Menu
  • Trekking
  • Atins
  • Atins
  • Portuguese, English
  • Hammocks
  • 10
Price From R$1.811,25 price per person
  • Hassle-Free Booking
  • Handpicked Local Partners
  • Sustainable Travel
  • Book with Flexibility

About the adventure

Join us for a spectacular adventure with our 2-day Lençóis Maranhenses trek from Atins towards Baixa Grande Oasis! Perfect for nature lovers with limited schedules, this tour in the state of Maranhão gives you the chance to experience the wonders of one of Brazil’s most breathtaking destinations.

Lençóis Maranhenses trek Atins
.

Hike across the stunning white sand dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park – UNESCO’S World Heritage Site since 2024 – and swim in dozens of crystal-clear rainwater lagoons scattered around the trekking path. With a total distance of 12 km, this tour is perfect for travelers who wish to embark on a lighter adventure, but still witness the marvels of such a magical place.

alt_Woman-hiking-through-the-sand-dunes-in-Atins-during-the-Lencois-Maranhenses-trek.jpg
Paraíso do Caju

You’ll spend the night within the national park, comfortably sleeping in a hammock provided by locals and eating delicious, homemade food. With great opportunities to learn more about their day-to-day life and Brazilian culture, just imagine the stories you’ll get to tell at home!

alt_Sunset-over-the-dunes-in-Atins-during-the-Lencois-Maranhenses-trek.jpg
Brunonogaki/Creative Commons

This route offers low difficulty hiking. If you prefer more challenging trips, check out our alternative 2-day trekking tour in Lençóis Maranhenses!

Highlights of the adventure

  • Lençóis Maranhenses trek (Rio Negro area to Baixa Grande Oasis)
  • Exploration of white sand dunes, blue water lagoons and natural vegetation
  • Explore white sand dunes and crystal clear lagoons perfect for swimming and photography.
  • Interact and stay with local families to learn about local traditions.

Day by day

Our Lençóis Maranhenses trek from Atins begins at 6:30 a.m., when our staff picks up each person from their respective accommodation. Travelers can also choose to start the tour in Barreirinhas – in these cases, pick-up time is earlier, around 4:30 a.m.

In 4×4 vehicles, the group heads to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. The journey lasts two hours, but we’ll take a moment to have breakfast and watch the mesmerizing spectacle of the sun rising above the natural landscape. It’ll make your jaw drop!

altCouple-hiking-in-the-sand-dunes-of-Atins-on-the-Lencois-Maranhenses-trek-1.jpg
.

After reaching the Rio Negro area, it’s time to get ready for trekking. Across the sand, the tour guides will lead the group towards Baixa Grande Oasis. This 6 km hike takes over three hours – also considering a few stops to contemplate the gorgeous view of Lençóis and cool off in the lagoons. You should reach the oasis around 10:30 a.m.

Lencois Maranhenses Trek Atins
Natalia Portilho/Creative Commons

Once in Baixa Grande, you’ll have enough time to rest and recover from the hike. But don’t relax too much! A delicious lunch will be served shortly after, lovingly prepare by your hosts with fresh ingredients. Enjoy the chance to savor the authentic flavors of Brazilian food and getting to know the locals.

alt_Local-family-house-in-Atins-during-the-Lencois-Maranhenses-trek.jpg
.
altReception-by-the-local-community-in-Atins-during-the-Lencois-Maranhenses-trek.jpg
.

When you’re done with your meal, don’t waste time to explore the dunes, swim in the lagoons, contemplate the view and take lots of pictures. One of the most unforgettable experiences to have in Lençóis Maranhenses is watching the sunset in the late afternoon, when the white sand is painted with gold and the sun slowly disappears in the horizon.

You can’t miss this opportunity – after all, you’re not in one of the most beautiful places on Earth every day, right?

alt_Woman-standing-at-sunset-in-the-dunes-during-the-Lencois-Maranhenses-trek-in-Atins.jpg
.

Upon arrival at the accommodation, the group will have dinner and settle in at the local family’s house. Get plenty of sleep so you’ll be fully rested for the next day!

alt_Night-view-of-the-sand-dunes-during-the-Lencois-Maranhenses-trek-in-Atins.jpg
.

Total distance by vehicle: approximately 63 km from Barreirinhas and 31 km from Atins
Travel time by vehicle: about 3.5 hours from Barreirinhas and 2 hours from Atins

Total hiking distance: 6 km
Hiking duration: approximately 2 to 3 hours

Lunch, Dinner
Hammock

Wake up bright and early to enjoy the second and last day of the Lençóis Maranhenses trek from Atins! Breakfast will be served at 7 a.m., while the hike back to Rio Negro will start at 8 a.m.

Lencois Maranhenses Trek Atins
.

Once again, the 3-hour hike (6 km) will have a few stops, allowing the group to bathe in the lagoons and have fun around the dunes. Arrival in Bandeira is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. A car will take us straight to Canto do Atins, one of the most gorgeous places in Lençóis Maranhenses, where Preguiças River meets the Atlantic Ocean.

alt=_Couple hiking in the sand dunes of Atins on the Lençóis Maranhenses trek
.

At lunchtime, fill your belly in one of Canto do Atins’ restaurants and rest for a bit. The cars will drive the group back to Atins and take all travelers to their own accommodations at 2 p.m.

Lencois Maranhenses Trek Atins
Paraíso do Caju

Total distance by vehicle: approximately 45 km
Travel time by vehicle: 1 to 2 hours

Total hiking distance: 6 km
Hiking duration: approximately 2 to 3 hours

Breakfast, Lunch

What is included?

  • Round-trip transfers (car) between Atins/Barreirinhas and Rio Negro
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
  • Accommodation in locals’ houses (hammocks)
  • Experienced eco tour guides
  • Personal accident insurance (Porto Seguro)
  • Custom made gifts (cap and tote bag)

What is not included?

  • Flight tickets to São Luis
  • Transportation, accommodation and meals before and after the trekking tour
  • Hiking equipment
  • Drinks
  • Tips for the staff

Accomodation

Visiting Lençóis Maranhenses is being aware that you’ll live an immersion in nature unlike any other. Besides trekking across the white sand dunes and diving into freshwater lagoons, the accommodation is also an essential part of the adventure.

Travelers stay in local’s houses, who graciously open their doors for hikers from all over the world. Under the starry sky and Lençóis’ lovely warm weather, you’ll sleep in hammocks on a shared space with your group mates.

altAnother-local-familys-house-in-Atins-during-the-Lencois-Maranhenses-trek-1.jpg
Paraíso do Caju

The accommodation is modest, but cozy and clean, containing everything you need for a good night’s rest, including blankets, bathrooms, hot showers, electricity and food.

Although the stay is fairly short, you’ll still be able to have a wonderful experience surrounded by nature and learn about the lifestyle of your hosts. If you love getting to know new people and learning about different cultures, this is the perfect option for you!

Lencois Maranhenses Trek Atins
Paraíso do Caju

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest airport to Lençóis Maranhenses?

The nearest airport to Lençóis Maranhenses is located in São Luis.

How do I get to Barreirinhas where the tour starts?

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.

Can I store extra luggage while on the trek?

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.

I'm traveling solo. How can I secure my Trip?

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.

Can I book a private group?

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.

Do the guides speak English?

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.

Are drinks included in the package?

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.

What type of food is provided at the support points?

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.

I have dietary restrictions. Can you accommodate them?

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.

What is the accommodation like in Lençóis Maranhenses?

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.

What is the transportation during the tour?

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.

What should I pack for Lençóis Maranhenses?

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.

When is is the best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses?

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

How many people are assigned to one guide?

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.

Is there free time during the hike?

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.

How physically demanding is the trek?

The trek can be physically demanding, involving moderate to long distances over challenging terrains like sand dunes and freshwater lagoons.

What if I get injured?

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.

How do we prioritize environmental sustainability on the tour?

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.

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.

    Ask a Question via WhatsApp
    Plan your next adventure with our travel specialists.

    You can send your enquiry via the form below.

    If you not sure about the date, please pick an estimate.

    Price From R$1.811,25 price per person
    • Hassle-Free Booking
    • Handpicked Local Partners
    • Sustainable Travel
    • Book with Flexibility