Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses: 5 Things to Know Before You Go
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If you've ever dreamt of exploring a breathtaking national park, you've likely come across photos or videos of Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses in Northeast Brazil. Situated on the coastline, this park showcases awe-inspiring sand dunes and natural pools created by rainfall, forming a landscape that appears out of this world. For avid travelers, this park is a must-visit, and here are five crucial things to know to plan your trip effectively:
#1 - CLOSEST AIRPORT
São Luis is the closest airport, and you can easily reach the cities surrounding the park from São Luis via private or shared transfers.
#2 - WHERE TO STAY
When visiting Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses, you have three main cities to choose from for accommodation: Santo Amaro, Barreirinhas, and Atins. All three are equidistant from the park, making any of them a suitable base for your trip., but choosing where to stay depends on your preferences and travel plans.
Barreirinhas is a popular choice due to its proximity to the park and the amenities it offers. Santo Amaro is quieter, offering a more rustic experience, and it's ideal for travelers seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure. Atins, known for its beautiful beaches, is a bit more secluded and is perfect for those who want a relaxed atmosphere and proximity to both the park and the coast. Each town offers a distinct experience, so it ultimately depends on what you prioritize for your trip.
Barreirinhas: A popular choice due to its proximity to the park and the amenities it offers, Barreirinhas is known as the “star” of the Lençóis, and offers easy accessibility to both the national park and the Rio Preguiças River. This is where we chose to stay.
Atins: The only town of the three located on the coast of Brazil, Atins is known for its beautiful beaches. A bit more secluded, it is perfect for those who want a relaxed atmosphere and proximity to both the park and the coast. If you are looking to add a day or two of kiteboarding to your trip, then Atins will be the perfect base for you.
Santo Amaro: Offering a quieter and more rustic experience, Santo Amaro is ideal for travelers seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure. While it is slightly more difficult to reach than Barreirinhas and Atins, this small village is full of natural beauty, and is 100% worth the effort to get there.
WHERE TO STAY IN BARREIRINHAS
#3 - WHERE TO EXPLORE IN THE PARK
This vast park is enormous – in fact, the entire city of São Paulo could fit within its boundaries! To make the most of your visit, choose one or two specific areas within the park to explore. Most tour operators offer trips to distinct locations within the park, allowing you to select a tour that suits your preferences. We went to Lagoa Azul in the morning and Lagoa Bonita in the afternoon, which had a spectacular view for sunset.
#4 - HOW TO ENTER THE PARK
Accessing the dunes requires driving through 30-60 minutes of sandy roads accessible only by specific vehicles, so to enter the park, you must go with a tour. We went with Elite Ecoturismo and had a great experience - each tour cost $20 per person and took up about a half day. Since we booked two tours, which we later found out is pretty common, Elite Ecoturismo brought us (and the other visitors) to a restaurant in Barreirinhas for lunch, and picked us up directly after, turning the trip to the national park into a day-long exploration.
#5 - EXPECT A SLIGHT LANGUAGE BARRIER
It's important to note that most places in Northeast Brazil cater mostly to Brazilian tourists rather than international ones, so very few locals speak English. If you have a friend who knows some Portuguese, bring them with you, or be ready to use Google translate for the majority of your trip.
Despite the language barrier and the slightly remote location, a trip to this national park is undoubtedly worth it. The exceptional views and the opportunity to swim in the midst of a desert make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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