Amazon Adventures

Brazil Tours and Travel

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.

4 DAYS / 3NIGHTS

1st Day: SÃO LUIS - Arrival at São Luis do Maranhão - considered a jewel of colonial architecture. The city was recognized by UNESCO as World Patrimony in 1997. Transfer to Portas da Amazonia Hotel.

2nd Day: BARREIRINHAS - Departure in morning at 7am (3.5 hours by bus) to the city of Barreirinhas (gateway to the Lençóis), check in and depart to the park in a 4x4 vehicle. In the Park, you'll see a great desert of White dunes, with blue lagoons between them Vist the best laggon of the season. Night in Barreirinhas at local pousada - breakfast included.

3rd Day: BARREIRINHAS - After breakfast, trip in a fast boat called a voadeira (flyer), in this trip you'll see the awesome mangrove vegetation, the native animals, experience a real fisherman colony, the view from a light-house and the impresive beach of Caburé. Also includes the villages of Vassoras and Mandacaru. Depart at 4pm to return to Sao Luis and overnight at the Portas da Amazonia Hotel.

4th Day: breakfast, then transfer to São Luís airport.

Includes:
Transfer in and out São Luis
Transport São Luís / Barreirinhas / São Luís
Hotel with Breakfast
Jeep Tour to Lençóis (dunes and lakes)
Boat Tour Vassouras (small dunes), Mandacaru (lighthouse) and Caburé.
Experienced Local Guides
Meals and other non-described services are not included

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

2009 Price per person in US$ with group tours and English-speaking guide- Daily departure

Hotels	single	double	triple
Portas da Amazonia + Porto Preguicas ( http://www.portopreguicas.com.br/)	$1220	$979	$881
Portas da Amazonia + Buriti (http://www.pousadadoburiti.com.br/ )	$1090	$899	$823

optional 1/2 day city tour if time allows on day 1 or 4 = $130 for 1 person, $66 each for 2 or $50 each for 3 people.

Prices subject to change, especially during national holidays

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