Lençóis Maranhenses Full Itinerary: Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro & Atins

Departure from São Luís, Maranhão: PlanetaEXO’s local partner will pick you up at your accommodation in São Luís at 8:30 AM. The road to Barreirinhas covers about 250 km in 4 hours on paved roads, with a short snack stop in Morros along the way (snack not included). Arrival in Barreirinhas around 12:30 PM, followed by check-in at your accommodation.

At 3:30 PM the group meets to take the ferry across the Preguiças River. From the far bank, a 4×4 vehicle continues to the Lagoa Azul region inside Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. A short walk over the dunes leads to a viewpoint for sunset.

After sunset, there is free time to swim in the lagoons and explore the surroundings. At 7:30 PM the sky opens up for stargazing in the dunes—minimal light pollution makes this one of the best stargazing spots in northeastern Brazil. A light picnic is served before the return to Barreirinhas around 8:30 PM. Overnight in Barreirinhas.

Meals included: Light picnic on Day 1 evening

Hotel pick-up at 8:30 AM and transfer to the Preguiças River port. The speedboat journey to Atins runs along one of the most scenic stretches of the river, framed by mangrove vegetation and palm trees.

First stop: the village of Vassouras, in the so-called Pequenos Lençóis (Small Lençóis). Walk among small dunes, drink fresh coconut water, and watch for capuchin monkeys living in the mangroves. Important: do not feed the animals.

The boat continues past riverside fishing villages to Mandacaru, where the group climbs the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the Preguiças River mouth. Onward to Bar da Hora village for lunch (not included), then free time. At 2:30 PM the boat resumes its journey to the port of Atins; a vehicle transfers travelers to their inn around 3 PM. Overnight in Atins.

Meals included: Not included

Departure at 10 AM for a full day of lagoon circuits in the Atins region. The Ponta do Mangue Circuit visits seasonal favorites such as Lagoa Tropical, Lagoa da Gorjeta, and Lagoa da Esmeralda (the exact selection depends on water levels).

Mid-day stop for lunch (not included) and rest in hammocks. At 3 PM the Canto do Atins Circuit continues to Lagoa do Gavião, Lagoa do Kite, Lagoa da Gaivota, and Lagoa das Sete Mulheres—among the most photogenic lagoons in the region. Between June and August, the route also includes Cachoeira do Bonzinho, the only waterfall on this circuit.

End-of-day sunset over the dunes before returning to Atins. The village has the most laid-back atmosphere of the three bases, with sandy streets and a small but interesting restaurant scene. Overnight in Atins.

Meals included: Not included

Pick up from the Atins inn at 9 AM and transfer to the port for the speedboat back to Barreirinhas. From there, road transfer to Santo Amaro (~111 km, ~1.5 hours on paved roads). Drop-off at each traveler’s chosen accommodation.

At 3 PM the group departs on foot for Lagoa do Junco, one of the most famous lagoons in Lençóis Maranhenses. Because Santo Amaro sits right at the park’s edge, much of the trail crosses the dunes directly, with dramatic views throughout.

Free time at the lagoon for swimming and photos through sunset before returning to the inn. Overnight in Santo Amaro.

Meals included: Not included

Departure at 9 AM on foot toward Ponta Verde village. The route begins with dunes and continues through stretches of restinga vegetation. Ponta Verde is known for native fruits (cashew, mirim) and for the evergreen growth that gives the place its name.

Lunch at a local restaurant in Ponta Verde (not included). Later, the group heads to Lagoa do Reflexo for swimming and photos. After sunset, return to the inn in Santo Amaro.

Meals included: Not included

Say goodbye to Lençóis before transferring back to the city in the morning. The 4×4 stretch covers the first part of the route before connecting to the paved highway. We recommend booking onward flights from São Luís for late evening or the following day (in case of road delays).

Departure from Santo Amaro, Lençóis Maranhenses: PlanetaEXO’s local partner will drive you back to the airport or your hotel in São Luís at 9 AM. Expected arrival in the capital is around 1 PM.

Meals included: Not included