Oh! A unique combination of desert and lagoons!

Reaching Barreirinhas, the gateway to the park and the only spot with basic tourism infrastructure and a landing strip, is quite an adventure in itself. Once there, it’s easy to find the perfect Lençóis Maranhenses hotel and is the ideal place to start a tour in Lençóis Maranhenses. Another entry point is to come via Cabure, a village of nomadic fishermen who live there six months of the year. It’s a quaint spot with rustic Lençóis Maranhenses accommodation and lodges. While there is no access by road, you can take a Lençóis tour in a 4x4 vehicle to explore the dunes that look like bed sheets spread across the landscape.

There are many things to see and do in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, which covers a wide expanse of white sand dunes. Interspersed throughout the dunes - some of which are over ten metres in height - are blue lagoons filled with sweet crystalline waters, untouched rivers and pristine beaches. Encompassing 155,000 hectares (383,000 acres), the area was labelled a national park on 2 June 1981 and is one of the world's most unique spots. Its combination of white sand dunes, which have been formed by the strong coastal winds of the region, and pools of turquoise water is stark and breath-taking.

The rainy season and the catalyst for the formation of the aqua-tinged lagoons lasts from December to May, when about 1,500 mm (60 in) of rain falls and forms the freshwater lagoons between the dunes. Water levels are highest in June, when the dunes and lagoons form a fantastic mosaic of white sands interspersed with blue and green lagoons. Fauna and flora abound in this paradise of nature, including mangroves, beautiful beaches, buritis (a local palm tree) and the Preguiças River. Taking a Lençóis Maranhenses tour at this time is the ideal way of exploring the area.

Barreirinhas, which is located outside the park, is the main starting point for tours in Lencois Maranhenses National Park and the nearby areas. The best time to visit is between June and September, when the lagoons are at their fullest and freshest, and the weather in Lencois is dry and warm. By the end of the year, most of the water from the freshwater lagoons has evaporated, leaving only the desert. It is an interesting phenomenon to see the wildlife come back as the lagoons fill up each year. It is a good idea to head to the Parnaiba Delta to see rare aquatic species such as giant marine turtles and manatees in their element.

Lencois Maranhenses was one of the contenders during the campaign for the New Seven Wonders of the World. Although the region has limited infrastructure for tourism, you can still find a number of hotels in Lencois Maranhenses, as well as Lencois restaurants. There is good shopping in Barreirinhas and Cabure, both for necessities and local crafts. You can even use our Lencois Maranhenses map to choose your hotel in Lencois Maranhenses based on its location. To get a taste of the local food, visit the villages and meet their residents. In spite of increasing tourism, the local fishing population continues to follow the traditional fishing season during the rainy period, while working on plantations that border the park during the dry seasons.

The warm weather in Lencois (over 30º C) can be combated by cooling dives into the crystalline waters of the lagoons. The most popular is the Blue Lagoon, which is also the most beautiful. Other popular lagoons are Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita, both of which are near Barreirinhas. Another popular lagoon is the Tropical Lagoon, which is near the Atins Village. The largest lagoon of the park is the Seagull Lagoon, located near Santo Amaro, about 60 miles from Barreirinhas. The park contains over 70 km of untouched beaches.

At the park borders, you will find large mangroves that provide shelter to clams, crabs and a large variety of birds. Many people travel to Brazil for bird-watching, and Lencois is known to be one of the country’s best locations. You will get ample opportunity to admire Trinta-réis, Maçarico, Marreca-de-asa-azul and many other migratory birds.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful places in Brazil. Book a hotel in Lencois Maranhenses now!