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Your Trip
Located just 2 degrees south of the Equator, the Lençóis Maranhenses region has a hot and semi-humid climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 37°C.
The rainy season, from January to May, is ideal for those who prefer milder sun, although occasional showers may occur.
From June to December, the dry season prevails, bringing sunny days and ideal conditions for excursions.
Between October and February, due to the complete lack of rainfall, the lagoons gradually dry up and may become completely empty in years when the rainy season has been unusually short.
Bus
Air conditioned, 30 passengers
Jardineira
No air conditioning, 10 passengers
We leave between 06:30 and 07:40, depending on which hotel we pick you up from, in an air-conditioned 30-seat tourist minibus. The drive is about 270 km on paved roads to Barreirinhas, one of the main gateways to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Expected arrival is between 12:20 and 12:50.
Note: seats are assigned at random. For a more comfortable journey and a transfer more than an hour shorter, you can request a private vehicle for an additional fee.
In the afternoon, after checking in at the hotel, we set off at 14:00 on an unforgettable group excursion to the Lagoa Bonita circuit, about 1 hour off-road from Barreirinhas. We travel in a 4x4 jeep without air conditioning, open at the sides and fitted with a canopy. After leaving town, we follow a bumpy sand track to the dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, where we leave the jeep. From here we continue on foot through white sand dunes: we climb to the top of a dune more than 60 meters high for the best view, then go on to explore the area's lagoons. In this corner of paradise you can swim in cool, crystal-clear lagoons, filled by the rains between February and June and surrounded by white dunes as far as the eye can see. Some are up to 4 meters deep. Strong winds in the second half of the year move the dunes by up to 20 meters a year, so no two visits are ever the same.
We return to town after 19:00, after a stunning sunset among the dunes.
Warning: diving headfirst into the lagoons is not allowed. The bottom is uneven and often shallow: the risk of serious injury is real. Enter the water on foot.
Overnight in Barreirinhas, breakfast included.
Speedboat
Without air conditioning, 12 passengers
Bus
Air conditioned, 30 passengers
We leave at 08:30 for the port of Barreirinhas, where we board a speedboat (lancha voadeira) and head down the Rio Preguiças toward the ocean. Our first stop is in the Vassouras area: we can climb the dunes of the Little Lençóis Maranhenses and watch the capuchin monkeys (macacos-prego). They look tame, but they can bite or scratch, and they usually come over out of curiosity. Please don’t feed them sweets, candy or other unsuitable food: at the local stalls, anyone who wants to offer them something can find bananas or coconut.
We continue along the river to the village of Mandacaru, where you can browse craft shops, try the best caipirinha in the region at the kiosk on the pier and, if it can be accessed, climb the navy lighthouse (Farol Preguiças) for a view over the whole river mouth and part of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
Finally we reach Caburé beach, where you can have lunch (not included), swim in the river or the sea and relax.
Warning: the sea current at Caburé is very strong, so swim with care. We also advise against renting quad bikes to explore the beach on your own: the terrain is treacherous and accidents are a real risk.
We leave Caburé at around 14:15 and are back in Barreirinhas at 15:30.
Note: if you are returning to São Luís the same day, the room must be vacated before the excursion. Luggage can be left in storage at the hotel reception.
We leave Barreirinhas in the late afternoon, between 16:00 and 17:00, depending on which hotel we pick you up from, in an air-conditioned 30-seat tourist minibus bound for São Luís. The journey takes about 5 hours, with arrival expected around 21:30.
Note: seats are assigned at random. For greater comfort and a transfer about an hour shorter, you can request a private vehicle for an additional fee.
Our trips are daily so you can choose without worrying about pre-determined days.
