LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES: THE COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE

Last Updated: 14 October 2026
Brazil, Destinations, South America

Lençóis Maranhenses is one of the most unusual landscapes in Brazil. Located in the state of Maranhão, in the northeast of the country, this huge national park is a sea of white sand dunes, dotted with thousands of blue and green freshwater lagoons. It looks like a desert, but it isn’t technically one, as the region receives a lot of seasonal rainfall that collects between the dunes.

Having explored different part of Lençóis Maranhenses, I can confidently say that it is one of the most extraordinary places I’ve ever visited.

Here’s my complete Lençóis Maranhenses travel guide, with all the info you need to plan your own trip.

WHERE IS LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES?

Lençóis Maranhenses is located in the state of Maranhão, in northeastern Brazil, around 250 km from São Luís, the state capital. The national park covers approximately 1,566 km² (605 sq mi). To give you an idea, that’s roughly the equivalent of 219,000 standard football pitches! Much of this vast landscape consists of rolling white sand dunes, with thousands of seasonal freshwater lagoons forming between them.

Despite its name, Lençóis Maranhenses isn’t a town or a single location. It’s an enormous national park that can be explored from different surrounding towns and villages.

And while its spectacular dunes and lagoons are the main attraction, there’s much more to experience here than simply admiring the scenery. From multi-day treks and scenic flights to boat trips and unforgettable sunsets, there’s no shortage of ways to discover the region.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES

CROSS LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES PARK ON A MULTI-DAY TREK

One of the most immersive ways to experience Lençóis is to cross part of the park on foot, over several days. A multi-day trek takes you deep into the Park, beyond the usual tourist routes.

And what makes this experience so special is that the landscapes constantly change. Beyond the famous dunes and turquoise lagoons, you’ll discover greener areas, rivers, and remote oases where local communities live. Each day reveals a completely different side of Lençóis.

I completed a 3-day 2-night trek across part of the park, and it remains one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. the landscapes genuinely left me speechless.

Multi-Day Trekking in Lençóis Maranhenses – Example Price (3 Days / 2 Nights) | Cost: R$4,309.50 for a group up to 3 pp – approx. $840 at the time of writing. Booked through a tour operator. Note: transfers between are not towns aren’t included in this cost.

Planning a trek in Lençóis Maranhenses? Whether you're considering a 3-day, 4-day or longer trek, my complete trekking guide will help you plan your adventure. Discover the different trekking options, routes, difficulty levels, accommodation, packing essentials and practical tips before setting off. → Read My Complete Lençóis Maranhenses Trekking Guide.

TAKE A SCENIC FLIGHT OVER LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES PARK

Seeing Lençóis from the air gives you a completely different perspective on the scale of the park, and on the patterns of the dunes and lagoons. Seeing the dunes from above makes you realise how immense the park is.

Flights leave from Barreirinhas Airport, and you can choose between doors-on and doors-off. If photography is your priority, I recommend the doors-off option. I did the 30-minute doors-on flight and really loved it, but the photographer in me would have preferred a doors-off experience. I did a doors-off helicopter flight in Rio, and for photography, the difference is huge: the colours aren’t altered by the window and the experience is more immersive. But note that most of the doors-off flights must be scheduled at least 30 days in advance.

Scenic Flight over Lençóis Maranhenses Park | Cost per flight option below. Can be booked through accommodation. Meeting Point: Barreirinhas Airport.

Flight Option	Price
30-minute shared flight (up to 5 passengers)	R$950 / person (~US$185 at the time of writing)
30-minute private flight (1–2 passengers)	R$2,850 total (~US$556 at the time of writing)
45-minute flight (minimum 2 passengers)	R$1,600 / person (~US$312 at the time of writing)
1-hour doors-off photography flight (1–4 passengers)	R$7,900 total (~US$1,541at the time of writing)

VISIT LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES PARK AT SUNRISE, AT SUNSET, OR AFTER DARK

Lençóis Maranhenses Park is spectacular during the day, but experiencing the park at sunrise, sunset or after dark is something else entirely. The changing light transforms the dunes, creating beautiful contrasts, softer colours and a completely different atmosphere.

Sunrise is particularly special for its peaceful atmosphere, cooler temperatures and soft morning light. It’s also a wonderful time for photography, before the midday sun becomes too harsh.

Sunset is one of the most popular experiences in Lençóis Maranhenses. Many excursions combine time exploring the lagoons with watching the sun disappear behind the dunes.

After dark, the park reveals yet another side. Away from artificial lights, clear nights can offer incredible stargazing opportunities, depending on the weather and moonlight.

I was lucky enough to experience all three during my 3-day, 2-night trek. Watching two sunrises, two sunsets and spending two nights beneath the stars made the experience even more memorable. If you’re not planning a multi-day trek, you can still enjoy these moments through dedicated sunrise, sunset or night excursions.

Sunrise, Sunset or Night Tour | Cost: around R$1,000 to R$1,500 – approx. $195 to $293 at the time of writing. Booked through accommodation or with an agency. Note: check whether the price is per person or per vehicle before booking.

JOIN A LAGOON & DUNE 4X4 TOUR

The classic way to visit the lagoons is on an organised 4×4 circuit. You’re picked up at your accommodation or at the agency meeting point, then the 4×4 drives along sandy tracks towards the dunes. From there, you walk across the dunes, with several lagoon stops (and swimming, of course!), and some tours end with the sunset. The best-known lagoons include Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Bonita, Lagoa Esmeralda, Lagoa de Prata and Lagoa Felicidade. Keep in mind that 4×4 excursions involve a lot of driving over the dunes, including some fairly bumpy dune bashing.

The 4×4 circuits focus on the most popular lagoons, so you won’t have them to yourself. That said, “touristy” is very relative here: we’re not talking about Disneyland crowds!

Pro Tip: these tours don’t all leave from the same place. Different circuits give access to different areas of the park, from Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro or Atins, so before booking, make sure the circuit you want can actually be reached from your base.

Lagoon & Dune 4×4 Tour | Cost: from $50 to $150 for a shared tour. Meeting Point: most pick-ups are from Barreirinhas or Santo Amaro. Can be booked through accommodation or with an agency.

GO UP THE RIO PREGUIÇAS BY BOAT

A boat trip along the Rio Preguiças offers a completely different perspective on the Lençóis Maranhenses region. Away from the dunes and lagoons, this excursion takes you through the peaceful waterways and natural landscapes surrounding the park.

The trip takes place aboard a rabeta, a traditional small motorised canoe, usually in the late afternoon. One of the main highlights is the opportunity to spot guarás, striking red birds that inhabit the region’s coastal wetlands. Their bright red plumage creates a beautiful contrast against the surrounding greenery, particularly in the soft evening light.

Rio Preguiças Boat Trip | Cost: R$1,000 per boat – approx. $195 at the time of writing. Time: afternoons, from around 4:30 to 6 pm.

SPEND TIME IN ATINS

Atins is a small coastal village on the edge of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, where the Rio Preguiças meets the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, sandy streets and beautiful pousadas, it’s a wonderful place to slow down after exploring the dunes.

Life here moves at a different pace. You’ll find charming restaurants, cafés, small boutiques and beach bars, all surrounded by a peaceful, almost barefoot-luxury atmosphere. Whether you spend an afternoon or stay a couple of nights, Atins is worth making time for.

I absolutely loved Atins! It reminded me of a smaller, less developed Tulum, with its beautiful pousadas, relaxed atmosphere and restaurants playing live music. It’s the kind of place where doing very little is part of the experience.

One of my favourite things to do was simply watching the sunset from a beachfront bar, with a drink and ocean views.

For dinner, I recommend Pipo.co. There are plenty of other restaurants around it, as well as shops, a gym and live music. Another great option is Charme Beach Bar, with a view over the ocean. Go there at sunset for drinks, then stay for dinner: the food is so good!

BOOK A PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEO, OR DRONE TOUR IN LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES PARK

With its endless white dunes, turquoise lagoons and constantly changing light, Lençóis Maranhenses is an incredible destination for photography and videography.

Several types of experiences are available, depending on what you’re looking for. Photography tours focus on exploring the landscapes at the best times of day, particularly around sunrise and sunset. You can also arrange private photo sessions, professional video shoots or aerial photography with a drone.

For travellers looking for professional portraits or cinematic footage, these experiences offer the opportunity to capture the park from a different perspective.

A few things to consider before booking:

Departure location: Check where your photographer or tour operator is based. Many services depart from Barreirinhas, which can complicate arrangements if you’re staying in Atins.
Pricing: Costs depend on the type of experience, duration, group size and departure location. Request a quote before booking.
Drone regulations: Drone flights are subject to restrictions within the national park. Confirm that your chosen operator has the necessary authorisations before booking aerial photography.

Photography Tour or Photo Session | Cost: from R$1,200 to R$5,000 – approx. $234 to $975 at the time of writing, depending on the package (number of photos, videos, drone, etc.).

STOP AT CABURÉ

Caburé is a narrow strip of land between the Rio Preguiças and the Atlantic Ocean, near the mouth of the river. There’s a beach and a few restaurants, and it’s a classic stop for lunch or a break on boat excursions along the river. Caburé also has its own dedicated excursion, separate from the Rio Preguiças boat trip.

Caburé Excursion | Cost: R$1,200 – approx. $234 at the time of writing. Can be booked through accommodation or with an agency.

LEARN TO KITESURF IN ATINS

Atins is a major kitesurfing destination in the region, and lessons and equipment rental are available locally. For some travellers, it can even be the main reason to choose Atins as a base.

GO ON A QUAD BIKE TOUR IN LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES PARK

Quad bike tours are available in the region, but not in the protected dunes of the national park. The classic quad tours from Barreirinhas go through the Pequenos Lençóis, a separate area of dunes on the other side of the Rio Preguiças, then continue to Caburé. Depending on the operator, the route is around 45 to 50 km each way.

The landscape there is different from the main park, with smaller dunes and more vegetation. When I passed by on the boat, the dunes there looked yellow, while those in the protected park are white.

If you’re staying in Atins, another option is a quad tour to Ponta do Mangue, where the dunes are whiter.

Quad Bike Tour | Cost: R$650 per quad bike – approx. $127 at the time of writing. Meeting Point: Barreirinhas. Duration: half day to full day. Can be booked through accommodation or with an agency.

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES

The lagoons of Lençóis are seasonal. The rain fills them up during the wet season, then they slowly shrink during the drier months, until the next rains arrive.

The most commonly recommended period is from June to September, but keep in mind that lagoon levels change every year depending on the rainfall, so no month comes with a guarantee. Here’s what to expect:

January to May: rainy season, the lagoons gradually fill up.
June to August: generally the safest period to see the classic landscape of full lagoons.
September to October: can still be very good, but lagoon levels become less predictable and some may already be dry.
November to December: usually the driest period for the lagoons, although conditions vary.

At the end of August, some lagoons had already dried out, but the ones that were still full were absolutely beautiful! Every photo in this guide was taken during that trip, so they give you a realistic idea of what the landscape can look like towards the end of the season..

HOW TO GET TO LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES

FLYING TO SÃO LUÍS, THEN CHOOSE YOUR BASE

The simplest way to reach Lençóis Maranhenses is to fly to São Luís International Airport (SLZ), the airport serving the capital of Maranhão. SLZ is the main airport used to reach the region. From there, your onward journey depends on where you choose to stay: Barreirinhas, Atins, or Santo Amaro.

How to get to each destination:

- Barreirinhas: Travel directly from São Luís by road, either by shared van or private transfer.
- Atins: Travel from São Luís to Barreirinhas first, then continue to Atins by boat.
- Santo Amaro: Travel directly from São Luís by road, or arrange a road transfer from Barreirinhas.`

Private transfers can be arranged with a driver or taxi, while shared vans are generally a more economical option.

Not sure which one to choose? Check out my comparison of Barreirinhas, Atins and Santo Amaro below to find the best base for your trip.

I chose to stay in Atins, which was my starting point for a multi-day trek across Lençóis Maranhenses. To get there, I first travelled from São Luís to Barreirinhas by shared van, then continued to Atins by boat.

Below, I explain how both journeys work, including the transport options, booking process and practical details from my experience.

SÃO LUÍS TO BARREIRINHAS BY SHARED VAN

An easy way to get from São Luís to Barreirinhas is by shared van. The van picks you up at your hotel, collects other passengers on the way, and drops you off in Barreirinhas 3 to 4 hours later, with a few short stops along the way. It works the same on the way back, and the vans can drop you off wherever you want, including São Luís airport.
Be warned: the drivers go super fast and pretty recklessly!

You can book the van through a tour operator, or directly with one of the van companies on WhatsApp/Phone call, and pay the driver on the day.

Shared Van São Luís – Barreirinhas | Cost: around R$120 to R$140 per person – approx. $23 to $27 at the time of writing. Meeting Point: pick-up from your hotel / chosen location.

BARREIRINHAS TO ATINS BY BOAT

From Barreirinhas, shared boats travel along the Rio Preguiças to Atins. The journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the boat’s speed and any stops along the way. Some boats briefly stop in Caburé to drop off passengers.

One important thing to consider is the boat schedule. Shared boats operate at limited departure times, rather than running throughout the day. The last departure from Barreirinhas was around 4 PM when I visited, so plan your arrival accordingly.

Travelling in the opposite direction can also require some planning. Shared departures from Atins to Barreirinhas may be harder to find after 2:30 PM.

Private boats offer more flexibility, but they are considerably more expensive. If you’re travelling from São Luís to Atins on the same day, make sure your road transfer arrives in time for your boat. Otherwise, you may need to arrange a private transfer or spend the night in Barreirinhas. That’s where having a tour organizing your transfers is handful.

Boat Barreirinhas – Atins | Cost: shared boat R$120 per person – approx. $23 at the time of writing. Private boat around $100 for approximately one hour.

WHERE TO STAY: BARREIRINHAS VS ATINS VS SANTO AMARO

A lot of travel blogs and Instagram posts recommend staying in Atins. Atins is beautiful, and I loved staying there, but it’s not automatically the best base for every trip. Where you should stay really depends on the activities you want to do in Lençóis Maranhenses Park.

Several activities leave from Barreirinhas rather than Atins, like the scenic flight, or most of the photography tour. If you stay in Atins and the activity you came for leaves from Barreirinhas, you’ll spend a good part of your day going back and forth. I’d absolutely recommend spending time in Atins. But don’t automatically use it as your only base, as splitting your stay between Barreirinhas and Atins can make much more sense logistically.

To help you decide which base makes the most sense for your trip, here’s a comparison of Barreirinhas, Atins and Santo Amaro, including their main advantages and disadvantages.

Base	Best for	Main advantages	Main disadvantages
Barreirinhas	Convenience, activities and logistics	Main logistical hub; widest choice of tours, agencies, transfers, accommodation and restaurants	Busier and less atmospheric than Atins
Atins	Atmosphere, slow travel, beach and kitesurfing	Laid-back village; beach; restaurants, cafés and boutiques; major kitesurfing destination	More isolated; transport is more complicated; some activities may require travelling back to Barreirinhas
Santo Amaro	Lagoon access and a quieter, park-focused stay	Excellent access to several lagoon areas; quieter than Barreirinhas	Fewer services and more remote

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES?

The answer mainly depends on one thing: are you planning a multi-day trek or not?

Also, keep in mind that the number of nights in the region isn’t the same as the number of full days available for activities. Transfers between São Luís, Barreirinhas and Atins can take a big part of the day, so don’t count your arrival and departure days as full sightseeing days.

IF YOU’RE NOT DOING A TREK

Plan around 3 full days in the region. It gives you enough time to see the main highlights without rushing. You can then choose a few activities: a lagoon circuit, the scenic flight, the boat excursion, some time in Atins… If you are combining Barreirinhas and Atins, plan your itinerary carefully around the transfer schedules.

IF YOU’RE DOING A MULTI-DAY TREK

The trek itself already gives you a very immersive experience of the dunes and lagoons. For a 3-day trek, add 1 to 2 extra full days for other activities, such as a scenic flight, the boat excursion, another lagoon circuit, a photography tour, kitesurfing or simply enjoying Atins. So around 4 to 5 full days of experiences in total.

BE CAREFUL WHEN COUNTING TRANSFER DAYS

When I say 3 days, or 1 to 2 extra days, I mean full days available for activities, not the number of calendar days between your arrival and your departure. This is especially important if you are staying in Atins.

The last shared boats from Atins to Barreirinhas usually leave around 2 pm or 4 pm. Taking one of them cuts your day in half, especially if you then need to continue from Barreirinhas. Private boats offer more flexibility, but they’re considerably more expensive.

The same goes for the São Luís to Barreirinhas transfer. Don’t plan your itinerary as if every arrival or departure day could also be a full activity day. My own 5 days in the region weren’t 5 full days of activities either, because of the transfers.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN VISITING LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES

A few practical things to know before you go:

The sun is strong, and there’s very little shade once you’re in the dunes.
You walk on sand, which is more tiring than it looks.
The 4×4 rides can be very bumpy!
Sand gets everywhere!
The water in the lagoons can feel cool at first, but it’s so hot here that it quickly feels good.
Sunset is quite early compared with a European summer.
Phone signal can be limited depending on where you are.
The streets of Atins are sandy, so wheeled luggage isn’t always convenient.

IS LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES SAFE?

I felt very safe during my trip. I stayed in Atins and walked around after dark without feeling uncomfortable. As the sun sets around 6 pm, we were regularly out in the village in the evening. There were people outside, restaurants were open, and the streets and central areas we walked through were active and lit well enough.

Of course, this is my own experience. So take the usual precautions: don’t leave your valuables unattended, protect your camera equipment, follow your guide’s instructions in the park, carry enough water and protect yourself from the sun.

For most visitors, the main risks are actually environmental, such as heat, sun exposure, dehydration, remote terrain and how easy it is to get disoriented in the dunes.

HOW MUCH DOES A TRIP TO LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES COST?

The prices below are indicative and may vary depending on the tour operator, booking method, group size and season. All prices are listed in Brazilian reais (BRL), with approximate USD conversions for reference.

Item	Cost (BRL)	Approx. USD at the time of writing
Shared van, São Luís to Barreirinhas	R$120 to R$140 per person	$23 to $27
Shared boat, Barreirinhas to Atins	R$120 per person	$23
Shared van, Santo Amaro to Barreirinhas	R$60 per person	$12
Private boat, approx. 1 hour	R$520	$100
3-day trek, group up to 3 PAX	R$4,309.50	$840
3-day trek, group of 4 or more	R$1,972.50 per person	$385
Lagoon & dune 4×4 tour, shared	R$260 to R$777	$50 to $150
Scenic flight, 30 min shared	R$950 per passenger	$185
Scenic flight, 30 min private	R$2,850 total	$556
Scenic flight, 45 min	R$1,600 per passenger	$312
Scenic flight, 1 h doors-off	R$7,900 for 1 to 4 passengers	$1,541
Rio Preguiças boat trip	R$1,000 per boat	$195
Caburé excursion	R$1,200	$234
Quad bike	R$650 per quad	$127
Sunrise / sunset / night tour	R$1,000 to R$1,500	$195 to $293
Photography tour or session	R$1,200 to R$5,000	$234 to $975

Lençóis Maranhenses is one of the most surreal landscapes I experienced in Brazil, and one of those places where photos really struggle to capture the scale.

The combination I personally liked was experiencing the park deeply on the trek, then slowing down for 2 nights in Atins.

And if you’re not trekking, I’d recommend combining Barreirinhas, for easier logistics and activities, with Atins, for the atmosphere, rather than choosing only one base.