Ministério do Turismo

Lençóis Maranhenses

One of the most beautiful places along the Brazilian coastline is in the State of Maranhão. It is a sea of sand dunes that occupies 70 km of coastline and advances 50 km inland, called the Lençóis Maranhenses. This formation provides impressive views comprised of countless lakes with blue and green water that during the rainy season contrast with the white sand of the dunes, which can reach 40m in height. The entire area belongs to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, created in 1981 to protect 155 thousand hectares that preserve this very special ecosystem. It is very large and there is no access by road. To know it you must face the dunes and the elevated temperatures, always in the company of a local guide. Short journeys can be done on foot, however for the longer ones, 4x4 vehicles, or even the traditional donkeys are advised. The strong heat is compensated by the refreshing crystal clear ponds and the deserted beaches. The Blue Pond is the most famous and beautiful. There are two oases inside the Park, the Queimada dos Britos and the Baixa Grande. And there are large mangroves along their banks. Crabs and sea turtles can be seen along the beaches. The ponds are visited by migratory birds, such as the ruddy turnstone, the blue-winged duck and the tern that stop there to rest and feed. The adventure of this visit begins in the tiny city of Barreirinhas, from where boat rides depart along the Preguiças River. The best time of year to visit the region is during the rainy season – from December to July – when the ponds are fuller and not as hot.

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Basic information
Climate:
The climate is hot and dry, with average temperatures of 26ºC.
City facts
State: Maranhão
Region: Northeast
Area Code: (98)

Distances
From São Luís (capital of Maranhão) to the city of Barreirinhas (entrance to the Park): 272 km
Accommodation / Restaurants
Barreirinhas is the largest city in the region and it serves as support for visitors. There are well-equipped hotels, as well as tourism agencies and guides that take the tourists on excursions. In Atins and Caburé – villages near the mouth of the Preguiças River – there are simpler inns for those who prefer to remain in the Lençóis region.

The local restaurants mainly serve fish prepared with regional recipes and much care.

Visit Lençóis Maranhenses National Park’s official site to learn more information about local establishments – such as contacts and operating hours: http://www.turismo.ma.gov.br/pt/polos/lencois/index.html
How to get there
By Air: São Luís, capital of Maranhão, has a domestic airport; in Barreirinhas – port of entry to the park - the runway can handle chartered flights that depart from the capital, but only small aircraft. It is possible to reach Barreirinhas from São Luis by single motor or twin motor planes in 50 minutes, on average. The advantage of this means of transportation is that you can enjoy the beautiful aerial view of Lençóis.

By Highway: departing from São Luís, 272 km of paved roads. Take the BR-135/MA 402 - the Translitorânea – and arrive in Barreirinhas, main port of entry to the Park, in 3 hours. Intercity buses depart from the São Luis Bus Terminal daily.

By Water: from Barreirinhas to Lençóis you must take the Preguiça River. This regular line boat takes 4 hours to reach the mouth of the river, which gives access to the Park. Another option is to rent a speedboat, which makes the trip in an hour and a half. Travel agencies that specialize in ecotourism also have complete packages for the region.
Services
Ibama Station (Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources)
In São Luís: +55 (98) 231-3010
In Barreirinhas: +55 (98) 349-1155

Airport
In São Luís - Marechal Cunha Machado Airport: +55 (98) 217-6101
In Barreirinhas: +55 (98) 244-1511

Bank Agencies
In Barreirinhas: only the Banco do Brasil.

Hospitals
In Barreirinhas - São Lucas: +55 (98) 349-0209
Related links

Maranhão State Tourism
http://www.turismo.ma.gov.br/pt/polos/lencois/index.html

Barreirinhas
http://www.barreirinhas.ma.gov.br

Attractions
Lençóis Maranhenses
The best to get to know the white sands and enormous dunes is during the rainy season – between December and June – when the blue warm water ponds, excellent for swimming, are full. The adventure can be extended for those who wish to know the villages deep within the Lençóis Maranhenses area, such as Queimada dos Britos and Baixa Grande. These journeys take from eight hours to one day and demand the presence of an experienced guide. One option is to go to the tiny city of Santo Amaro do Maranhão, at the other end of the Park – 100 km from Barreirinhas – where the greatest attraction is the Seagull Pond. You must rent a jeep in Barreirinhas to get there.

Boat Ride
To get to Lençóis, you must descend to the mouth of the Preguiças River along the coast, starting from Barreirinhas. Some boatmen rent their embarkations and also serve as guides. Another interesting alternative is to use the regular line boats that make several stops along the way, making it possible to get in contact with the way of life of the riverside populations. The journey is made along the river’s green waters, flanked by dense original vegetation, where the buriti palm trees predominate. Dunes and ponds similar to those in the park arise along some sections, but they are smaller in size. The riverbanks have tiny villages formed by simple houses – some with handmade roofs made of palm leaves – inhabited by families of fishermen.

Ponds
The Lençóis area has large ponds, such as the Blue Pond and the Bonita Pond. These are very sought after for bathing because of their crystal blue water. They can be reached by jeep departing from Barreirinhas. To see the Bonita Pond, you must cross the Preguiças River by ferryboat, and then continue for two hours by jeep over a sand trail. Upon reaching there, it is necessary to climb a 40m high dune, with the help of a support rope, of course. It only takes one hour to reach the dunes around Blue Pond, and many people prefer to take this journey at the end of the afternoon to watch the beautiful sunset the location provides.

Panoramic Flight
Flying over the region provides one of the most beautiful angles to see the scenery. From high above, it is possible to see the immensity of the white dunes intersected by the colorful ponds. The flight follows the Preguiças River.

Preguiças River – This is the river that crosses the Lençóis Maranhenses. The name comes from its calm waters. It flows into Atins, a large fishing colony – where it is possible to find fish and shrimp for sale. It is surrounded by native vegetation, especially palm trees.

Village of Caburé
Ideal location for camping, since it is bathed by the Preguiças River and the sea. It also has simple inns and restaurants.

Vassouras Beach
A beach with 5 km of dunes, between the sea and the Preguiças River.

Preguiças or Mandacaru Lighthouse
From the top of its 35m or 160 steps, it is possible to see the Preguiças River, the Lençóis Maranhenses and the white dunes along the margins of the Maranhão sea. It is located in the village of Mandacaru, at the edge of the Park, and it open from 9AM to 12 Noon and from 1:30PM to 3PM. The Lighthouse is closed to visits on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.


Shopping

Arts and Crafts
You can find hats, tablecloths, handbags, purses and backpacks made of buriti straw. Besides the little stands on the Preguiças River ferryboat and in the city, here are some of the best known and most sought after establishments for purchasing souvenirs:
* Artesanato London – Rua Inácio Lins, phone: +55 (98) 9617-7627, open from 7:30AM to 10PM.
* Buriti - Rua Inácio Lins, Phone: +55 (98) 349-1614, open from 8AM to 12 noon and from 2PM to 6PM.
* Kanto da Praça - Praça do Trabalhador, open from 8AM to 12 Noon, and from 3PM to 8PM.
* Artesanato Rodrigues - Rua Domingos Carvalho, open from 7AM to 7PM.

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