Ministério do Turismo

Lençois Maranhenses

One of the most beautiful places along the Brazilian coastline is this one, in the State of Maranhao. It is a sea of sand dunes that covers 70 km of coastline and advances 50 km inland, called the Lençois Maranhenses. This formation provides impressive views comprised of countless lakes with blue and green water, which, during the rainy season, contrast with the white sand of the dunes, which can reach 40m in height.

The entire area belongs to the Lençois Maranhenses National Park, created in 1981 to protect the 155 thousand hectares, which make up this very special ecosystem. It is very large and there is no access by road. To visit it, you must face the sand dunes and the high temperatures, always in the company of a local guide. Short hikes 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. Migratory birds, such as the ruddy turnstone, the blue-winged duck and the tern that stop there to rest and feed, visit the ponds.

The visit’s adventure begins in the tiny town 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 the temperatures not as hot.

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Basic information
Climate
The climate is hot and dry, with temperatures averaging 26ºC.
City facts
Lençois Maranhenses National Park
State: Maranhao
Region: Northeastern
Area Code: (98)

Distances
From Sao Luis (capital of Maranhao) to the town of Barreirinhas (entrance to the Park): 272 km
Accommodation / Restaurants
Barreirinhas is the largest town in the region and visitors use it as a base. There are well-equipped hotels, as well as tourism agencies and guides who take the tourists on tours. In Atins and Cabure – villages near the mouth of the Preguiças River – there are simpler inns for those who prefer to remain in the Lençois region.

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

Visit the official site for the Lençois Maranhenses National Park to obtain more information about local establishments – contacts and operating hours: http://www.turismo.ma.gov.br/pt/polos/lencois/index.html
How to get there
By Air: Sao Luis, capital of Maranhao, has a domestic airport; in Barreirinhas – port of entry to the park - the runway can handle chartered flights, which 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 Lençois.

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

By Water: from Barreirinhas to Lençois you must take the Preguiça River. This regular line boat takes 4 hours to reach the mouth of the river and access to the Park. Another option is to rent a speedboat, which makes the trip in one 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 Luis: +55 (98) 231-3010
In Barreirinhas: +55 (98) 349-1155

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

Bank Branches
In Barreirinhas: only the Banco do Brasil.

Hospitals
In Barreirinhas - Sao Lucas: +55 (98) 349-0209
Related links
Maranhao State Tourism

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

Barreirinhas

http://www.barreirinhas.ma.gov.br
Attractions
Lençois Maranhenses
The best time to visit the white sands and enormous sand 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 visit the villages deep within the Lençois Maranhenses area, such as Queimada dos Britos and Baixa Grande. These journeys take from eight hours to one day and demand an experienced guide. One option is to go to the tiny town of Santo Amaro do Maranhao, 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 reach Lençois, starting from Barreirinhas, you must travel down to the mouth of the Preguiças River, to where it meets the ocean. Some boatmen rent their boats out and also serve as guides. Another interesting alternative is to take one of the regular line boats which make several stops along the way, thus enabling the visitor to learn of the way of life of the riverside people. The journey is made along the river’s green waters, flanked by dense native vegetation, where the buriti palm trees prevails. Sand dunes and ponds similar to those in the park emerge from time to time, but they are smaller in size. The riverbanks reveal tiny villages formed by simple houses – some with handmade roofs made of palm leaves – inhabited by families of fishermen.

Ponds
The Lençois 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 visit 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 the spot, it is necessary to climb a 40m-high dune, with the help of a support rope, of course. It takes only one hour to reach the dunes around the 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 in which to view the scenery. From high above, it is possible to see the huge expanse of white sand dunes intersected by the colourful ponds. The flight follows the Preguiças River.

Preguiças River – This is the river that crosses the Lençois 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 Cabure
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 Lençois Maranhenses and the white sand dunes spread out along the ocean coastline in Maranhao. It is located in the village of Mandacaru, at the edge of the Park, and its opening hours are from 9am to 12 noon and from 1:30pm to 3pm. The Lighthouse is closed to visitors on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.


Shopping

Arts and Crafts
You can find hats, tablecloths, handbags, purses and backpacks made of buriti straw. Besides the small stalls on the Preguiças River ferryboat and in the city, below are some of the best known and most sought after establishments for purchasing souvenirs:
* Artesanato London – Rua Inacio Lins, phone: +55 (98) 9617-7627, open from 7:30am to 10pm.
* Buriti - Rua Inacio 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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