The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Lencois Maranhenses

Things to know before you go

There are two main entrances to the Lencois Maranhenses National Park, each offering access to different attractions. Barreirinhas is arguably easier to reach, as it is accessible by public bus, and has more established tourist infrastructure. However, Santo Amaro is located closer to the dunes and provides the opportunity to walk to the dunes directly from your guesthouse. Ultimately, your choice will depend what you cant to see and whether you plan to take the multi-day dune hike.

Here are some of their nearby attractions to help you decide where to go in Lencois Maranhenses:

Attractions near Barreirinhas

• Lagoa Azul Circuit (Blue Lagoon Circuit): One of the most popular attractions in the region. After a 12 km ride through coastal vegetation, you’ll reach the dunes, with a 2 km trail ahead. Along the way, you can visit Lagoa da Preguiça (Sloth Lagoon), Lagoa da Esmeralda (Emerald Lagoon), Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon), and Lagoa do Peixe (Fish Lagoon), which stays filled year-round. This is the only attraction accessible with traditional vehicles, but prior authorization is required from the National Park administration.

• Lagoa Bonita Circuit (Beautiful Lagoon Circuit): Located 15 km from Barreirinhas, this route requires climbing a 30-meter-high dune, with a rope provided for assistance. The climb is rewarded with stunning views of the dunes and surrounding coastal vegetation. Afterward, it’s a short walk to Lagoa Bonita. You can also visit Lagoa do Clone, made famous by the Brazilian soap opera “O Clone,” filmed here in 2001.

• Lagoa da Esperança (Hope Lagoon): This lagoon is formed by the Negro River meeting the dunes, making it a permanent feature. Unlike other lagoons, it’s located on the edge of the dunes, providing access to both the water and the dune fields. Ideal for visiting during the dry season when other lagoons may be empty. Lagoa da Esperança is near the borders of Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro.

• Atins: A peaceful village located at the mouth of the Preguiças River, just outside the National Park. Perfect for visitors seeking tranquility and a close connection to nature. In Atins, you can enjoy beach walks, explore dunes, and practice sports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and cycling. The village is simple, with a laid-back vibe and a chance to experience local culture.

• Canto dos Lençóis (Lençóis Quarter): Situated within the National Park, this small fishing village offers views of the dunes and is close to the beach. With no electricity, the village has simple accommodations and community-run restaurants serving traditional meals. It’s an excellent starting point for trekking across the dunes to Santo Amaro.

• Circuito Foz do Rio Negro (Negro River Mouth Circuit): Starting from Atins, this route follows the beach within the National Park. The main highlight is where the Negro River meets the sea, offering the chance to bathe in small waterfalls. This attraction is available when the river has water, so check ahead with park administration or local guides. You can also visit Lagoa Verde (Green Lagoon), a 30-minute walk from the dunes that holds water for most of the year.
  

Attractions near Santo Amaro

• Lagoa da Gaivota (Seagull Lagoon): A top attraction in Santo Amaro, known for its birdwatching opportunities in a seagull nesting area. Other highlights include Lagoa da Andorinha (Swallow Lagoon), Lagoa do Cajueiro (Cashew Tree Lagoon), and Lagoa do Maçarico (Solitary Sandpiper Lagoon), ideal for kite-surfing. On the way, you’ll pass Lago de Santo Amaro. You can reach this spot via walking trails or accredited 4x4 vehicles.

• Lagoa da Betânia (Betânia Lagoon): Similar to Lagoa da Esperança, this lagoon is created by a river meeting the dunes. Located in the village of Betânia, it offers basic services. The ever-changing water colors and the dramatic backdrop of dunes make this a unique destination.

• Lagoa das Emendadas (Emendadas Lagoon): Accessible only by foot, this series of interconnected lagoons extends for several kilometers through the dunes. This location offers a clear sense of the immense scale of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.

• Praia da Travosa (Travosa Beach): Located near the fishing village of Travosa, this beach features a wide stretch of sand with the dune fields as a backdrop. A regional surf competition is held here every April.

Hiking in Lencois Maranhenses

The "Primitive Zone" is a protected area in the heart of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, accessible only by hiking. A hike through the dunes and beaches can take four to five days, with overnight stays in local communities. Hiring a guide is mandatory, as the challenging terrain, lack of cell coverage, and remote nature of the area can make navigation difficult. The hike is always done from east to west due to the wind and shape of the dunes, and begins in Barreirinhas.

Within this zone are the two oases of Queimada dos Britos and Baixa Grande. These areas, home to around 30 local families, are among the most biodiverse spots in the park, with lagoons for swimming throughout most of the year. Due to strict conservation regulations, only minimal-impact visits are allowed, prohibiting motorized vehicles except for residents.

Travel insurance for a trip to Lencois Maranhenses

Travel insurance is not just a nice-to-have, it is an important safety-net that can prevent a stressful incident from turning into a costly and time-consuming disaster. The reality is that unexpected events can happen on any trip. Even something as simple as missing a connecting flight can lead to unexpected accommodation and transport costs. If you become unwell, medical bills in another country can quickly become expensive. Without insurance, you have to handle all of this on your own in an unfamiliar environment, possibly in a language you do not speak.

I have personally relied on travel insurance multiple times, including when I had belongings stolen in Europe, fell sick while travelling in Asia, and had flights cancelled. In each case, the support I received meant I could focus on solving the problem instead of worrying about costs.

When travelling to Lencois Maranhenses, it is especially important to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation, as the remote location can make access to specialised care more difficult.

For a small daily cost, you can be covered for a wide range of scenarios, from theft to delayed flights and medical emergencies. Having one phone number to call and a company that deals with the problem for you is worth far more than the price of the policy. I personally use Safety Wing, and I recommend them to friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. You can get a quote here.

More tips for visiting Lencois Maranhenses

• Best Time to Visit: The stunning blue and green lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses are only filled with water between May and August, following the rainy season (from January to May). During these months, the rainwater collects between the sand dunes, creating the famous multicolored lagoons. Outside of this period, the lagoons can dry up.

• Remote Location: Lençóis Maranhenses is a remote national park in northern Brazil, with no roads directly within the park itself. You’ll need to travel by 4x4 vehicles, often from the town of Barreirinhas, or by boat.

• Limited Facilities: Facilities within the park are very basic, with few food and drink options available once you're inside. It’s a good idea to pack snacks, plenty of water, and any essentials you may need for the day.

• Pack for the Heat: The park consists mainly of large sand dunes, and the heat can be intense, particularly midday. Bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and lightweight, breathable clothing to stay comfortable as you explore the dunes. Bringing plenty of water is essential.

• Bug Repellent: Although Lençóis Maranhenses is mostly a desert-like environment, the lagoon areas can still attract mosquitoes and other insects, especially after the rainy season. Be sure to bring insect repellent to avoid bites during your visit, especially around dawn and dusk.