4-day Lençóis Maranhenses Tour from Atins

📍 Departure from São Luís at 8 a.m. Our staff picks you up in São Luís, capital of Maranhão, and heads to Barreirinhas, about 260 km (161 miles) away. Halfway, around two hours in, the group stops in Morros to stretch and grab a bite (meal not included). Back on the road, we reach Barreirinhas in a couple of hours and board a speedboat down the Preguiças River, lined with palm trees and mangroves.

First official stop is Vassouras, a fishing village among the dark waters, vibrant green and white sand — enjoy coconut water, walk the dunes and bathe in the rainwater lagoons (little marmosets often play with visitors!). Continuing past more villages and dunes, we reach Mandacaru and its famous Preguiças Lighthouse (run by the Brazilian Navy since 1940) — our second stop. Finally, the speedboat reaches the Port of Atins, where a car takes the group to the inn for the night in Atins, the hotspot village of Lençóis Maranhenses.

After breakfast, enjoy Praia de Atins near the inn — calm and uncrowded, perfect for a lazy morning of sunbathing, swimming and walks, with a sky often dotted by kiteboarding kites. At 3 p.m., the group rides 4×4 cars to Canto do Atins, the entry point to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, where the Preguiças River meets the Atlantic. The dunes’ beauty is otherworldly and the white-sand-versus-blue-green-lagoon contrast is a feast for the eyes — take your time to swim and contemplate.

In the late afternoon, you can dine at Restaurante do Senhor Antônio or Restaurante da Dona Luzia, two beloved spots in Canto do Atins run by siblings (their signature grilled shrimp with secret sauce is a must). Please note: this meal is not included. Afterwards, explore the village, admire the starry sky, or rest at the inn.

The day starts at 9 a.m. In 4×4 vehicles, we ride to Ponta do Mangue to visit some of the most beautiful lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses in Atins. You’ll likely find Lagoa da Esmeralda, Lagoa da Gorjeta and Lagoa Tropical — and, since they form from rainwater, maybe new unnamed ones. Diving into the crystal-clear water and resting on the sand is always unforgettable. The group returns to the village for lunch (fish, chicken, meat, seafood and vegetarian options; not included — talk to our staff for restaurant reservations). Return to Atins is scheduled at 2 p.m. — free afternoon and evening.

Your Lençóis Maranhenses Atins tour ends with a hearty breakfast — your final chance to savour Brazilian flavours. The morning is free to pack and enjoy the last moments. At 1 p.m., our staff takes you to the Port of Atins; you board a speedboat to Barreirinhas and then return to São Luís (a 4-hour car ride). 🏁 Arrival in São Luís around 5:30 p.m.