Top 5 Lençóis Maranhenses Day Trips: Unforgettable Adventures
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, with its shimmering dunes and cool, inviting lagoons, is like no other place. You might find it’s pretty incredible. So, that said, planning day trips from the main hubs is how you grab the full experience of this unique area in Brazil. That said, let’s check out some truly spectacular spots.
1. Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita: The Classic Duo
If you’re venturing into Lençóis Maranhenses from Barreirinhas, the Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) and Lagoa Bonita (Beautiful Lagoon) tour is basically a must. It’s very classic. Basically, these two lagoons offer the iconic postcard views you see of the park. To be honest, think shimmering, turquoise waters hugged by pristine, white dunes – an actual dream. The Lagoa Azul circuit tends to be more family-friendly because the walk is easier, which is very considerate. On the other hand, Lagoa Bonita calls for a bit of a climb. In effect, you need to scale a tall dune to reach it. So, the views from the top? Totally worth it. Usually, these tours involve a thrilling 4×4 ride to the trailhead. Then you have the opportunity to swim, float, and soak up the unreal surroundings. To be honest, it’s heaven.
Visiting Lagoa Azul might be pretty nice for an easy introduction to the beauty of Lençóis. As a matter of fact, the calm waters are very refreshing after the 4×4 ride. Now, Lagoa Bonita. That might provide an epic experience with that dune climb, and that view is killer. Arguably, plan to spend at least half a day at either location to just chill and take in the sheer magnificence of it all. First off, don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat because that sun can be quite intense.
Read our full review: Lagoa Azul & Lagoa Bonita Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Lagoa Azul & Bonita Tour)
2. Atins: Where Dunes Meet the Sea
Atins could be a little off the beaten path, but arguably, it’s worth the trip. So, it’s a small village situated where the dunes kinda meet the Atlantic Ocean. You could call it a truly unique spot. Anyway, this place has a different vibe from Barreirinhas, that is. Very laid-back. So, life kinda moves a little slower. Generally, you get there by 4×4 or boat. That gives you kind of an extra sense of adventure. When you’re in Atins, then arguably you must visit Canto do Atins for shrimp, which is grilled over an open fire. It may or may not be pretty incredible. Then take a dip in the lagoons nearby, which are usually less crowded compared to the ones closer to Barreirinhas.
For an unforgettable experience, usually book a kitesurfing lesson since Atins is becoming something of a kitesurfing hot spot because of the consistent winds and shallow waters. Typically, sunset here is absolutely magical, arguably, because the light kinda casts long shadows over the dunes, too. So, it’s just unbelievably picturesque, arguably. Anyway, Atins really gives you a blend of adventure and tranquility that you really should see for yourself.
Read our full review: Atins Village Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Atins Village Tour)
3. Mandacaru: A Glimpse from Above
Mandacaru might be this quaint fishing village marked by its iconic lighthouse, usually. It’s more or less positioned strategically at the meeting of the Preguiças River and the ocean. Typically, a visit here includes climbing to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views. Basically, from up there, that is, you can actually see the vastness of Lençóis Maranhenses. Plus, usually the winding Preguiças River as it snakes its way to the sea.
Most tours arguably combine Mandacaru with a river trip on the Preguiças, and very usually stops include Vassouras (Little Lençóis) and Caburé, like your remote beach between the river and the ocean, basically. It’s nice to add a little perspective to your trip when you get that great overview, alright. Basically, Mandacaru offers a cool contrast. That is to say that is between the stark beauty of the dunes and that coastal charm of the local community.
Read our full review: Mandacaru Lighthouse Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Mandacaru Lighthouse Tour)
4. Santo Amaro: The Quieter Side of Lençóis
Santo Amaro kind of offers another entryway into Lençóis Maranhenses, actually, but one that has very far fewer tourists, very usually. Lagoa da Gaivota (Seagull Lagoon) and Lagoa das Andorinhas (Swallow Lagoon) stand out as must-visit spots in this area, right. Often these lagoons tend to be just as strikingly beautiful, really, offering tranquil settings that give you opportunities for peaceful swims and awesome photography. You may even enjoy being able to hear yourself think.
Traveling to Santo Amaro usually involves a drive from Barreirinhas or São Luís. That can make it a less spontaneous choice. Typically, the reward tends to be worth it. I mean, because the sheer solitude and untouched beauty provides a really immersive experience of Lençóis, right? Take into consideration exploring this town if that sounds like the escape that you were actually seeking. After all, very truly pristine settings actually do wait for you there.
Read our full review: Santo Amaro Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Santo Amaro Tour)
5. Preguiças River Boat Tour: A Relaxing Float
Starting in Barreirinhas, actually a boat trip down the Preguiças River might show you a totally different face of Lençóis Maranhenses. Vassouras, sometimes referred to as Pequenos Lençóis (Little Lençóis), is generally the very first stop, basically. This one might feature playful monkeys. Make sure not to feed them as it is not really sustainable for their long term well being.
Caburé kind of offers you the very unique chance to sit on a sandbar, very. That’s squeezed, that is, between the river and the ocean, generally, while enjoying fresh coconut water. Typically, that boat ride might allow you to unwind as you notice coastal vegetation and wildlife. You can usually spot. It adds a very great variety to your Lençóis escapade. Mandacaru is kind of the ultimate stop that provides you that panoramic view of the park from that light house. I mean, Preguiças River is an absolutely must-see for anybody exploring Lençóis, right?
Read our full review: Preguiças River Boat Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Preguiças River Tour)
