2-day Lençóis Maranhenses Desert Brazil Trip
Planeta Exo
TripsBrazilLençóis Maranhenses

2-day Lençóis Maranhenses Desert Brazil Trip

Brazil
1 Night·2 Days
Lençóis MaranhensesCultural & Community ExperiencesMulti-Day Treks

Overview

Join an unforgettable Lençóis Maranhenses trip, designed as the ideal package for those with limited time who still want a deep connection with nature. This 2-day expedition offers an immersive experience in the dunes, guiding you through breathtaking landscapes to explore crystal-clear lagoons. Every step across this desert-like wonderland reveals the untouched beauty of the region, ensuring an adventure that maximizes your short stay.

Be prepared for a demanding trek of approximately 30 km across the dunes, making it a thrilling journey for active travelers. After a full day of hiking, you will enjoy an overnight stay at the homes of local residents in the Baixa Grande community, nestled deep inside the National Park.

  • Full itinerary: 2-day trip across Lençóis Maranhenses National Park between Rio Negro and Lagoa Bonita (~30 km).
  • Overnight in Baixa Grande at a local family's home (hammocks, oasis access).
  • Sunset over the dunes, uncrowded spots, and total immersion in local culture.
  • Multiple lagoons along the way, including the iconic Lagoa Bonita.
  • Activities led by highly qualified guides.
  • All-inclusive experience: homestay, transfer, meals, and local guides.

  • More options: check out the 3-day, 4-day and 5-day treks!

Itinerary

Day 1

Barreirinhas / Rio Negro / Baixa Grande Oasis

  • 4x4 transferBarreirinhas → Rio Negro · ~2 hrs · ~12 km off-road
  • HikingRio Negro → Baixa Grande · 6 km · 2–3 hrs · soft sand
  • SwimmingLagoon stops along the trail · ~1 hr total
  • SunsetDunes around Baixa Grande Oasis

Departure from Barreirinhas, Lençóis Maranhenses: PlanetaEXO’s local partner will pick you up at your accommodation in Barreirinhas at 5 AM. The 4×4 ride to the Rio Negro section of the park takes about 2 hours on off-road trails. A stop is made along the way to watch sunrise over the surrounding landscape.

During the rainy season (February–May), the Rio Negro carries dark, tannin-stained water, the result of organic decomposition in the surrounding vegetation. This is the seasonal signature of the area.

From the river, the trek covers 6 km of sand dunes toward Baixa Grande Oasis. The walk takes 2–3 hours, including lagoon stops. Expected arrival at the oasis is around 10:30 AM.

Lunch is served at the host family’s home inside the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. The afternoon is yours: rest in a hammock, swim in the lagoons, explore the dunes on foot, or chat with the family. In the late afternoon, the group walks to a high dune for sunset.

Meals included: Lunch / Dinner / Trail snacks

Two 4x4 vehicles crossing a vast wet sandy flat under a wide blue sky on a Lençóis Maranhenses trip, with shallow puddles reflecting light across the trackless terrain
Four backpackers climbing a vast white sand dune single-file on a Lençóis Maranhenses trip, leaving a trail of barefoot footprints under a clear blue sky
Aerial view of a crystal-clear turquoise lagoon nestled between sweeping white sand dunes under a deep blue sky on a Lençóis Maranhenses trip
Aerial view of the Lençóis Maranhenses trip landscape, showing endless white sand dunes interspersed with dark-green and turquoise freshwater lagoons stretching to the horizon, with tiny human figures visible in the middle distance
Silhouettes of a group of travelers walking across open dunes during a Lençóis Maranhenses trip, set against a vivid amber and orange sunset sky
Close-up of a sinuous green translucent glass sculpture with organic curves against a white wall, displayed at a Lençóis Maranhenses trip venue

Day 2

Baixa Grande / Lagoa Bonita / Barreirinhas

  • HikingBaixa Grande → Lagoa Bonita · 24 km · 7–9 hrs · soft sand
  • SunriseFrom inside the dunes (~5:00–6:00 AM)
  • SwimmingMultiple lagoon stops along the route
  • 4x4 transferLagoa Bonita → Barreirinhas · ~2 hrs · ~15 km

An early breakfast at 2:30 AM gets the group ready for the long Day 2 push. Departure on foot at 3 AM. The first stretch covers ground in the cool of night and brings the group to a vantage point in time for sunrise over the dunes.

The 24 km route is broken into segments by frequent lagoon stops, a chance to swim, refill water, and rest. Expected arrival at the village of Lagoa Bonita is around 11 AM, with lunch served at a local restaurant.

After lunch and a short rest, a 4×4 vehicle takes the group back to Barreirinhas (~2 hours), marking the end of this Lençóis Maranhenses trip. Expected arrival is around 2 PM.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Trail snacks

Three travelers silhouetted against a golden sunset sky on a vast white sand dune during a Lençóis Maranhenses trip, footprints trailing behind them
Five hikers and their footprints crossing an expanse of rippled white sand dunes on a Lençóis Maranhenses trip, under a pale morning sky
A group of backpackers wading knee-deep through a clear shallow lagoon on a Lençóis Maranhenses trip, with vast white sand dunes stretching across the horizon under a blue sky
Aerial view of white sand dunes and dark blue lagoons glowing pink under a dusky sky on a Lençóis Maranhenses trip
A traveler standing waist-deep in a crystal-clear turquoise lagoon on a Lençóis Maranhenses trip, arms raised wide, with sweeping white sand dunes stretching into the distance under a bright blue sky
Aerial view of the Lençóis Maranhenses trip landscape showing vast white sand dunes interspersed with turquoise-green freshwater lagoons stretching to a dark green tree line on the horizon
Sun setting on the horizon over a shallow lagoon nestled between dark sand dunes on a Lençóis Maranhenses trip, with birds silhouetted on the glassy water

What is Included

  • Accommodation: 1 night in a local family home in Baixa Grande (hammocks)
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and trail snacks
  • Transfers: Private 4x4 Barreirinhas ⇄ trailhead (Rio Negro / Lagoa Bonita)
  • Activities & tours: Guided trek across the dunes and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
  • Guide: Certified local guide
  • Insurance: Personal accident insurance (Porto Seguro)
  • Equipment & extras: Luggage transfer (1 piece per traveler) and a welcome gift (custom bag and cap)

Not included

  • Flights
  • Accommodation and meals before/after the trek
  • Meals: dinner on the last day
  • Drinks (water, soft drinks, beer) — available to buy from the host families
  • Personal equipment (trekking poles, backpack, headlamp)
  • Bilingual-guide upgrade (see Optional Extras)
  • Extra luggage transfer (see Optional Extras)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc.) and tips
  • Any services not previously mentioned

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From

$ 400/ per person