The Lençóis Maranhenses according to our team … today, by Meghan Doiron

This natural phenomenon, which is difficult to find elsewhere in the world, covers an area of ​​156.5 thousand hectares of northeastern Brazil and is part of a National Park. It is called Lençóis Maranhenses and it is an extensive desert with beautiful white sand dunes of up to 50 meters high that look like a set of sheets lying on the bed (lençóis means sheets in Portuguese). But this doesn’t end here, because we wouldn’t talk about such a phenomenon if it weren’t for the intense and crystalline blue lagoons that form between these dunes and compose a hard to believe landscape.

The park is located in the Cerrado biome, but is influenced by the biomes of the Amazon and Atlantic forests, which contain animal species that move between these three biomes in Brazil. The park is home to diverse and fragile ecosystems, such as sandbars, mangroves and the dune field that occupies two thirds of the conservation unit. Here, the rainy season, which is between January and June, is the one that fills the spaces with fresh water, forming many oases in the middle of the desert so that travelers can refresh their view and their body during the visit. The dry season goes from June to December and the average temperature is 28 °C. That is why starting in July you can better enjoy this landscape and that is why we remind you that now is a good time to start offering this destination to your adventurous clients.

Every year our team makes inspection trips to learn about each destination, experience it for themselves and identify the best of each place to then design unforgettable trips. Most recently, it was Meghan, one of our sales managers, who traveled to the Lençóis Maranhenses and recorded her experience in writing and photos and we want to share with you today, so you can better understand what this destination is about.

Travel Story by Meghan Doiron

“I had visited the Lençóis Maranhenses 10 years ago, during the season when the lagoons are full (July, 2009). This time, I visited during the dry season (November, 2019), when the lagoons were practically empty. Neither visit disappointed!”

Although there was much less water during this last visit, we were still able to find some lagoons with water. How long the lagoons stay full depends on the rains from the previous rainy season. In 2019, the rains were exceptional, so we were lucky to find that the larger lagoons still had water in late November. But in general, the Lençóis Maranhenses were very dry. Dry or full, the incredible beauty and the grandeur of the Lençóis Maranhenses is something that needs to be witnessed up close. And, the advantage of visiting during the dry season is that you will have the dunas practically to yourself.

“After walking in the sand, I would look back and with just a little wind my footsteps had already washed away; a demonstration of how these dunes are in constante movement. Looking at the dunes you get the impression that they are unending. We had the chance to appreciate both the sunset and the sunrise, each with their unique beauty and energy.”

The colours of red and orange reflecting off the white sands and the lagoons will forever remain in my memory! In addition to the beauty of this place, one of the things that struck me was the powerful energy of the Lençóis Maranhenses. It’s impossible not to return rejuvenated after a visit. That must be what has enchanted residents for hundreds of years who, despite the isolation and suffering during the dry season with little rains, they resist and insist on living in this place!

Travel Itinerary

We arrived in Barreirinhas by minibus, having first passed the Small Lençóis. From that moment, I was already in awe of the immenseness of the dunes, which appeared to be never ending, and with small lagoons in the middle. Between lagoons and dunes, a few goats wandering free. It’s impressive how these animals are so resistant and can survive in this desert for so many months with no water.

Arriving in Barreirinhas, we boarded a speedboat to journey down the Preguiças River. During the ride, we were able to observe the unique fauna of this region. One plant that particularly stood out for me were the açaí palm trees. Our guide explained to us that the Preguiças River – preguiça meaning lazy in portuguese – got its name from the fact that it meanders so much that the waters flow so slowly to reach the ocean. Our guide also explained that throughout the course of the Preguiças River the vegetation changes quite a bit and we could observe different species of trees and plants from the Amazon, the Cerrado and other biomes.

Our first stop was in Vassouras. There is a small restaurant there and, perhaps what is most enchanting to visitors, are the prego monkeys. But be careful not to eat around them, because they will rob your food! We stopped in Vassouras for an hour of so, and were able to enjoy the dunes and swim in our first lagoon. After running and sliding down the dunes and swimming in the lagoon in Vassouras, it was time to continue toward Atins. Atins is a small, isolated village isolated by the Lençóis Maranhenses dunes and located within the park. It can only be reached by boat, by way of the Preguiças River, or 4WD vehicle over the dunes.

“Atins is a great place to stay for those who want to be in the middle of the Lençóis Maranhenses, and who want tranquility. It has a very relaxing and rustic vibe and the streets are all made of sand.”

We continued toward the entrance to the park and stopped at the Sr. Antônio restaurant, which is located between the dunes and the ocean, where we ate delicious grilled shrimp. After recharging our batteries with a nice lunch and a relaxing nap in hammocks, we continued by 4WD vehicle back to Barreirinhas over the dunes. It was an incredible day. It was the end of November, so the lagoons didn’t have a lot of water. In fact, many were completely dry, but that didn’t take away from the immense beauty! And we were able to find one lagoon full of water, where we stopped to swim and appreciate the sunset.

“The sunset over the dunes is unmissable on any visit to the Lençóis Maranhenses. Simply majestic! The peaceful energy that this place gives off is amazing!”

At night in Barreirinhas there are many options of restaurants in the center, in front of the port, or a bit further from the center, along the Preguiças River. We had dinner at Restaurant Bambaê, which was spectacular. They have a wide ranging menu and the ambiance is very relaxing and charming. It has a big garden and open grass area overlooking the Preguiças River. There is also a hammock area and a playground for kids. All surrounded by gardens. So charming!

Once dinner was finished we returned to the hotel and slept for a couple hours before getting up at 3am to, once again, explore the dunes but this time while viewing the sunrise and enjoying a nice picnic breakfast on the dunes. An amazing experience! Despite not being much of a morning person, I would wake up at 3am any day to see that sunrise again. Simply unforgettable!

After the sunrise, we enjoyed the dunes and one of the lagoons for a couple hours before we had to say goodbye to this grandiose and powerful place that is the Lençóis Maranhenses.”

Now Meghan knows and feels much more the Lençóis Maranhenses, so we have first-hand information whenever you need it. Remember our sales managers are willing to answer any questions or concerns about the different destinations in Brazil and you can contact them when you want to start designing a unique itinerary for your own travelers.

We have some travel proposals available in Lençóis Maranhenses, so you can be inspired by them to dazzle your clients.