The time you spend in the Lençóis Maranhenses depends on how many days you’re willing to dedicate to exploring its lagoons, dunes, remote villages, and unique desert scenery.
The ideal amount of time to explore Lençóis Maranhenses is at least 2 to 5 days, depending on your travel style and how deeply you want to experience the region.
Two days is enough time to visit a few lagoons and villages, but the trip may feel rushed. To truly enjoy the dunes and oases, go hiking at sunrise or sunset, take a boat ride, and soak in the unique landscapes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, you’ll need at least 3 days.
For more adventurous travelers willing to cross the park on foot, who want to take their time at each stop, engage in sports activities, or combine the experience with nearby destinations like Jericoacoara in Ceará, a 6 to 7-day trip offers a more complete exploration of Brazil’s northeastern coast.
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In this guide, Planeta EXO has curated the best tours and activities based on the length of your stay, whether you want to hike, ride a horse, or relax with short walks and 4×4 excursions.
2 Days in Lençóis Maranhenses: For Quick Explorers
If you’re short on time but still want to experience the essence of Lençóis Maranhenses, a 2-day trip to the dunes and lagoons will give you a glimpse of the park’s stunning landscapes.
2-Day Lençóis Maranhenses Desert Brazil Trip
Begin your journey at Oásis da Baixa Grande, where you’ll receive a warm welcome from a local family who will offer you insights into the simple and beautiful way of life in the region.
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This itinerary also includes a 30 km trek through striking white dunes and crystal-clear lagoons, perfect for travelers looking to challenge themselves and make the most of a short trip.
2-Day Trek from Atins
A great alternative for travelers with limited time in Lençóis Maranhenses who still want to experience the breathtaking landscapes is the trek from Atins to the Baixa Grande Oasis.
This 12 km, two-day trek takes you through the white dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2024. Along the way, you’ll witness stunning sunrises and spend the night in the homes of native families, offering a meaningful exchange. It’s the perfect choice for beginners or those looking for a softer, more relaxed immersion into the region.
Day Tours from Barreirinhas
If you only have 2 days to visit Lençóis Maranhenses and prefer a less physically demanding experience, the best option is to go to Barreirinhas, the main and most accessible gateway from São Luís. From there, you can stay overnight in a comfortable accommodation and join day tours to highlights like Lagoa Bonita, the Preguiça River, and traditional villages such as Mandacaru and Vassouras, ending at the scenic Caburé beach where thedays in river meets the sea.
Photo: Gabriel Boieras
3 Days in Lençóis Maranhenses: A Perfect Balance
Spending 3 days in Lençóis Maranhenses is an excellent way to dive into one of Brazil’s most surreal landscapes. Between endless white dunes and crystal-clear lagoons, every moment will be unforgettable.
You’ll have time to explore hidden oases, hike at sunrise or sunset, and connect with the region’s diversity.
3-Day Lençóis Maranhenses Trek
Combine the natural beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses with authentic cultural experiences.
On this adventure, visitors can explore the ecosystem in greater depth, observing local life in this region, the native wildlife, and vegetation up close.
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The journey begins in Barreirinhas and leads to two stunning lagoon oases: Baixa Grande and Queimada dos Britos.
Horseback Riding Tour
This tour offers travelers the chance to experience Lençóis Maranhenses in a completely singular way, crossing the dunes and untouched parts of the park on horseback.
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3-Day Tour from Santo Amaro
Santo Amaro is the closest town to the entrance of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, making it a peaceful and convenient base for travelers.
Departing from this village allows for a more relaxed experience, combining 4×4 tours with short hikes. It’s the ideal choice for those looking to avoid long treks while still enjoying easy access to stunning lagoons and greater comfort along the way.
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4 Days in Lençóis Maranhenses: Deeper Exploration
Spending 4 days in Lençóis Maranhenses gives you the chance to truly disconnect and embrace the park’s natural rhythm. Whether you’re exploring on foot or enjoying the scenery from a cozy base in Atins, you’ll have the time to go deeper, reaching more remote lagoons and discovering the region’s rich local culture.
With a more flexible pace, this length of stay offers the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, making it an unforgettable experience in one of the most surreal destinations in Brazil and the world.
With a more flexible pace, this length of stay offers the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, making it an unforgettable experience in one of the most surreal destinations in Brazil and the world.
4-Day Lençóis Maranhenses Trekking
This is the perfect adventure for experienced hikers looking for a physical challenge and true immersion in nature. Over 4 days and 48 km, you’ll cross three stunning oases and spend your nights sleeping in hammocks at the homes of residents.
Led by experienced guides and with a moderate hiking pace, this is one of the most natural ways to experience the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
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4-Day Tour from Atins
For those looking for a lighter adventure, a good option is Atins, a quiet village, popular among outdoor sports enthusiasts, especially for kitesurfing. Atins is not accessible by road. The journey can be made by boat on the Preguiças River or in a 4×4, and the village, immersed in sand, is a balance between beauty and tranquillity.
The itinerary includes boat rides along the Preguiças River, visits to traditional fishing villages, short hikes, and 4×4 stretches that reduce physical effort while still offering incredible views and cultural experiences.
5+ Days in Lençóis Maranhenses: Full Immersion
For those who want to truly disconnect and go beyond the classic itineraries, spending five days or more in Lençóis Maranhenses offers a definitive and more immersive experience.
With more time, you can explore remote oases, connect deeply with the communities there, and fully absorb the region’s landscapes. It’s an immersive journey that blends adventure, culture, and tranquility, perfect for travelers seeking something unforgettable and off the beaten path.
5-Day Lençóis Maranhenses Hike
This is the most complete trekking experience in Lençóis Maranhenses: five days exploring some of the most stunning and remote places in the park.
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Beyond the 70+ km of hiking, breathtaking dunes, and shimmering lagoons, you’ll stay with local families, hear their stories, and gain a deeper understanding of how ecotourism impacts and supports the region.
6-Day Route of Emotions
For travelers looking to combine multiple destinations in a single trip, the “Rota das Emoções” is the perfect choice, unlike anything you’ve ever imagined.
Photo: Chico Rasta
Crossing three northeastern Brazilian states (Ceará, Piauí, and Maranhão), this route offers a rich mix of experiences, from beaches and natural pools to dunes, lagoons, and rivers. In addition to exploring Lençóis Maranhenses, you’ll also visit the Parnaíba Delta and the iconic village of Jericoacoara (CE).
Final tips for making the best out of Lençois Maranhenses
- Best time to visit: The optimal period is from May to September, when the lagoons are full post-rainy season, and the weather is favorable for trekking and swimming.
- Where to stay: Each base town offers different experiences and entry points to the dunes and lagoons. Santo Amaro is ideal for easy access to the dunes, Atins is more remote and perfect for outdoor sports. Barreirinhas, in turn, offers the best infrastructure for tourism.
- What to Pack: Essentials include light clothing, sun protection, sturdy footwear, and swimwear. For treks, consider bringing a reusable water bottle and snacks.
Read all about Lençoís Maranhenses in this travel guide tour
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Planning Your Trip to Lençóis Maranhenses
Now that you know how many days to spend in Lençóis Maranhenses, and have already considered the different types of tours and adventure options available, why not take the opportunity to explore the personalized packages offered by PlanetaEXO?
There are plenty of options to suit every travel style, whether you’re looking for a shorter getaway or a full immersion in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and the entire experience that this place has to offer.
