Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil
The perfect 5 days itinerary
Lençóis Maranhenses is a national park located in Maranhão state, in northeastern Brazil. It's an area of low, flat, occasionally flooded land, overlaid with large, discrete sand dunes. It encompasses roughly 1,500 square kilometers, and despite abundant rain, supports almost no vegetation. The area became a National Park on June 2, 1981. Composed of large, white, sweeping dunes, at first glance Lençóis Maranhenses looks like an archetypal desert. In fact it isn't actually a desert. Lying just outside the Amazon Basin, the region is subject to a regular rain season during the beginning of the year. The rains cause a peculiar phenomenon: fresh water collects in the valleys between sand dunes and is prevented from percolating down by a layer of impermeable rock which lies underneath the sand.
What to do in Lençóis Maranhenses?
This 5 days itinerary is the perfect guide to the best things to see in Lençóis Maranhenses. It includes day-by-day activities, travel tips, and the top places to visit.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Barreirinhas
Morning
Arrive in São Luís, the capital of Maranhão state. Take a transfer to Barreirinhas, the gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Check into your accommodation and freshen up.
Afternoon
Explore the town of Barreirinhas. Visit the local markets and try some regional cuisine.
Evening
Relax and prepare for the upcoming adventure in the national park.
Day 2: First Day in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Morning
After breakfast, take a 4x4 tour to the national park. Start your exploration with a visit to the Blue Lagoon and the Fish Lagoon, two of the most famous lagoons in the park.
Afternoon
Continue your exploration of the park. Visit the Turtle Lagoon and the Peace Lagoon. Enjoy the stunning views of the sand dunes and the lagoons.
Evening
Return to Barreirinhas and rest for the night.
Day 3: Second Day in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Morning
Take a boat ride on the Preguiças River. Visit the small fishing village of Vassouras and interact with the local community.
Afternoon
Continue your boat ride to the lighthouse in Mandacaru. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the park.
Evening
Return to Barreirinhas and rest for the night.
Day 4: Third Day in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Morning
Take a 4x4 tour to the eastern part of the park. Visit the Queimada dos Britos, a remote oasis in the middle of the dunes.
Afternoon
Continue your exploration of the park. Visit the Canto do Atins, a beautiful beach located at the mouth of the Preguiças River.
Evening
Return to Barreirinhas and rest for the night.
Day 5: Departure
Morning
After breakfast, check out from your accommodation. Take a transfer back to São Luís for your departure.
Afternoon
Arrive in São Luís and catch your flight back home. As you leave, carry the memories of the stunning landscapes and unique experiences in Lençóis Maranhenses.