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Northeast 4x4 / Rio Grande do Sul / Ouro Preto/ Lencois Marenhenses / Curitiba Area / Morro de Sao Paulo / Group Suggestions

Lencois Marenhenses Tours

Imagine a desert of clear and fine sand filled by oasis with lagoons of blue and crystalline waters, where the temperature is deliciously agreeable. Imagine now that this paradise exists and is located in the Brazilian Northeast: an exotic and dazzling place, known as Lencois Maranhenses. Lencois forms a matchless desert, formed by dunes of very white sands tens of meters high, replete with lagoons of sweet and crystalline water, pure rivers and beaches as deserted as wild, extending from the municipality of Barreirinhas until Primeira Cruz, on the banks of Rio Preguica. It would be a big desert if in the region it did not rain 300 times more than in the Sahara. The water dropping from the sky turns the earth into a large natural oasis From Lencois Maranhenses one arrives at the Delta do Parnaiba. On the way, one encounters species near extinction, such as the manatee and giant marine turtles. The Parnaiba is the only river in the world that has its estuary in open sea, forming a tangle of river banks, lagoons and islands of every size. We temper the visit to this paradise by flying over the dunes at low altitude with a single engine plane (optional), traveling over its roads in jeeps, navigating on its rivers replete with animals and fish and walking among dunes and lagoons.

This so called “desert”, with abundance of flora and fauna, is a refuge for sea turtles and crabs usually seen along the deserted beaches. It is also a good place for birdwatchers since many migratory birds, like ruddy turnstone and blue-winged duck, flies over the park. It is an adventure just to get to the gateway Barreirinha, a small town on the banks of Rio Preguiça. There is no access by road; only a 4x4 vehicle is appropriate for these dunes that resembles bed sheets (lençóis) strew across the landscape. Glare at the astonishing sunset in this ecological sandbank paradise. It is one of the main attractions that even the communities enjoy everyday. After the sunset, a magical starry sky becomes the main attraction.

Lençóis Maranhenses is among the nominees on the campaign of the next New Seven Wonder's.

The best time of year to visit the region is during the rainy season - from December to July - when the ponds are fuller and temperature is pleasant.

Day 1 – ARRIVAL TO SÃO LUÍS - Transfer in from airport to chosen hotel.

Day 2 - SÃO LUÍS / BARREIRINHAS – We will ride on off road vehicles heading to barreirinhas our gateway to Lençóis. Arrival and Accomodation. At 14:00hs, departure to national Parc of Lençóis. Up on arrival, short walk on the white sand of the Dunes and visit to the natural lagoons.
Overnight at Barreirinhas – Local pousada including breakfast.

Day 3 – BARREIRINHAS - After breakfast, tour in motor boat through the Preguiça River with some stops along the way to enjoy short walks and visiting the local community of vassouras also knowne as ”Small Lençóis, Mandacaru (visit and walk up to the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the region. Arrival to Caburé, strip of sand that separates the ocean from the river. Around 15:00hs, return to Barreirinhas. Overnight at Barreirinhas – Local pousada including breakfast.

Day 4 - BARREIRINHAS / SÃO LUÍS - Departure early in the morning (08:00am) heading to São Luís. Around 14:00 we will beging the historical city tour and a quick stop at the beach for refreshments. Historical tour highlights: panoramic view of the Palácio dos Leões, Palácio La Ravardierie (former jail house) Da Sé Church, Benedito Leite square, Ribeirão Foutain, Gonçalves Dias square, Do Sol Street, Artur Azevedo Theather,
João Lisboa Square, Das Mercês Convent, Dos Vasconcelos Solarium, Da Estrela Street, Portugal Street, Das Tulhas market, Maranhao House. Duration: 3hours (museuns are closed on mondays).

Day 05 - SÃO LUÍS - Transfer out from hotel to Airport.

Including:
* All tours mentioned
* Land Trasnportation (Regular Basis) São Luís/ Barreirinhas: (Flight departures are available on Mon. or Wed).
* 2 nights at Barreirinhas – with breakfast
* 2 nights at Sao Luis - with breakfast
* Sao Luis airport transfers

Max Baggage allowance : 8 kg by person (excess can be left at Sao Luis Hotel till return on day 4)

2011 Price per person in US$ with group tours and English-speaking guide- Daily departure

HIGH SEASON: JAN TO FEB & JUL TO 15 SEP, 2011
LOW SEASON: MAR TO JUN & 15 SEP TO DEC, 2011

Prices subject to change, especially during national holidays

If Sao Luis city tour is not needed, subtract $130 for 1 person, $68 each for 2 people, $54 each for 3 people.
If English-speaking guide is not needed, subtract $476 for 1 person, $238 each for 2 people, $158 each for 3 people

Ground transfers depart daily at 7am and return at 2pm. approx. 3 hour duration

Personal Gear T-shirts, cap, shorts, hiking shoes, jeans or tracksuit, swimsuit, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

Also see Route of Emotions - São Luis, Lençóis Maranhenses, Delta do Parnaiba, Jericoacoara and Fortaleza