Lençóis Maranhenses is the only desert in the world dotted with lagoons, making it the largest dune field in Brazil. Its vastness enchants tourists from all over the globe, who come seeking crystal-clear lagoons and towering dunes for unforgettable adventures.

For those who enjoy long treks and connecting with traditional communities, crossing the dune field and staying overnight in the oases of this “Brazilian desert” offers a unique experience.

However, to see one of Brazil’s most stunning destinations in all its glory, timing is everything. The rainy season is crucial, as the lagoons dry up during the arid months.

Wondering when is the best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses? We’ve prepared a comprehensive guide with this and other essential tips for your trip. Read on!

So, in which city is Lençóis Maranhenses located?

Actually, the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park spans an area across three municipalities in Maranhão: Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro, and Primeira Cruz.

It is located on the eastern coast of the state of Maranhão, in the Cerrado biome, but with a strong influence from the Caatinga and the Amazon.

Of its 155,000 hectares, two-thirds are occupied by a field of dunes, which is the park’s main attraction. During the rainy season, lagoons form between the dunes, fed by the region’s groundwater.

For those arriving by plane, the closest airports are São Luís, the capital of Maranhão (SLZ), and Parnaíba, in Piauí (PHB). From there, you need to take the road to one of the cities providing access to the park.

If you choose Barreirinhas, the main access is via the MA-402 highway, which is in good condition. Afterward, you must cross the Preguiças River by ferry and use a 4×4 vehicle.

The city offers accommodations and dining options, and several tourism agencies provide tours to the national park and other attractions.

For those seeking more adventure, another access route is via Paulino Neves/MA. This stretch is part of the Rota das Emoções (Route of Emotions), a tourist route that starts in Ceará, crosses the Piauí coastline, and ends in Maranhão.

On this route, you can visit three federal conservation units: Jericoacoara National Park, the Environmental Protection Area of Delta do Parnaíba, and Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.

Finally, to reach the park via Santo Amaro, you must take the MA-402 highway. The city has inns and restaurants and is less than 2 km from Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, which can be accessed on foot or with off-road vehicles.

How to get to Lençóis Maranhenses from Rio

Traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Lençóis Maranhenses involves a combination of flights and ground transportation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your journey:

Fly to São Luís (SLZ)

Start by booking a flight from Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport (GIG) or Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) to São Luís International Airport (SLZ), the closest major airport to Lençóis Maranhenses. Flights typically take about 3 to 4 hours, with options for direct or connecting flights.

Travel from São Luís to Barreirinhas or Santo Amaro

After arriving in São Luís, you’ll need to travel by road to one of the gateway cities near the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park:

• To Barreirinhas: This is the most common base for exploring the park. The journey is about 260 km and takes approximately 4 hours by car or shuttle. Several companies operate shared vans or private transfers departing from São Luís.
• To Santo Amaro: If you prefer a quieter and more direct access to the park, you can head to Santo Amaro. This route is less traveled but offers closer proximity to the dunes and lagoons. The drive takes about 4 hours as well.

Explore the Park

Once in Barreirinhas or Santo Amaro, you can book guided tours with local operators. These tours typically include 4×4 vehicles to navigate the sandy terrain and visit the lagoons, dunes, and other highlights of the park.

Tips for Travelers

• Consider spending a night in São Luís to explore its charming historical center before continuing your journey.
• Book transportation and tours in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Pack light, breathable clothing and bring plenty of sunscreen and water for the desert environment.

With some planning, the trip from Rio de Janeiro to Lençóis Maranhenses can be an incredible adventure, showcasing one of Brazil’s most unique natural wonders.

What is the best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses?

The Maranhão region where Lençóis Maranhenses is located has two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season runs from February to May, while the dry season extends from June to January. These seasons have a significant impact on the park’s attractions.

During the rainy season, visits can be challenging due to heavy daily rainfall. The lagoons are not yet crystal-clear and often muddy. On the other hand, during the peak of the dry season in summer, the lagoons dry up, and the weather becomes quite arid.

The best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses is between these two seasons, from late May to September, when the lagoons are full and the weather is pleasant.

However, it’s important to note that the rainfall cycle varies yearly. Keep an eye on weather forecasts to understand the current conditions in the region.

If you can’t visit between May and September, don’t worry! The park is open year-round, from Monday to Sunday, between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Additionally, Maranhão’s June festivals are famous worldwide, and the historic centers of the cities become even more enchanting during this period. To see the sunset through Pedra Furada (Holed Rock), visit in August, when the sun aligns perfectly with the rock.

If you practice kitesurfing or windsurfing, the ideal time to travel the Rota das Emoções is during the second half of the year, from August to December.

If your only available travel time is the end of the year, plan ahead to avoid higher prices and opt for smaller towns, which are likely to be less crowded.

Lastly, if your goal is to stargaze and photograph the night sky at Lençóis Maranhenses, visit during the dry months, as rainfall can hinder visibility.

When are the lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses full?

As mentioned, the lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses are full during and shortly after the rainy season.

Between January and May, the rains are intense, and from May to September, the lagoons remain full but gradually begin to dry up.

During this time, the lagoons surrounded by white sand dunes appear multicolored, and you can take a refreshing swim in their crystal-clear waters.

From September onwards, it becomes more challenging to find lagoons with enough water for swimming, and those that do often contain algae and aquatic vegetation.

Visitors coming after October face a high likelihood of seeing the lagoons nearly empty. Between November and January, only the permanent lagoons remain full, and these are very rare.

How many days do you need to explore Lençóis Maranhenses?

Three cities serve as bases for exploring Lençóis Maranhenses: Barreirinhas, Atins, and Santo Amaro.

If you plan to visit the main attractions of all three cities, you’ll need about 10 days to explore everything at a relaxed pace. If you prefer using two cities as your base, seven days should suffice.

It’s important to note that the duration of your trip depends on your preferences. A one-day round trip from São Luís is possible, but so is spending several leisurely days exploring not only the park but also the surrounding towns.

Keep in mind that the lagoons, the main attraction of Lençóis, are all unique. Their colors, sizes, shapes, and depths vary, so including multiple lagoons in your itinerary is highly recommended.

Regardless of how many days you can spend in Lençóis Maranhenses, make the most of every moment!

How to pronounce “Lençóis Maranhenses”?

The pronunciation of “Lençóis Maranhenses” can be a bit tricky for non-Portuguese speakers, but with some guidance, you’ll get the hang of it!

Here’s a breakdown:

• Lençóis: Pronounced as Len-soyce (the “ç” sounds like an “s,” and the “oi” sounds like the “oy” in “boy”).
• Maranhenses: Pronounced as Mah-rah-nyehn-says (the “nh” sounds similar to the Spanish “ñ,” and the final “s” is pronounced like “s” in “say”).

When put together, it sounds like: Len-soyce Mah-rah-nyehn-says.

Don’t worry if it doesn’t come out perfectly on your first try! Locals will appreciate your effort, and practicing it a few times will help you get closer to the native pronunciation.

If you’re still unsure, try listening to online pronunciation guides or videos to get a better feel for the sounds.

What to do in Lençóis Maranhenses?

There are countless activities to enjoy in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, and it’s unlikely you’ll manage to do everything in one trip.

The most common tours include visiting the various lagoons, but there are many other fascinating spots. Here’s a breakdown of the main activities from each base city:

Barreirinhas

Barreirinhas is the main base city for exploring Lençóis Maranhenses. From here, you can book tours to several lagoons, such as Lagoa da Preguiça, Lagoa da Esmeralda, Lagoa Azul, and Lagoa da Paz.

Other highlights include a boat trip along the Preguiças River and climbing the Preguiças Lighthouse in the Mandacaru village.

Atins

In Atins, you can spend a few hours relaxing by Lagoa Tropical, one of the most tranquil spots of the trip.

Additionally, there are three lagoons worth visiting, often included in tour packages: Lagoa Maria Vitória, Lagoa Capivara, and Lagoa Sete Mulheres, known for its stunning sunset. Don’t miss the chance to visit Atins Beach as well!

Santo Amaro

Santo Amaro offers some less touristy but equally breathtaking experiences.

The Emendadas Tour provides an incredible view from the top of the dunes. Although it involves a hike to reach the lagoon, the sunset from this spot is one of the most beautiful in Maranhão!

The Betânia Tour features many colorful and unique lagoons. Other recommended tours in Santo Amaro include Lagoa América, Lagoa Andorinhas, and Lagoa Gaivota.

How much does it cost to fly over Lençóis Maranhenses?

One of the most incredible ways to admire the Lençóis Maranhenses is from above. Flying over the park allows you to understand why so many lagoons remain unnamed—it’s impossible to count them all when they’re full!

This breathtaking experience costs approximately R$400.00 (US$ 66,32 / € 63,26) per person, but it’s worth every penny. You can also choose different routes that may include flights over the Pequenos Lençóis and the sea.

A Natural World Heritage Site!

Did you know that in 2024, the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park was officially recognized as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site?

This title marks a historic milestone for the region, emphasizing the importance of preserving this unique natural wonder.

The international recognition highlights the need to protect the ecosystems of Lençóis Maranhenses, ensuring their environmental conservation.

Moreover, this acknowledgment by UNESCO will further boost sustainable tourism in the area. As the number of visitors grows, it is crucial to implement effective policies to protect this singular ecosystem and promote responsible tourism practices.

UNESCO’s decision brings more attention to the region, enhancing local tourism while reinforcing the need for natural and cultural preservation of places like this.

So, what do you think? Will you miss the chance to visit such an incredible place recognized for its beauty and significance? Let’s start planning your trip to see this paradise up close!

Tips for an amazing trip to Lençóis Maranhenses!

Lençóis Maranhenses is an incredible destination, but it requires some planning to make the most of your visit. In addition to the rainy season, there are a few key details to keep in mind:

• 4×4 vehicles are necessary for trips to the lagoons and other attractions in Lençóis. These tours must be conducted with accredited vehicles and drivers, so book your tours with licensed agencies to ensure a smooth experience.
• Check the weather forecast close to your trip. While there are exceptions to every rule, don’t panic if the weather changes. It’s always possible to enjoy the beauty of Lençóis, regardless of the conditions.
• Lençóis also has beautiful beaches! If possible, include a visit to Praia do Caburé in your itinerary. You can even take a quad bike ride to this beach, traveling through the Pequenos Lençóis.
• Bring an inflatable float! There’s nothing more relaxing than floating in the stunning lagoons between the dunes.
• During the park tours, be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. It’s also important to note that alcohol consumption is prohibited within the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
• Besides swimwear, invest in clothing with sun protection, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen!
• Internet and cellphone signals are quite unstable in Lençóis. So, try to resolve anything you can before leaving São Luís and enjoy your trip to disconnect.
• Do not attempt to visit the dunes on your own. Private vehicles are not allowed, and it’s very easy to get lost.
• Take your trash back with you, respect the local wildlife and vegetation, and be courteous to the local population. By preserving this paradise, we’ll be able to visit it again and again!

So, what do you think of our tips? Lençóis Maranhenses is one of the most amazing destinations in Brazil and the world. The beauty of the lagoons, the sunsets, the unique flora and fauna, and the vast sand dunes are scenes that will stay in your memory forever.