Lençóis Maranhenses in 4 days
A desert of white sand dunes scattered with thousands of turquoise lagoons, at its fullest from June to September. You explore by 4x4 from Barreirinhas, then climb the sand to watch the sun go down.
The plan, day by day
Day 1
- Morning
The dunes and turquoise lagoonshalf a dayRainwater collects between the dunes each year, forming freshwater lagoons that are fullest in the middle of the year.
Day 2
- Morning
By 4x4 from Barreirinhashalf a dayBarreirinhas is the main base; open 4x4s cross the river and the sandy tracks to reach the edge of the dunes.
Day 3
- Morning
Swimming in the middle of the duneshalf a dayThe lagoons are warm fresh water, clear enough to swim in between walks over the sand.
Day 4
- Morning
The village of Atinsfree · half a dayA small village at the mouth of the Preguiças river, known for kitesurfing and as a quieter entry point to the dunes.
- Evening
Sunset on the sandhalf a dayClimb a high dune in the late afternoon and watch the light turn the sand and lagoons from white to pink.
Where to sleep in Lençóis Maranhenses
- Pousada do Rancho · €30 a night
- Pousada Lins · €35 a night
- Gran Lençóis Flat Residence · €65 a night
- Rancho do Buna · €85 a night
- Porto Preguiças Resort · €140 a night
- Pousada do Buriti · €95 a night
- Encantes do Nordeste · €90 a night
Plan this trip
Hotel prices per room per night, checked when written. Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.