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São Luís, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park & Chapada das Mesas

The route through São Luís, the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and the Chapada das Mesas allows you to discover one of the most surprising and least known landscapes in Brazil, where colonial history, crystal clear lagoons among endless dunes, countless waterfalls and wild nature combine into a unique experience.

LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a unique landscape, formed by thousands of white dunes among which, during the rainy season, crystal-clear lagoons of turquoise and green water form. Hiking through this sandy desert and swimming in its lagoons is one of Brazil's most breathtaking natural experiences. It is considered one of Brazil's top ecotourism destinations, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2024, and a true paradise on Earth.

TREKKING IN THE DESERT

Discover the Lençóis Maranhenses in a unique way: on foot. Crossing its dunes on foot is like stepping into an almost surreal landscape, where the wind carves paths and crystal-clear lagoons appear like oases in the middle of the desert. Each step reveals a new horizon, each pause invites you to immerse yourself and connect with nature in its purest form. You'll sleep in the homes of communities living within the park, becoming part of the local way of life. Far from the beaten track, this trekking experience allows you to experience the Lençóis with calm, authenticity, and emotion.

SÃO LUÍS

In São Luís, the capital of the state of Maranhão, visitors can explore a historic center declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, famous for its colonial houses covered in Portuguese tiles, its cobbled streets and its rich cultural heritage that blends African, European and indigenous influences. The region is rich in cultural traditions, including the famous Bumba Meu Boi festival, and is often referred to as the "Brazilian Jamaica" thanks to its deep-rooted reggae culture.

CHAPADA DAS MESAS

Further south, the Chapada das Mesas region surprises visitors with a very different landscape, comprised of plateaus, canyons, rivers, and numerous waterfalls surrounded by the lush vegetation of the Brazilian Cerrado. Among its attractions are places like the Cachoeira de São Romão waterfall and the Poço Azul (Blue Well), ideal for exploring nature, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and enjoying one of the country's less-explored destinations.

Experiences in Maranhão

Historical City Tour in São Luís

São Luís is a city that blends history, culture, and coastal scenery. Its main attraction is the Historic Center of São Luís, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this tour, you'll explore the cobblestone streets lined with colonial buildings adorned with characteristic Portuguese tiles. Highlights include the Palácio dos Leões (Lion Palace), overlooking the bay, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Mercado das Tulhas (Tulhas Market), and the historic squares that reflect the city's rich cultural heritage. In addition to visiting the historic center, we'll take a panoramic tour of the modern area of the peninsula, where a visit to the Espigão Costeiro (Coastal Promenade) is highly recommended. This waterfront promenade extends into the ocean and offers stunning coastal views, especially at sunset. We'll also pass by the beaches of Praia de São Marcos and Praia do Calhau, popular for their wide stretches of sand, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. This tour lasts 3 to 4 hours.

Historic city of Alcântara from São Luís

The excursion to Alcântara begins at the Praia Grande pier, after hotel pick-up in São Luís. From there, you'll board a boat to cross São Marcos Bay. After a crossing of just over an hour, you'll arrive at this historic colonial city, known for its peaceful streets, traditional houses, and monuments of great historical value. During the guided tour, you'll visit emblematic sites such as the Casa do Divino, famous for the Feast of the Holy Spirit, the Church of the Rosary, and the square where the Pelourinho (a pillory) is located, while discovering the local history and culture. Afterward, there will be free time for lunch (not included) to sample the region's typical cuisine and the famous doce de espécie (a local sweet). Finally, you'll return by boat to São Luís after an experience lasting approximately six hours.

The beaches of São Luís are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere of northeastern Brazil. Among the most popular are São Marcos and Calhau, wide urban beaches ideal for strolling along the shore and watching the sunset. A must-do experience is visiting one of the beach bars, where you can enjoy a refreshing coconut water while gazing at the ocean. It's also an excellent opportunity to sample the local cuisine, with specialties like crab, fried fish, and the traditional arroz de cuxá, one of Maranhão's most representative dishes. The combination of good food, sea breezes, and coastal scenery makes any visit to the beaches of São Luís a truly Brazilian experience.

São Luís - Beach, sun and sea

Lençóis Maranhenses from Barreirinhas

Barreirinhas is the main gateway to the stunning Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. This tranquil town, situated on the banks of the Preguiças River, combines nature, adventure, and unique landscapes of dunes and crystal-clear lagoons. From Barreirinhas, you can take excursions to the park's famous lagoons, such as Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita, which are especially spectacular during the rainy season. Boat trips along the Preguiças River are also highly recommended, allowing you to visit small communities like Vassouras, Mandacaru, and Caburé, as well as observe mangroves and local wildlife. For those seeking a different experience, scenic flights over the Lençóis Maranhenses offer an unforgettable view of this extraordinary natural landscape. A minimum of three days is recommended.

Lençóis Maranhenses from Atins

Atins is a small and charming village nestled between the mouth of the Preguiças River and the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, offering delightful accommodations. With its tranquil and rustic atmosphere, it has become one of the region's most special destinations thanks to its combination of natural beauty, pristine beaches, and privileged access to the park's dunes and lagoons. From Atins, you can take excursions in 4x4 vehicles or hike to some of the most beautiful lagoons in the Lençóis Maranhenses, enjoying spectacular scenery that is less crowded than in other parts of the park. The village is also known for its beaches, ideal for relaxing or kitesurfing thanks to the consistent winds. Furthermore, its restaurants are renowned for serving fresh fish and seafood, especially shrimp, making a visit a perfect experience for those seeking nature, tranquility, and excellent cuisine. We recommend a minimum stay of 2 to 3 nights.

The 3 or 4-day trek through Lençóis Maranhenses is a unique experience that allows you to discover one of Brazil's most breathtaking landscapes: a vast sea of white dunes dotted with crystal-clear lagoons, along with unforgettable sunrises and sunsets. Beyond the spectacular natural beauty, the trek offers the opportunity to connect with the communities that inhabit the park's oases, staying in family homes and sharing their cuisine, customs, and way of life. This combination of nature, adventure, and cultural exchange makes the trek a profoundly enriching and authentic experience, difficult to find on a typical tourist visit.

Lençóis Maranhenses from Santo Amaro

Chapada das Mesas is one of Maranhão's most breathtaking natural destinations, renowned for its plateau landscapes, canyons, rivers, and waterfalls. Located around the city of Carolina, the region offers numerous activities for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Among the main attractions are the waterfalls of the Pedra Caída Complex, the spectacular Cachoeira de São Romão, and the Cachoeira da Prata, Poço Azul, and Cachoeira de Santa Bárbara waterfalls, ideal for swimming in crystal-clear waters. The Chapada das Mesas National Park is also well worth a visit, offering opportunities for hiking, 4x4 tours, and the chance to admire impressive rock formations and natural viewpoints. Its unique landscapes and natural richness make Chapada das Mesas a must-see for those wishing to discover a different side of northeastern Brazil.

Carolina - Chapada das Mesas (canyons & waterfalls)

Living experiences in Maranhão is discovering one of the most amazing destinations in Brazil, where nature and culture blend in a unique way.

A minimum of 6 days is recommended.

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Treeking in the Lençóis Maranhenses

Santo Amaro do Maranhão is one of the most authentic and spectacular gateways to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Unlike other entry points, here the dunes begin practically at the town itself, allowing for quick access to some of the region's most breathtaking landscapes. From Santo Amaro, excursions are available to crystal-clear lagoons surrounded by immense white sand dunes, such as Lagoa da Gaivota, one of the most famous for its stunning sunsets. It's also possible to explore the park in 4x4 vehicles, hike along the dunes, or enjoy canoe trips on rivers and through protected vegetation areas. The combination of sand, water, and sky creates unique scenery that makes a visit an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and photographers. We recommend a minimum stay of two nights.

a woman in a red dress standing on top of a sand dune

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Useful information

Ideal stay
A minimum of 4–5 days allows you to discover São Luís and Lençóis Maranhenses. For a more complete experience, we recommend 6–7 days. If you want to discover Chapada de las Mesas, a minimum of 4-5 is required.

Climate
Tropical and warm year-round. The best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses is generally between June and September, when the lagoons are full.

Getting There
São Luís is the main gateway, with direct flights from Brazil’s major cities. From there, you can continue by road to Barreirinhas and other destinations in the region. The gateway to Chapada das Mesas is Imperatriz, which has direct flights from Sao Paulo, Brasilia or Sao Luis.

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