Introduction
If there's a place that looks straight out of a dream, it's Lençóis Maranhenses. A desert of white dunes that, by nature's magic, fills with lagoons of fresh, crystal-clear water. Visiting this place is one of those experiences that stays in your memory. But how do you organise a trip to such a unique destination? With that in mind, we've put together a 3-day itinerary, light and unhurried, so you can soak up the landscape and head home with your batteries recharged and a huge urge to come back.
Day 1: Arrive and Explore the Classic Lagoons
Your starting point will probably be Barreirinhas, the main gateway to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. After settling in, the afternoon is reserved for one of the region's postcards. A 4x4 vehicle will take you along the sandy trails to the Lagoa Azul or Lagoa Bonita circuit. Climbing the dunes can take some effort, but the view from up there makes up for every step. Spend the afternoon swimming in the cool waters and walking through the dunes, ending the day with a sunset you won't easily forget.
Day 2: The Preguiças River and the Charm of Atins
The second day is dedicated to exploring the region from a different angle: the water. Hop on a boat trip along the Preguiças River. The route is calm and reveals a different landscape, with stops in small communities like Vassouras, where you can see the capuchin monkeys, and Mandacaru, to climb the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the region. The final stop is the village of Atins, a place with a rustic, laid-back vibe, where the river meets the sea. Have lunch there, enjoy the beach and feel the tranquillity of the place before heading back to Barreirinhas in the late afternoon.
Day 3: Adventure and Farewell
For the last day, the suggestion is an extra dose of adventure. If you like adrenaline, a quad bike ride through the dunes is an excellent option. It lets you explore less crowded areas and feel the vastness of the park in a different way. Another, more relaxed alternative is river tubing on the Formiga River, where you float down the river in an inner tube, relaxing and enjoying nature. Choose your adventure and use the morning for the goodbye. Depending on your return transport schedule, you may still have time for a leisurely lunch in Barreirinhas.
What you should know before you go
- Best time to visit: The ideal period is between May and September, when the lagoons are full.
- How to get there: The nearest airport is São Luís (SLZ). From there, you can catch a transfer or bus to Barreirinhas (around 4-5 hours).
- What to pack: Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear and light clothing. It can get cooler at night, so a light layer is useful. Don't forget to take some cash, as not all places accept cards.
- Tours: Park tours are always done with guides and in 4x4 vehicles. You can book in advance or directly with the agencies in Barreirinhas.
Where Multipark fits in
We know that planning a trip can be complicated, especially when it comes to finding a safe and affordable place for your car while you travel. If you're departing from one of our partner airports, Multipark offers the ideal solution. Plan your parking with Multipark. That way, your only worry will be which lagoon you'll dive into next.
Conclusion
Three days in Lençóis Maranhenses is the perfect amount of time for a first visit, to fall in love with the landscape and leave wanting to come back. This is a destination to be lived without rushing, soaking up every moment. We hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip and that, like us, you'll surrender to the unique beauty of this place.
