Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, on the coast of Maranhão in north-eastern Brazil, looks like nowhere else on Earth: a field of white sand dunes stretching about 70 km (43 miles) along the Atlantic and up to 50 km (31 miles) inland, where the rains of the first half of the year fill the hollows between the dunes with thousands of clear blue and green freshwater lagoons. ICMBio, which manages it, calls it the country’s largest humid desert, a transition zone of dunes, freshwater lagoons, mangroves and restinga scrub. Created in 1981, it covers 156,608 hectares (387,000 acres) and was listed by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site in 2024. There is no entry fee, but you can’t drive in on your own: visits are by licensed 4×4 trucks, boats and guides from the towns of Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro do Maranhão, or on foot on the multi-day trek across the dunes. Come when the lagoons are full, usually from about June to September.
Right now in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Lençóis Maranhenses)
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Top tours in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
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Lençóis Maranhenses at a glance
- Best months: about June to September, when the lagoons are fullest after the rains of January to May and the sky is clear; July is the classic month. By November and December many lagoons shrink or dry out.
- Time needed: 2–3 days from Barreirinhas or Santo Amaro for the main lagoon circuits; 4–5 days to add Atins or the dune trek.
- Getting there: fly to São Luís (SLZ), then about 4 hours by road to Barreirinhas or Santo Amaro do Maranhão; or arrive from Jericoacoara and the Parnaíba Delta along the Rota das Emoções.
- Fee: none: ICMBio charges no entry fee; you pay licensed operators for transport and guiding.
- Before you go: the e-visa, money and health are in our Brazil travel guide; for the coast to the east, see our Jericoacoara guide.
Fees, access and the rules (as of October 2026)
ICMBio does not charge a visitation fee for Lençóis Maranhenses National Park; the local agencies and operators licensed by ICMBio charge for their services. Under the park’s rules:
- Licensed transport and guides only: transport and guiding inside the park must be done by vehicles, drivers and visitor guides accredited by ICMBio through a public call; they carry an ID badge and a valid authorization, so ask to see them. Visitors may not drive private cars, motorbikes, buggies, quad bikes or UTVs into the park.
- No vehicles on the open dunes: motor vehicles may not drive on the free dune field; the 4×4 trucks stop at the edge, and you walk up the dunes to the lagoons.
- Prohibited: selling, carrying or drinking alcohol and drugs, fires and barbecues, and pets.
- Penalties: breaking the rules can lead to fines under Brazil’s environmental crimes law.
Lagoon season: when the lagoons are full
The lagoons are rainwater: they form when the rainy season, from about January to May, raises the water table under the dunes. Official climate normals show the pattern: at São Luís, the nearest state capital, INMET’s 1991–2020 normals record about 2,120 mm (83 in) of rain a year, with more than 300 mm (12 in) a month from February to May and less than 25 mm (1 in) a month from August to November. The lagoons usually fill from about May, are fullest and bluest from about June to September, and shrink through the dry months, when the wind is strongest. Levels vary a lot from year to year with the rains, and ICMBio notes that many lagoons appear and disappear with the rain, the wind and the moving dunes. Ask operators about current conditions before you book.
The gateway towns
Barreirinhas
The main base, a busy small town on the Preguiças River with most of the pousadas, restaurants, agencies and the departure points for the Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita circuits and the river trips. In the evening, the riverside promenade (the Beira-Rio) has restaurants and bars, and a small river beach.
Santo Amaro do Maranhão
Smaller and closer to the dunes, under 2 km (about a mile) from the park, with the Betânia, Lagoa do Reflexo, América, Emendadas and Rancharia circuits. The road from São Luís was paved more recently than Barreirinhas’s, and the town has fewer visitors and a quieter feel; some circuits start almost on the edge of town.
Atins
A village of sand streets at the mouth of the Preguiças, outside the park’s north-east corner, reached by boat or 4×4 from Barreirinhas. It is the kitesurfing center and a base for the Canto dos Lençóis and the trek across the dunes.
Top things to see in Lençóis Maranhenses
The Lagoa Azul circuit (Barreirinhas)
The most popular half-day trip: a 4×4 ride on sand tracks to the dunes, then a walk to the Lagoa Azul and other lagoons that come and go with the rains, such as Preguiça, Esmeralda and Peixe, with time for swimming. It usually runs in the morning, according to ICMBio.
The Lagoa Bonita circuit (Barreirinhas)
After a 4×4 ride, a wooden staircase climbs the dunes to a view over a sea of dunes and lagoons on one side and Cerrado scrub on the other, with the Clone, Descanso and Bonita lagoons; most trips go in the afternoon for the sunset.
Lagoa da Esperança
On the border of Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro, more than an hour from Barreirinhas, a lagoon surrounded by tall dunes and native vegetation, at the source of the Rio Negro.
Santo Amaro’s circuits
Santo Amaro do Maranhão, under 2 km (about a mile) from the park, is closer to the dunes: the Betânia circuit with the tea-colored Rio Alegre and its lagoons, the Lagoa do Reflexo circuit, the boat-only América circuit across the Santo Amaro lake to Lagoa da América, the Emendadas lagoons, which join when water is high, and the full-day Rancharia circuit.
Atins and Canto dos Lençóis
A fishing village at the mouth of the Preguiças River, outside the park but close to its north-east edge, with kitesurfing, beaches and walks; nearby Canto dos Lençóis is a starting point for the trek across the dunes and for trips to the mouth of the Rio Negro and Lagoa Verde.
Wildlife
The lagoons hold small fish that survive the dry season buried in the mud or arrive with the rains and birds; turtles nest on the park’s beaches, and the mangroves and rivers shelter many water birds.
Other things to do in Lençóis Maranhenses
The trek across the dunes (Travessia dos Lençóis)
A two- to four-day walk across the dune field between Atins or the Canto dos Lençóis and Santo Amaro, with nights in hammocks in the park’s communities. According to ICMBio, the only support points are the villages of Baixa Grande and Queimada dos Britos inside the park, so carry at least 3 liters of water per person per day; go with a licensed guide.
The Preguiças River
Boat trips from Barreirinhas follow the river through mangroves to the small dunes of Vassouras, the Mandacaru lighthouse and Caburé, a strip of sand between the river and the sea, ending near Atins.
Kitesurfing
Steady winds from about July to December make Atins and the lagoons of Santo Amaro, such as Lagoa da Jangada, kitesurfing spots.
Getting there
- By air: fly to São Luís (SLZ), Maranhão’s capital, then drive or take a transfer of about 4 hours: the BR-135 to Bacabeira, then the MA-402 to Barreirinhas, or the BR-402 and MA-320 to Santo Amaro, according to ICMBio. Parnaíba (PHB), in Piauí, is the other nearest airport.
- By road from Jericoacoara: the Rota das Emoções links Jericoacoara, the Parnaíba Delta and Lençóis, using the MA-315 road between Paulino Neves and Barreirinhas; agencies sell multi-day transfers.
- Inside the park: licensed 4×4 trucks (jardineiras), boats and walking; book through agencies in Barreirinhas or Santo Amaro, or your pousada.
The Rota das Emoções in more detail
The “Route of Emotions” is a 4- to 7-day overland journey, usually sold as a package with transfers, linking three states: Jericoacoara in Ceará, the Parnaíba Delta in Piauí and Lençóis Maranhenses in Maranhão. From Jericoacoara, 4x4s head west along beaches and dunes toward Camocim and Parnaíba; boat trips in the delta explore its islands, mangroves, dunes and the Delta’s crab-catching communities; and from Paulino Neves, the MA-315 eco-road crosses the small dunes to Barreirinhas. Traveling the route in either direction avoids backtracking to Fortaleza or São Luís.
Food
Maranhão’s coast eats fish and shrimp, often in a moqueca-style stew or fried, with rice, beans and farofa; try arroz de cuxá, rice with a sauce of vinagreira (sorrel) leaves and dried shrimp, a São Luís specialty, and the local guaraná Jesus, a pink soft drink. In the communities inside the park, simple restaurants serve fish from the lagoons and rivers.
Around Lençóis Maranhenses
- São Luís: Maranhão’s capital, with a UNESCO-listed historic center of tiled colonial mansions, worth a day before or after the park.
- The Parnaíba Delta: a delta of islands, mangroves and dunes on the border of Maranhão and Piauí.
- Jericoacoara: the dune and kitesurf village at the other end of the Rota das Emoções.
- Fortaleza: the nearest big city to Jericoacoara.
Nearby destinations
- Jericoacoara271 km
When to go and how long to stay
The region is hot all year: at São Luís, according to INMET’s 1991–2020 normals, average highs range from 30 °C (86 °F) in March to 32 °C (90 °F) from August to December, and nights stay around 24 °C (75 °F). The sand reflects the sun, so it feels hotter on the dunes. The rainy season, from about January to May, fills the lagoons; June to September combines full lagoons with sunny skies; from October the lagoons shrink and the wind picks up. July and the New Year holidays are the busiest times. Midday on the dunes is very hot: most circuits go in the morning or late afternoon.
The weather month by month
The table shows INMET’s 1991–2020 averages for its São Luís station, the nearest long-term official station, on the coast about 250 km (155 miles) by road from Barreirinhas; the dunes feel hotter in the sun.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rain (São Luís) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31 °C (88 °F) | 24 °C (76 °F) | 235 mm (9.3 in) |
| February | 31 °C (87 °F) | 24 °C (75 °F) | 308 mm (12.1 in) |
| March | 30 °C (87 °F) | 24 °C (75 °F) | 453 mm (17.8 in) |
| April | 31 °C (87 °F) | 24 °C (75 °F) | 431 mm (17.0 in) |
| May | 31 °C (88 °F) | 24 °C (75 °F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| June | 32 °C (89 °F) | 24 °C (74 °F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| July | 32 °C (89 °F) | 23 °C (74 °F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| August | 32 °C (90 °F) | 24 °C (75 °F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| September | 32 °C (90 °F) | 24 °C (76 °F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| October | 32 °C (90 °F) | 25 °C (76 °F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| November | 32 °C (90 °F) | 25 °C (77 °F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| December | 32 °C (90 °F) | 25 °C (77 °F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
- January to March: the rains build; lagoons start to fill, and dirt roads can be muddy.
- April and May: the wettest months; lagoons fill fast, but some days are rainy.
- June to August: the classic season: full lagoons, sunshine and July crowds.
- September and October: lagoons still good in most years, fewer visitors and stronger wind.
- November and December: the driest months; many lagoons are low or empty, and the wind is strong; good for kitesurfing.
Two days in Lençóis Maranhenses
From Barreirinhas: the Lagoa Azul circuit in the morning and the Lagoa Bonita circuit at sunset, then a boat trip on the Preguiças River to Caburé and Atins the next day.
Four or five days
Add a night in Atins and two days in Santo Amaro for the Betânia and Lagoa do Reflexo circuits, or walk the trek across the dunes from Atins to Santo Amaro.
Responsible visiting
The dunes and lagoons are fragile, and the communities inside the park, such as Baixa Grande, Queimada dos Britos and Betânia, have lived there for generations. Take all rubbish back with you, keep to the routes your guide uses, don’t bring glass or alcohol, and buy food and crafts from the community restaurants and stalls you pass.
Where to stay in Lençóis Maranhenses
- Barreirinhas: the main base, a river town with the most pousadas, restaurants and agencies.
- Santo Amaro do Maranhão: smaller and closer to the dunes, with fewer visitors.
- Atins: a village of sand streets, kitesurf pousadas and a laid-back feel.
- Inside the park: simple hammock stays in the communities, mostly for trekkers.
What things cost in Lençóis Maranhenses
There is no park fee. Our estimates for licensed tours and services, as of October 2026:
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Lagoa Azul or Lagoa Bonita circuit, shared 4×4 (half day) | about R$80–150 (US$15–30) per person |
| Preguiças River boat trip to Atins and Caburé (full day) | about R$100–180 (US$20–35) per person |
| Scenic flight over the dunes | about R$600–1,000 (US$115–190) per person |
| Guided dune trek, 3 days with hammock stays and meals | about R$1,500–3,000 (US$290–575) per person |
| Shared transfer São Luís–Barreirinhas | about R$80–150 (US$15–30) one way |
| Double room, mid-range pousada in Barreirinhas | about R$250–500 (US$50–95) a night |
Practical tips for Lençóis Maranhenses
- Licensed operators: ask to see the ICMBio badge and authorization before you pay for a tour.
- Water and sun: carry water, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses; there is no shade on the dunes.
- Footwear: you walk barefoot on the dunes; the sand is hot at midday.
- Swimming: the lagoons are calm, but depth changes suddenly; don’t swim alone and keep children close.
- Money: carry cash; ATMs are limited outside Barreirinhas.
- Health: the CDC recommends yellow fever vaccination for travelers going to Maranhão, and lists malaria in the state, with rare cases in São Luís; use repellent.
- Safety: crime against visitors is uncommon in the small towns; the main risks are heat, sun, getting lost on the dunes without a guide, and lightning in the rainy season.
- Emergencies: call 190 for police, 192 for an ambulance and 193 for the fire department.
What to pack for Lençóis Maranhenses
Pack swimwear, light long-sleeved clothes for sun protection, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, sandals, a dry bag for phones and cameras, and a light rain jacket from January to May. Bring cash and a plug adapter for Brazil’s type N sockets.
Lençóis Maranhenses travel FAQ
When are the lagoons in Lençóis Maranhenses full?
Usually from about June to September, after the rains of January to May. They shrink from October, and levels vary from year to year.
How much is the entrance fee to Lençóis Maranhenses?
There is none: ICMBio charges no visitation fee. You pay licensed operators for 4×4 transport, boats and guides.
Can I visit Lençóis Maranhenses without a tour?
Not by car: only ICMBio-licensed vehicles and drivers may carry visitors in the park. From Santo Amaro and Atins you can walk to some lagoons, but a licensed guide is safest.
Barreirinhas or Santo Amaro?
Barreirinhas has more hotels and the classic circuits; Santo Amaro is closer to the dunes and quieter. Atins is a village base near the coast.
How do I get to Lençóis Maranhenses?
Fly to São Luís and drive or take a transfer of about 4 hours to Barreirinhas or Santo Amaro, or travel the Rota das Emoções from Jericoacoara.
How many days do I need in Lençóis Maranhenses?
Two to three days for the main circuits, four or five to add Atins, Santo Amaro or the trek.
Can you swim in the lagoons?
Yes, swimming is one of the highlights; take care with sudden changes in depth.
Is Lençóis Maranhenses worth visiting in December?
Usually less so: by November and December many lagoons are low or dry. The dunes are still impressive, and the wind suits kitesurfers.
What is the Travessia dos Lençóis?
A two- to four-day trek across the dunes between Atins and Santo Amaro, with nights in hammocks in the park’s communities; go with a licensed guide and carry plenty of water.
Can I see the lagoons from the air?
Yes. Scenic flights from Barreirinhas show the whole dune field; book with an authorized air-taxi operator.
Plan your trip
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🇵🇹 Useful Portuguese phrases for Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
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Sources · last reviewed 4 October 2026
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. No entry fee, licensed operators and badges, banned vehicles and activities, penalties, access routes and airports, the Rota das Emoções, water for the trek and support villages, the Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro circuits, Atins, the park’s creation, area and UNESCO listing: ICMBio’s Lençóis Maranhenses pages; rainfall and temperatures: INMET’s 1991–2020 normals for São Luís; yellow fever and malaria: the US CDC. The size of the dune field, the lagoon-filling months, wind and kitesurf seasons, wildlife, the trek length, the Preguiças boat trip, São Luís and the Parnaíba Delta, transfer times and accommodation come from secondary sources or general knowledge and are flagged for checking. Conditions change with each year’s rains, so check with ICMBio and local operators before you go. For entry rules and money, see our Brazil travel guide.
Data: Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch · Rates: ECB · Holidays: Nager.Date · Costs: World Bank ICP and price levels · Wikidata (CC0)