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Trekking
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Barreirinhas
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Santo Amaro
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Hammocks
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English, Portuguese
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10
- Hassle-Free Booking
- Handpicked Local Partners
- Sustainable Travel
- Book with Flexibility
About the adventure
Welcome to the 3-day Lençóis Maranhenses trek! This magical trip perfectly combines natural beauty with cultural experiences. Embark on a three-day itinerary starting in Barreirinhas, the gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park Join us for an unforgettable trekking experience in Lençóis Maranhenses as we take you through the region’s most captivating attractions.
As part of your trek to Lençóis Maranhenses, you’ll get a glimpse of the local way of life, meet the friendly locals and discover the sustainable tourism initiatives that are an integral part of preserving this incredible natural treasure. On this adventure, we will explore this ecosystem and observe animals, carnivorous plants and traditional communities.
The highlight of your adventure will undoubtedly be the hikes through the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. In this unique landscape, you’ll find vast expanses of white dunes interspersed with crystal-clear lagoons. This unparalleled natural wonder will leave you in awe. We can also offer you our 2-day trek or the 4-day Lençois Maranhenses hike in a similar format and guarantee an equally unique experience.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary trek experience in Lençóis Maranhenses that will allow you to connect with the beauty of nature like never before. Ready to live this adventure?
Highlights of the adventure
- 3-day trek in Lençóis Maranhenses blends natural beauty and culture.
- Visit two Oasis, the Oasis Baixa Grande and Oasis Queimada dos Britos
- Explore white sand dunes and shimmering lagoons in the National Park.
- Stay with local families to learn about regional traditions.
Day by day
Get ready for an exciting day on your Lençóis Maranhenses trek! We will depart from Barreirinhas at 5 a.m. to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, where we will drive by 4×4 vehicle for 2 hours on an off-road trail to the Rio Negro, stopping to watch the sunrise. We will then hike 6 km (2-3 hours), with a stop to swim in the lagoons, to Oásis Baixa Grande, the starting point of our Lençóis Maranhenses trek.
Arrival at Oásis is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. After lunch, we’ll return to the dunes to swim in the lagoons and watch the sunset. Here, at Oásis Baixa Grande, you will see how the locals live in harmony with their natural environment. The area has dunes and a unique restinga ecosystem and is home to just six families, to truly experience the Lençóis Maranhenses trail, you will spend the night with a local family.
During your free time, explore and talk to them to learn about their traditions. Don’t forget to taste Tiquira, a local cassava brandy. This trail promises a deep connection with nature and culture, providing an authentic Lençóis Maranhenses experience.
The overnight stays are carried out in closed spaces, hammocks with blankets are offered by our hosts. Their houses are equipped with essential structures for our stay, such as: showers, outside showers, restrooms, electricity to recharge our electronic equipment, food and drinks.
Get ready for another day of trek in Lençóis Maranhenses! Breakfast will be served at 4:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. we will start our trek to Queimada dos Britos Oasis, 12 km (5 hours) across the Rio Negro, watching the sunrise and bathing in crystal clear lagoons along the way.
Our next stop is Queimada dos Britos, a small village with 14 families that is part of the municipality of Santo Amaro, in Maranhão. The landscape features typical restinga vegetation and, in the flood months, the village is partially submerged, creating a unique and captivating morning of exploration. The community also has a school adapted for just 9 children. Immerse yourself in this day of trekking in Lençóis Maranhenses, discovering the wonders of nature and being enchanted by the warmth, affection and attention of the local people.
Hammocks
Get prepared for our last day of trek in the Lençóis Maranhenses! Departure is scheduled for 3:00 am, with breakfast served at 2:30 a.m. We’ll then head to Lagoa do Cajueiro, which will take about 14km (6 hours).
Along the way, adventurers can enjoy the region’s stunning lagoons, stopping to rest and enjoy the sky and sunrise. Arrival at Lagoa do Cajueiro is scheduled for 9 a.m., at which point we’ll take a 4×4 to Santo Amaro and arrive at the town at 10 a.m., marking the end of our trek.
What is included?
- Private transportation from Barreirinhas to Rio Negro (start of the hike) in a 4x4 vehicle;
- Dinner, overnight stay in hammocks, breakfast, and lunch at Oásis Baixa Grande;
- Dinner, overnight stay in hammocks, and breakfast at Oásis Queimada dos Britos;
- Private transportation for the Lagoa do Cajueiro to Santo Amaro segments;
- Experienced local ecological guide accredited by ICMBio;
- Individual accident insurance - Porto Seguro;
- Exclusive Gifts.
What is not included?
- Drinks
- Breakfast on the first day
- Lunch and dinner on the last day
- Anything else not mentioned in the included items
Frequently Asked Questions
The nearest airport to Lençóis Maranhenses is located in São Luis.
You have multiple options to reach Barreirinhas. You can book a private transfer when finalizing your booking on our platform. Alternatively, more budget-friendly options like shared vans and buses are available, which you can book directly. For more details, please refer to our blog post on how to get to Lençóis Maranhenses.
We offer the convenience of booking a private transfer via our platform. Additionally, there are shared vans that depart at 4:00 am and 1:00 pm every day, which you can book directly. More information is available on our blog.
If you’re traveling with additional luggage that you won’t need during the hike, our partner has you covered. They provide a luggage transfer service from Barreirinhas to Santo Amaro at a cost of R$50 per piece. If you plan to return to Barreirinhas after the trek, our partner also offers luggage storage for R$30 per item. Please note that payments for these services must be made directly in cash on-site.
As a solo traveler, you have multiple ways to book your adventure. You can opt for a “Guaranteed” departure date listed on our website. If those dates don’t align with your schedule, you have the option to start a new group by picking a date of your choice. We recommend doing this as early as possible to enhance the likelihood of your chosen departure being confirmed. When booking, select the “Pay Deposit” method, where you’ll be required to pay a 20% deposit based on a single rate. This will secure your departure, and the remaining balance will be determined by the final group size, invoiced 7 days before your trip starts. Should you decide to cancel due to changes in the group size affecting the cost, a 5% fee will be deducted to cover credit card processing expenses.
Yes, you can book a private group. To do so, please fill out the inquiry form on our platform, and we’ll get back to you with the details.
Certainly! While our standard route begins in Barreirinhas, you can opt to start in Atins. Discounts are available depending on your reservation type. For open groups consisting of 3 or more people, each individual will receive a R$100 discount on the total cost. For those interested in private or couple/double bookings, please reach out to us for information on applicable discounts. Tours starting from Atins start at 2 pm, and please note that lunch on the first day is not included
While most of our guides are not fluent in English, we do our best to accommodate English-speaking guides for international groups. If a bilingual guide is essential for you, we offer the option to book a translator at a cost of R$450 per day.
Mineral water, soft drinks and beer are not included in the package. You can buy them and pay directly to the families where you will be staying. We recommend that you bring cash, preferably small change.
Our support points offer simple, home-cooked meals that typically include rice, beans, pasta, and a variety of animal proteins like free-range chicken, goat, pork, fish, duck, etc. The availability of these items may vary based on local conditions.
Absolutely! We can cater to various dietary restrictions such as vegetarian diets and food allergies. Please inform us of your needs at the time of booking so we can make the necessary arrangements.
During a trek in Lençóis Maranhenses, the accommodations in the oases are rustic and integrated with nature, aiming to offer an authentic experience. Visitors stay in the homes of local families who reside in the oases. The accommodations are simple and include shared bathrooms. Guests sleep in hammocks, which are placed under covered structures and come with blankets for added comfort. Some of the homes also have beds available that can be arranged on-site and paid for directly to the host.
Most of the journey is on foot, as it’s a hiking tour. However, we do include all necessary transfers from your accommodation in Barreirinhas to the starting point and one at the end to Santo Amaro. Please note that transfers from Santo Amaro to São Luis or back to Barreirinhas are not included in the package.
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable hike, please consider packing the following items:
- UV-Protective Clothing: For sun protection.
- Hat: To shield your face from the sun.
- Sunglasses: For eye protection.
- Sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher is recommended.
- Rain Gear: A lightweight rain cover for unexpected showers.
- Backpack: A 30L, 40L, or 60L backpack to carry your essentials.
- Trekking Pole: For added stability on uneven terrain.
- Hydration: A 1.5L water bottle or a large hydration pack.
- Swimsuit: For enjoying the lagoons.
- Headlamp: For better visibility in low-light conditions.
- Snacks: Pack cereal bars, nuts, and fruits for quick energy.
- Footwear: Consider sandals like Papetes or Hawaiian flip-flops.
- Socks: For added comfort during the trek.
- Beach Towel: Compact and quick-drying is best.
- Personal Care Items: Basic hygiene products.
- Medications: Any personal prescriptions or over-the-counter meds you may need.
Packing Tips:
- Avoid heavy items like laptops, excessive clothing, and bulky toiletries. Less is more!
- Aim for a backpack weight around 4kg for optimal comfort.
The best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses in Brazil largely depends on what you’re looking to experience. Here are some general guidelines:
Lagoon Season: June-September
Best for full lagoons but expect crowds.
Less Crowded: October-November
Fewer tourists; some lagoons may be dry.
Budget-Friendly: December-February
Lower prices, fewer lagoons, and more rain.
Read more in our blog, when is the best time to visit Lençois Maranhenses
We aim to provide a personalized experience by assigning one guide for every 8 people. If your group exceeds this number, we will add a second guide at no additional cost.
Yes, the day usually starts early to avoid the strong sun. Most days offer free time from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, allowing you to explore the surroundings of your accommodation, read a book or take a nap at one of the hammocks.
The trek can be physically demanding, involving moderate to long distances over challenging terrains like sand dunes and freshwater lagoon
In case of an injury, we will provide the necessary support for your safe evacuation, which may include transport via quad bike, 4×4, or other means as required.
At PlanetaEXO, we hold environmental sustainability in high regard, which is why we’ve chosen a partner who aligns with our values. Our partner in Lençóis Maranhenses shares our dedication to responsible and community-based tourism.
Their team consists of highly experienced guides and drivers, ensuring a service that is both responsible and welcoming. As a family-owned business native to Barreirinhas, they have a genuine passion for showcasing the unique beauty and diversity of the Lençóis Maranhenses region. They work closely with local organizations to promote tourism that not only benefits the community but also respects and values local cultures.
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from ItalyOctober 9, 2023I booked this incredible 3-day trekking experience through PlanetaExo and I couldn't be happier with their service! Our guide really made this three-day trekking adventure in the Lençóis Maranhenses Park unforgettable. Their incredible knowledge and I booked this incredible 3-day trekking experience through PlanetaExo and I couldn't be happier with their service! Our guide really made this three-day trekking adventure in the Lençóis Maranhenses Park unforgettable. Their incredible knowledge and enthusiasm not only enriched our experience of the park's natural beauty, but also allowed us to connect with Brazilian culture and customs. His insights and stories added a fascinating cultural dimension to our trek, making it more than just a journey through nature. In addition, I would like to emphasize three aspects that made our experience of Europe extremely smooth. 1. Level of English: The PlanetaExo team had an excellent command of English, which made communication easy and enjoyable. It was comforting to know that language would not be a barrier during our adventure. 2. Booking flexibility: They accommodated our preferred dates and customized the trip according to our preferences. This flexibility ensured that we got the most out of our trek. 3. Easy payment method: Their simple payment method made the whole booking process hassle-free, allowing us to focus on the excitement of the adventure to come. Overall, PlanetaExo provided a top-notch experience from start to finish, and I would recommend them to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure in the Lençóis Maranhenses Park! …read more read lessDate of Experience: August 23, 2023
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from BrazilSeptember 20, 2023Host were so kind and made us feel at home ! The adventure is unforgettableDate of Experience: September 18, 2023
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from FranceAugust 22, 2023The ride was great, I'll leave you with some records of this unforgettable moment.Date of Experience: August 27, 2023
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from FranceAugust 9, 2023A great time with a great team! Don’t loose you time to looking for an other agency, PlanetaEXO is just the best for Lençois Maranhenses!!!! Go straight without any hesitation!!!! We took the 3 days A great time with a great team! Don’t loose you time to looking for an other agency, PlanetaEXO is just the best for Lençois Maranhenses!!!! Go straight without any hesitation!!!! We took the 3 days 2 nights trip, it was just amazing!!!!! …read more read lessDate of Experience: August 02, 2023
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from United KingdomAugust 3, 2023A very nice group of travelers, an incredible itinerary, a great adventure and excellent organization! Also, big thanks to the guide who was always by our side, we never felt abandoned from the first day A very nice group of travelers, an incredible itinerary, a great adventure and excellent organization! Also, big thanks to the guide who was always by our side, we never felt abandoned from the first day of correspondence. We look forward to organizing another adventure on our next trip to Brazil. …read more read lessDate of Experience: July 19, 2023
Cancelation Policy
- If you cancel within 7 days of booking the tour or extra services, you’ll receive a full refund, minus any credit card processing fees. However, if the tour is scheduled for the days immediately following your booking, no refund will be provided.
- For cancellations made up to 5 days before the start of the tour or extra services, you’ll receive a partial refund. A fee of 20% of the total tour cost will be deducted to cover operational and logistical expenses, as well as any cancellation fees with our partners.
- Cancellations made after the specified time frames will not be eligible for any refund.