Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses

A surreal landscape of white sand dunes and freshwater lagoons creates one of Brazil's most stunning natural wonders, accessible primarily through the town of Barreirinhas. The park offers extraordinary hiking and swimming opportunities in crystal-clear lagoon waters surrounded by vast desert-like dunes.

Things to do

• Lagoa Azul Swimming — Wade and swim in the stunning turquoise waters of Lagoa Azul, one of the park's most iconic freshwater lagoons surrounded by white sand dunes.
• Lagoa da Conceição Hike — Trek across undulating sand dunes to reach this remote lagoon, offering solitude and panoramic views of the surreal landscape.
• Rio Preguiça Boat Tour — Take a guided boat journey along the Preguiça River to explore mangrove channels and spot dolphins and local wildlife.
• Dune Sandboarding — Glide down massive white sand dunes on a board, a thrilling way to experience the park's desert-like terrain.
• Lagoa do Peixe Exploration — Explore this shallow, clear lagoon known for abundant fish and excellent swimming in warm, refreshing freshwater.
• Sunset Dune Viewing — Hike to elevated dunes during late afternoon to witness the dramatic sunset over the white sand landscape.
• Barreirinhas Town Walking Tour — Explore the charming gateway town with its colonial architecture, local markets, and waterfront restaurants along the Preguiça River.

Food to try

• Pirarucu de Cassava — A traditional Northeast dish of dried fish (pirarucu) served with cassava flour and seasonal vegetables, commonly found in local restaurants.
• Fresh River Fish Grilled — Local restaurants serve freshly caught river fish from the Preguiça River, grilled simply with lime and regional spices.
• Moqueca Maranhense — A regional seafood stew made with fish, shrimp, coconut milk, and palm oil, reflecting the state's coastal heritage.
• Açai na Tigela — A refreshing local açai bowl topped with granola and fresh tropical fruits, popular as a breakfast or post-hike snack.
• Baião de Dois — A hearty Northeast comfort dish combining rice and beans with jerky beef and onions, typical of inland Maranhão cuisine.

Local customs & good to know

• Hire a Licensed Local Guide — Always use officially registered guides from Barreirinhas for park access; they understand weather patterns, safe routes, and protect the delicate ecosystem.
• Visit During Dry Season — The best time to visit is July to September when lagoons are full and weather is stable; visiting during rainy season (January to June) makes some lagoons inaccessible.
• Respect Dune Fragility — Stay on marked paths and avoid trampling vegetation on dunes; the landscape is fragile and recovery is slow in this semi-arid environment.
• Learn Basic Portuguese — While tourism infrastructure exists, many guides and locals speak limited English, so learning basic Portuguese phrases enhances cultural exchange and safety.