a stunning visual spectacle admired by people from all over the world.
Small Lençóis Maranhenses
More accessible and visited region, based in Barreirinhas.Here you will find natural wonders such as:
- Blue Lagoon and Beautiful Lagoon:The most famous in the park, with crystal-clear waters that invite you for a refreshing swim after hiking through the dunes.
- Preguiças River:Navigate this serene river, among preserved mangroves, visiting the small village of Mandacaru with its historic lighthouse and the paradisiacal Caburé Beach.
Small Lençóis:A compact and equally enchanting version of the park, ideal for those with less time.
Great Lençóis Maranhenses
The most wild and pristine area, accessible from Primeira Cruz. An exclusive and authentic experience, marked by the recognition of its ecological importance and the creation of conservation units that help protect this natural heritage.
- Connected Lagoons Circuit:A rare spectacle where multiple lagoons connect, creating a fairytale-like setting in the midst of a landscape that blends features of the cerrado with the dunes.
- Gaivota Lagoon: Famous for the large number of birds that use it as a resting spot, offering a unique show for nature lovers and reinforcing Lençóis Maranhenses’ reputation as one of the most fascinating natural destinations in the country.
Oases and Traditional Communities:Visit villages that keep local culture alive, with authentic cuisine and unique crafts.
OPTIONS FOR ALL TYPES OF PEOPLE
For Adventurers
Trekking Traverses
Cross the park on foot in journeys lasting up to 3 days, sleeping in local communities and experiencing the wildest side of the Lençóis. It’s an intense adventure, where every step reveals a new, photo-worthy landscape.
4x4 Tours
Venture along challenging trails between dunes and lagoons, with specialized guides and a trained team ready to ensure your safety and help you make the most of the experience.
Kitesurfing in Atins
Take advantage of the constant winds and shallow waters of this fishing village, which, with all its natural beauty, has been voted more than once as one of the best kitesurfing spots in Brazil.
For Contemplators
Sunset Contemplation
Climb to the top of the dunes to watch the spectacle of the sun setting over the sea of sand, painting the sky with unforgettable colors.
Bird Watching
Lençóis houses various bird species, especially the scarlet ibises with their vibrant red plumage.
Nature Photography
Each hour of the day reveals new compositions of light and shadow on the dunes, creating incomparable photographic opportunities.
For Families
Lagoon Swimming
Have fun in the warm, shallow waters of the lagoons, safe for children and refreshing for everyone.
River Tubing on the Formiga River
A light and fun adventure for all ages.
Speedboat Tours
Navigate the region's rivers in fast boats, visiting communities and beaches on a comfortable tour.
Responsible Ecotourism in a Natural Sanctuary
The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fragile and unique ecosystem, home to countless species adapted to this extreme environment.
Our commitment, within this conservation and preservation unit, is to provide transformative experiences while protecting this natural treasure for future generations.
All our activities are conducted by trained local guides, following sustainable tourism principles:
- Respect for visitation limits to minimize impacts
- Proper waste management
- Appreciation of local culture and economy
- Environmental education integrated with experiences
Tourist Questions
Where is Lençóis Maranhenses?
The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is located in the state of Maranhão, in northeastern Brazil. This national park is a famous destination known for its white sand dunes and crystal-clear freshwater lagoons, creating a unique and stunning landscape.
What is the best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses?
The best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses is between June and September, during the rainy season. During this period, the lagoons are full, and the landscape is more beautiful. Outside this time, the lagoons may be smaller or dry.
What is the closest airport to Lençóis Maranhenses?
The closest airport to Lençóis Maranhenses is Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport (SLZ), in São Luís, the capital of Maranhão. From there, you need to travel to Barreirinhas, the main entrance to the park.
How to get to Lençóis Maranhenses?
To reach Lençóis Maranhenses, fly to São Luís and then take a bus or private transfer to Barreirinhas, about 4 hours away. From Barreirinhas, you can explore the park with 4×4 tours or by boat.
Main distances::
- From São Luís to Barreirinhas: 250 km (approximately 4 hours)
- From São Luís to Santo Amaro: 210 km (approximately 3h30)
- Well-signposted roads with transfer options and vehicle rentals
What to do in Lençóis Maranhenses?
In the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, you can walk across the dunes, swim in the lagoons, and enjoy the sunset. Other options include 4×4 tours to remote areas and boat trips along the Preguiças River to see the wildlife and mangroves in a vast protected area.
What is the Route of Emotions?
The Route of Emotions is a tourist itinerary that connects the Lençóis Maranhenses (MA), the Parnaíba Delta (PI), and Jericoacoara (CE). Crossing an area rich in biodiversity and culture, the route passes through towns like Paulino Neves, showcasing the best of the region.
It’s an experience that combines stunning landscapes, lush nature, and adventure, bringing together everything that is most enchanting about the Brazilian Northeast.
Where to stay during your visit to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park?
Barreirinhas.
- Main base for exploring Lower Lençóis.
- Options ranging from simple inns to luxury resorts.
- Complete infrastructure with restaurants, agencies, and commerce.
Atins
- Rustic village with charming atmosphere
- Charming and ecological inns
- Paradise for kitesurfers and tranquility lovers
Santo Amaro
- Base for exploring Upper Lençóis
- Authentic hospitality in family inns
- More immersive experience in local culture Tentar novamenteClaude pode cometer erros. Por favor, verifique as fontes citadas.