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São Luis
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Saõ Luis
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Inns
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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
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a 4-day trip to Lençóis Maranhenses in Atins, a beautiful village near white sand dunes and crystal-clear lagoons! This journey strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, offering an immersive experience in one of Brazil’s most jaw-dropping landscapes.
Sailing across the Preguiças River, you’ll pass through mangroves and fishing villages before reaching two of the best destinations in Lençóis Maranhenses: Canto do Atins and Ponta do Mangue. Away from the crowds, travelers can truly appreciate the greatness of nature.
After creating memorable moments in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, relax in cozy accommodations, admire the starry sky and relish in delicious Brazilian food.
This is a good option for couples and families looking for something more relaxing. Most activities include rides in 4×4 cars, which means the experience doesn’t require a lot of physical effort.
Want some more? Check all of our Lençóis Maranhenses Tours!
Highlights of the adventure
- Fantastic sand dunes and rainwater lagoons in Canto do Atins and Ponta do Mangue
- Boat ride in the Preguiças River towards Lençóis Maranhenses in Atins
- Panoramic views from Preguiças Lighthouse
- Short walks and 4x4 car tours, perfect for families and couples
- Freshly made regional dishes, like shrimp and grilled fish, at charming local spots in Atins
Day by day
The adventure in Lençóis Maranhenses begins at 8 a.m. Our staff will pick you up in São Luís, capital of Maranhão, and head to Barreirinhas, a town in the north of the state, about 260 km (161 miles) away.
Halfway through the car ride, about two hours in, the group will stop in Morros to stretch our legs and grab a bite (meal not included). You won’t stay long in this charming little town, but you can still enjoy the fresh air, the picturesque architecture and the beauty of the tress while you’re there.
After going back on the road, the group will get to Barreirinhas in a couple of hours. Sailing down the Preguiças River on a speedboat, you’ll see palm trees and mangroves adorning the riverbanks. It’s a gorgeous sight, so get your camera ready!
On the right side of the river is Vassouras, a fisherman village nestled right in the middle of the dark waters of Preguiças River, the vibrant green vegetation and sparkly white sand. This is the first official stop, where you’ll get to enjoy refreshing coconut water, walk around the dunes and bathe in the rainwater lagoons. Little marmoset monkeys tend to play and interact with humans, which makes the experience even more exciting!
Continuing the journey, the group will pass by other fisherman villages, more sand dunes and freshwater beaches until we reach Mandacaru, where famous Preguiças Lighthouse lives. The 114-feet lighthouse is run by The Brazilian Navy since 1940 and welcomes visitors all day. This is our second stop!
Finally, the speedboat will get everyone to Port of Atins. A car will be waiting to take the group to the inn where we’ll spend the night in Atins, the hotspot village of Lençóis Maranhenses.
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll be free to enjoy the beach near the inn. Atins Beach (Praia de Atins) is calm and not very crowded, perfect for a lazy morning. On the white, fluffy sand, you can get a tan, take a nap or a relaxing walk. Make sure to also enjoy the crystal clear water by swimming or simply letting the waves soothe you. The sky is intensely blue and often colored by dozens of kiteboarding kites.
At 3 p.m., the group will jump in 4×4 cars to get to Canto do Atins, the entry point to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, where Rio Preguiças meets the Atlantic Ocean. This is, without a doubt, one of the most treasured places of Lençóis Maranhenses in Atins. The dunes’ beauty is otherworldly, and the contrast of the white sand with the blue-green lagoons is a feast for the eyes. Take your time to swim, contemplate the view, and share this wonderful moment with friends and family.
In the late afternoon, you can choose to have dinner in Restaurante do Senhor Antônio or Restaurante da Dona Luzia, two of the most beloved restaurants in Canto do Atins. The funny thing is that the owners are siblings and serve pretty much the same food. They usually recommend their signature dish – grilled shrimp with a secret sauce –, but the menu has many others Brazilian dishes you should definitely try. Please notice: this meal is not included in the price of the trip.
After dinner, explore the village, admire the starry sky or rest at the inn.
Our third day starts at 9 a.m. In 4×4 vehicles, we’ll ride to Ponta do Mangue village to visit some of the most beautiful lagoons in Lençóis Maranhenses (Atins). You’ll likely encounter Lagoa da Esmeralda, Lagoa da Gorjeta and Lagoa Tropical, but since the lagoons are formed by rainwater, you might see new ones that aren’t even named yet. Either way, diving into those crystal clear waters and then resting on the sand is always an unforgettable experience.
The group will then go back to the village to have lunch. The local cuisine is mostly based on fish and chicken recipes, but there are other delicious options with meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes. This meal in not included in the tour – make sure to talk to our staff so they can get your reservations at the restaurant.
Take your time to eat and explore Ponta do Mangue. The return to Atins is scheduled at 2 p.m. Free afternoon and evening.
The fourth day of your Lençóis Maranhenses Atins Tour starts will a hearty breakfast. This is your final chance to enjoy Brazilian flavors, so savor every bite! Your morning will be free to finish packing and revel in the last moments of this beautiful experience.
At 1 p.m., our staff will take you to Port of Atins. You’ll get aboard a speedboat to Barreirinhas and then return to São Luís (4-hour car ride).
What is included?
- Round-trip transfers (car) between São Luís and Barreirinhas
- Round-trip transfers (speedboat) between Atins and Barreirinhas, including Vassouras and Mandacaru
- 4x4 vehicle tours around Lençóis Maranhenses (Canto do Atins and Ponta do Mangue)
- Accommodation in local inns + breakfast
- Multilingual guides (Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese)
What is not included?
- Flights to São Luís
- Meals not previously mentioned
- Personal expenses
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.
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$550 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 BrazilAugust 8, 2024Reviewed Tour 4-day Lençóis Maranhenses Tour from AtinsA breathtaking setting, even more beautiful than we imagined, and everything was made more special by the service and organization of our tours —impeccable service. I highly recommend it!
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from BrazilJuly 11, 2024Reviewed Tour 4-day Lençóis Maranhenses Tour from AtinsWonderful! Lençóis has an indescribable landscape, and our experience. All the scheduled tours were on time, with dedicated professionals. Traveling among the three bases is complex (transfers), so it’s essential to go with a specialized Wonderful! Lençóis has an indescribable landscape, and our experience. All the scheduled tours were on time, with dedicated professionals. Traveling among the three bases is complex (transfers), so it’s essential to go with a specialized agency. No hassles, just enjoyment! Thank you! …read more read less
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from BrazilSeptember 10, 2023Reviewed Tour 4-day Lençóis Maranhenses Tour from AtinsVery beautiful place! Impressive nature! Excellent agency! Very attentive, punctual, and hospitable staff.
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from BrazilAugust 2, 2024Reviewed Tour 4-day Lençóis Maranhenses Tour from AtinsThank you for organizing this incredible trip! We were absolutely thrilled with the experience. Everything was perfect and impeccably organized, from the airport transfer to our hotel in Atins and all the excursions. Atins and Thank you for organizing this incredible trip! We were absolutely thrilled with the experience. Everything was perfect and impeccably organized, from the airport transfer to our hotel in Atins and all the excursions. Atins and Lençóis are truly stunning destinations. Thank you for making our trip so memorable and enjoyable. I highly recommend this agency for anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure. …read more read less
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from BrazilJune 6, 2024Reviewed Tour 4-day Lençóis Maranhenses Tour from AtinsWe did the tour from Atins, and it was excellent!! Our guide and the driver were great!! The tour was wonderful, and I highly recommend it.
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.