Lencois Marenhenses ToursLencois Maranhenses 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. It would be a big desert if in the region it did not rain 300 times more than in the Sahara.
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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.
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 fly over the park. It is an adventure just to get to the gateway Barreirinhas, on the banks of Rio Preguiça. There is no access by road; only a 4x4 vehicle is appropriate for these dunes. |
WHEN TO GO?
The east coast of the Maranhão state goes through two characteristic seasons throughout the year. The rainy season, that goes from February to May (with intense rains at the beginning), and the dry season, from June to January. After the rainy season the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is at its peak of beauty, since the lagoons that form in between the dunes are full.
With the advance of the dry season, the lagoons dry piece by piece, reaching its driest peak in November. It is important to make clear that these conditions depend on the rain regiment of the year, so it’s always important to search for information with the National Park administration or with the local reception.
The best time of the year to visit the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is between May and September.
The east coast of the Maranhão state goes through two characteristic seasons throughout the year. The rainy season, that goes from February to May (with intense rains at the beginning), and the dry season, from June to January. After the rainy season the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is at its peak of beauty, since the lagoons that form in between the dunes are full.
With the advance of the dry season, the lagoons dry piece by piece, reaching its driest peak in November. It is important to make clear that these conditions depend on the rain regiment of the year, so it’s always important to search for information with the National Park administration or with the local reception.
The best time of the year to visit the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is between May and September.
Sample 4 Day Itinerary
Day 1 – ARRIVAL TO SÃO LUÍS - Transfer in from airport to chosen hotel. Day 2 - SÃO LUÍS / BARREIRINHAS – (Daily departure) In the morning we board in an acclimatized vehicle heading to Barreirinhas (Entrance to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park). It is 260 km long and takes about 4 hours with a quick stop at Morros for bathroom break and breakfast (not included). After check in and accommodation, at 1:40 pm, departure in a 4x4 vehicle for the Grandes Lençóis Circuit. Ferry crossing over the Preguiças River and continue by trail to the stop (about 40 minutes on the trail). Disembark and light walk through the white sand to the crystal clear lagoons, which are formed during the rainy season, with stops for bathing and contemplating the beautiful landscape and enjoying the sunset. After that, visitors return to the hotel. Night is free. Day 3 – BARRERINHAS - SÃO LUÍS After breakfast, visitors go to Beira Rio Avenue and board on a launch boat type “voadeira” to Preguiças River Route (Environmental Protection Area) On this tour, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape and the typical mangrove vegetation and some regional animals and birds. Our first stop is at Vassouras Community (Pequenos Lençóis - place where guariba monkeys are preserved) After that, the tour continues on the launch boat to Mandacaru community, where the Preguiças Lighthouse is located and you can appreciate a wonderful view of the park. At the end, the launch boat sails to Caburé (beach that divides river and sea) and we stop for lunch (not included). At 15:00, the boat sails back to Barreirinhas, passing by Preguiças River’s streams. After that, we take a shuttle back to the hotel, get the luggage and board in an acclimatized vehicle departing at 4:30pm back to São Luis and your hotel. (arrives to Sao Luis at about 8:30pm) Day 4 - Transfer Out breakfast, then you will be transferred to the airport for your flight "We had a wonderful time on our trip and the highlight was Lencois Maranhenses! We had a great time with our group tour the first day and our private tour to Lagoa Bonita was extraordinary. My husband and I couldn't believe how serene and gorgeous it was. Our guide was also very friendly and make sure we were taken care of in terms of meals and getting the things we need. If there is a site that we could leave a review for your wonderful services, please let me know." Kimberly "Many thanks for organising a wonderful tour of Lencois. Tassio our guide was excellent. Hotels were of good quality and drivers were punctual. Would be glad to recommend your services and that of the local tourist agency." Best wishes Raja |
Including:
Note: if you have a late evening departure flight, we can subtract hotel night on day 3 and make a 3 day tour Max Baggage allowance : 30 kg by person (excess can be left at Sao Luis Hotel till return on day 4) 2023 Price per person in US$ with group tours and English-speaking guide- Daily departure
HIGH SEASON: JAN TO FEB & JUNE TO SEP LOW SEASON: MAR TO MAY & OCT TO DEC
Prices subject to change, especially during national holidays (check with us for current price because rates can change due to the exchange rate.) Can add a Sao Luis city tour is you like, at extra cost. Child (full 5 - 8 YRS): 50% of the adult value. Over 08 years pays as an adult. |