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2-day Lençóis Maranhenses trek from Atins

3 reviews
  • 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

Overview

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

Accomodation

FAQ

Reviews

Terms

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
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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.

Woman sand dunes Brazil
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!

Sunset at Lencois Maranhenses
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

Day 1 :
Arrival at Rio Negro / trekking to Baixa Grande Oasis

📍Departure from Atins 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!

Lencois Maranhenses trek from Atins
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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.

Local family house in Atins
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Reception by the local community in Atins
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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?

Sunset in the dunes during Lencois Maranhenses
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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!

Night view of the sand dunes
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  • 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
Day 2 :
Trekking to Rio Negro / Canto do Atins / Atins

Wake up bright and early to enjoy the second and last day of the Lençóis Maranhenses trek from Baixa Grande! 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
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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.

Couple in Lencois Maranhenses lagoon
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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

🏁 Arrival in Atins around 2 pm

  • Total distance by vehicle: approximately 25 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?

  • Overnight stay in your chosen accommodation (hammocks at a local’s house or camping)
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Transfer from Barreirinhas to the starting point of the trek
  • Transfer from the end of the trek to Santo Amaro
  • Experienced local eco-guide accredited by ICMBio
  • Personal accident insurance (Porto Seguro)

What is not included?

  • Drinks
  • Breakfast on the first day
  • Lunch and dinner on the last day
  • Accommodation in Barreirinhas
  • Any items not mentioned in the included items

Accomodation

Accommodation during this adventure is more than just a place to rest; it’s part of the experience itself. After a day of exploring the landscapes of Lençóis Maranhenses, your time to relax in the oasis will feel like a well-deserved reward. Sleep in hammocks or under the stars, surrounded by nature’s quiet beauty, and let this remote paradise redefine your idea of resting.

Lencois Maranhenses trek
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If you choose to stay with a local family, you’ll enjoy a cultural immersion like no other. Sleeping in a hammock might seem unconventional, but it’s surprisingly comfortable and deeply connected to the rhythm of life in this region. As you unwind, you’ll also have the chance to learn about the local way of life, making this option as enriching as it is relaxing.

Stay at Lençois Maranhenses trek
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Lençois Maranhenses Trekking
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Hammocks and blankets are offered by the local hosts. Their houses are equipped with essential structures for your stay, such as showers, outside showers, restrooms, electricity to recharge your electronic devices, food, and drinks.

Lençois Maranhenses hammocks
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Lençois Maranhenses Trekking
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For those seeking an adventure and a peaceful retreat, camping on the dunes offers a different kind of magic. Imagine falling asleep under a canopy of stars, far from the distractions of modern life. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with nature and experience the serenity of Lençóis Maranhenses in its purest form—a moment of peace you’ll carry with you long after the trip ends.

Whether you opt for the warmth of a local family’s hospitality or the quiet thrill of camping in the dunes, your nights in Lençóis will be unforgettable.

Camping Lencois Maranhenses
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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses is May to September, when the lagoons are full and perfect for swimming. This is when the park’s unforgettable scenery of turquoise lagoons and white dunes appears at its best.

From October to December, lagoons begin to dry and the landscape changes. Between January and April, the rains return, refilling the park, though trails can be muddy and visits more adventurous.

👉 Read our blog post about the best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses

How to get to?

All visitors arrive first at São Luís (SLZ), the capital of Maranhão. The airport has international status but no regular overseas routes. International travelers connect through Brazilian hubs like São Paulo, Brasília, Recife, or Fortaleza before flying to São Luís.

Once in São Luís, the route continues to Barreirinhas and from there by boat along the Preguiças River (3–4 hours with stops, about 2h30 direct) or a 4×4 transfer (1h30–2h) to Atins. Travelers can also choose to start the tour in Barreirinhas – in these cases, pick-up time is earlier, around 4:30 a.m

👉 Discover the main gateways to Lençóis Maranhenses

Where to stay?

On multi-day treks, travelers experience a more authentic stay inside the park itself. In the oases of Queimada dos Britos and Baixa Grande, local families host visitors in hammocks, with home-cooked meals and simple facilities.

Camping is also possible on certain routes, offering complete immersion in the dunes under the stars. These options are basic, but they provide an unforgettable connection with the park’s landscapes and its traditional communities.

👉 Explore our full E-book with essential tips for your travel to Lençóis Maranhenses

How many days to spend?

2 days let you see a glimpse of Lençóis Maranhenses, swimming in the lagoons, exploring the oases, and walking through the dunes. With 3 days, you can balance visits and more immersion in villages with time to rest between tours.

For combining different bases, 4-7 days are recommended. This allows deeper exploration and a more complete experience of the park. More days also allow you to connect Lençóis with other destinations through the famous Rota das Emoções, linking Maranhão with the Delta do Parnaíba and Jericoacoara.

 👉 See the ideal trip length for you in Lençóis Maranhenses

What to bring?

To ensure your experience is smooth and comfortable, we’ve prepared a checklist with everything you need to bring: 

Clothing and Accessories

  • Lightweight long pants: Allow for mobility.
  • Long-sleeved shirts with UV protection: For protection from the sun.
  • Socks: Bring more than one pair to ensure comfort on consecutive days.
  • Wide-brimmed hat or cap.
  • Scarf or buff: For protection from the sun, dust, and sand.
  • UV protection sunglasses: Essential for long periods of sun exposure.
  • Swimwear: For swimming in the lagoons along the way.
  • Sandals or flip-flops: For walking and resting.
  • Light rain jacket: Especially useful between February and June.
  • Microfiber towel: Lightweight, compact, and quick-drying.
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with high SPF: Preferably use biodegradable products.
  • Insect repellent: Essential, especially at the end of the day.
  • Earplugs: To help you rest in shared spaces. 

Travel essentials

  • Cash: Local communities do not accept cards.
  • Personal medication: Including any medication you take regularly.
  • Personal hygiene: Shampoo, soap, toothbrush, etc.
  • Power bank: To charge your electronic devices. Access to power is limited.
  • Small reusable bag or container: For storing your trash.

Equipment

  • Small backpack (up to 30L): To carry your personal items during the expedition.
  • Walking stick (optional): Helps with balance and reduces effort.
  • Waist bag or fanny pack: Ideal for carrying items you need quickly. 
  • Headlamp or flashlight: Useful at night or in low-light areas.
  • Water bottle (minimum 1.5L), or a hydration system.
  • Snacks: Cereal bars, nuts, or dried fruit to keep your energy up.
  • Light raincoat: For you and your backpack.

Packing Tips

  • Avoid excess weight. Ideally, your luggage should weigh around 4kg (about 8.8 lb).

👉 Read our complete travel guide to Lençóis Maranhenses

Overall Adventure Rating:
5.0
- Based on 3 travel reviews
Excellent
3
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  1. Recommended
    By Ryan Castro
    from United States
    September 16, 2025
    Staff very polite and helpful, I would definitely recommend it!
    Date of Experience: September 16, 2025
  2. Lençóis Maranhenses Atins
    It was the best trek ever !
    By Héloïse Aime
    from France
    September 16, 2025
    IG (Ivan Gabriel) speaks English very well, he's nice, funny and he chooses only incredible spots with no other tourists. He knows the dunes perfectly well and we just want to come back and do IG (Ivan Gabriel) speaks English very well, he's nice, funny and he chooses only incredible spots with no other tourists. He knows the dunes perfectly well and we just want to come back and do the 7 days trek with him ! The sunset in the lagoon was a perfect moment that we will always remember. The pick up and the disembarking were perfectly on time which is rare in Brazil! The communication to book the trek was fluide. Thanks Planeta Exo and IG for everything ! …read more read less
    Date of Experience: September 16, 2025
  3. Unforgettable Lencois
    By Michael Preventas
    from Greece
    September 16, 2025
    The trekking was a unique and unforgettable experience! It was two days of our lives in an another world. Luckily, we had Ivan as a guide that he knew the place so well that he The trekking was a unique and unforgettable experience! It was two days of our lives in an another world. Luckily, we had Ivan as a guide that he knew the place so well that he gave us the chance to experience this magnificent site that he loves so much. …read more read less
    Date of Experience: September 16, 2025

Cancelation Policy

  • If you cancel up to 15 days before the start of the tour or extra services, you will receive a full refund, minus any credit card processing fees.

  • For cancellations made 15 days or less before the start date, a partial refund will be issued. In this case, 40% of the total cost will be retained to cover operational, logistical, and partner cancellation fees.

  • Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the start date are non-refundable.

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

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