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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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Portuguese, English
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10 people
- Hassle-Free Booking
- Handpicked Local Partners
- Sustainable Travel
- Book with Flexibility
About the adventure
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with our Lençóis Maranhenses trekking! Start this incredible journey with a speedboat ride through the natural wonders of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, experience the rich local culture in villages like Vassouras and Mandacaru, cross the Rio Negro and get to know the 2 oases that make up this Brazilian treasure that is the Lençóis Maranhenses!
The highlight of your trekking will undoubtedly be the walks through the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. In this unique landscape, you’ll find vast expanses of white dunes interspersed with lagoons of incomparable crystalline water that will leave you inspired.
On top of all this, you’ll meet welcoming people and learn about the sustainable tourism efforts that keep this natural jewel of Maranhão intact. If you only have a little less time, you can also experience a unique adventure on our 2-day trip or 3-day trek.
Don’t miss out on this incredible trekking in Lençóis Maranhenses, a unique opportunity to live to the full and experience the perfect combination of natural beauty and cultural richness. Ready to live this adventure?
Highlights of the adventure
- Visit two oases, the Baixa Grande Oasis and the Queimada dos Britos Oasis in the National Park.
- Combine natural and cultural beauty in 5 days of hiking in Lençóis Maranhenses.
- Visit the welcoming communities of Vassouras and Mandacaru and immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Discover the crystal-clear waters of Atins Beach and its jaw-dropping dunes.
- Stay with local families to learn about local traditions.
Day by day
Start your Lençóis Maranhenses trekking at 8:30 am in Barreirinhas with a fun speedboat ride. We’ll visit the APA (Pequenos Lençóis Maranhenses) and stop at the villages of Vassouras and Mandacaru, where we can observe the daily life of the locals and their traditions, including animal husbandry and fishing.
The adventure continues with a visit to the charming beach village of Atins, where we’ll have lunch and then head off in a 4×4 vehicle to the Baixa Grande Oasis. Here at the oasis, you’ll see how the locals relate to their environment. The area has sand dunes and a unique restinga ecosystem, is home to just six families, and to truly experience the Lençóis Maranhenses trek, you will spend the night with a local family, sleeping in hammocks.
During your free time, explore and talk to them to learn about their traditions. Don’t forget to taste tiquira, a local cassava brandy.
The second day begins before dawn, with breakfast served at 4:30 a.m. and departure at 5 a.m. for a 12 km hike to the Queimada dos Britos Oasis. During the walk we will cross the Rio Negro, watch the sunrise and have the opportunity to swim in crystal clear lagoons.
Our destination, the Queimada dos Britos Oasis, is a small village of 14 families that belongs to the municipality of Santo Amaro, in Maranhão. The landscape has typical restinga vegetation and during the flood months, the village is partially submerged, creating a unique and captivating morning. Immerse yourself in this day of trekking in Lençóis Maranhenses, discover the wonders of nature and be enchanted by the warmth, affection and attention of the local people.
On this third day in Lençóis Maranhenses, we’ll dive even deeper into the culture and nature of the Queimada dos Britos Oasis. We’ll start our day with breakfast at 7am, preparing us for a day of discovery and authentic connections. The morning tour of the village will give us an intimate look into the daily life of the community. We’ll visit with other local families and have the opportunity to better understand their traditions, lifestyles, and the stories that shape this unique place.
After lunch we will continue our adventure by heading to the dunes and the afternoon will be dedicated to relaxing swims in the lagoons and another chance to watch the spectacle of the sunset, which never ceases to amaze with its vibrant colors reflected in the water and sand of the dunes. This day promises to be a perfect balance between culture and nature!
Get ready for our last day of trekking in the Lençóis Maranhenses! Departure is scheduled for 3:00 a.m., with breakfast served at 2:30 a.m. We’ll then head to Lagoa do Cajueiro, which will take about 14 km (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 transport from Barreirinhas to Flag in 4×4;
- Lunch, dinner and accommodation in a hammock at Oásis Baixa Grande (breakfast included);
- 2 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 accommodations in a hammock at Oásis Queimada dos Britos (breakfast included);
- Return by private 4×4 from Lagoa Bonita to Barreirinhas;
- Experienced local ecological driver accredited by ICMBio;
- Exclusive cashew paradise gifts (cap, bag and trail snack);
- Individual accident insurance – Porto Seguro
What is not included?
- Any item not described in “Services included”;
- Drinks;
- Personal equipment;
- Evacuation in 4×4 transport due to abandonment;
- Transport, hotels and meals, before and after the end of the trek;
- Tips
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 lagoons.
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 BrazilOctober 23, 2023Reviewed Tour 4-day Lençóis Maranhenses TrekkingExcellent stay, very well looked after, the two guides are excellent, they contributed a lot to the success of the trek. Very patient, attentive to our needs and very educational. Thanks to the beautiful photos Excellent stay, very well looked after, the two guides are excellent, they contributed a lot to the success of the trek. Very patient, attentive to our needs and very educational. Thanks to the beautiful photos taken by the two guides, we'll have unforgettable memories. I made a dream come true, crossing the Lençois, and with skis on my feet it was even more sensational. …read more read lessDate of Experience: September 13, 2023
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from BrazilSeptember 18, 2023Reviewed Tour 4-day Lençóis Maranhenses TrekkingDefinitely a 10/10 experience however the extra day compared to the 3 day tour didn‘t seem to add a lot of value. It was again visiting lagoons close by which was fun but nothing new Definitely a 10/10 experience however the extra day compared to the 3 day tour didn‘t seem to add a lot of value. It was again visiting lagoons close by which was fun but nothing new compared to the other day. I think anything small else even just like fishing in the village could add something new to make the „rest day“ more valuable. Price was definitely expensive (also because of the flights) thats why some of our friends didn‘t want to join however for me it was worth it. …read more read lessDate of Experience: September 13, 2023
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from NetherlandsJune 8, 2023Reviewed Tour 4-day Lençóis Maranhenses TrekkingLençóis Marahenses is a magical place! It’s as if you walk on the moon ( as I imagine). To walk on the dunes and swim in the clear water of the dune lakes is very Lençóis Marahenses is a magical place! It’s as if you walk on the moon ( as I imagine). To walk on the dunes and swim in the clear water of the dune lakes is very special. The houses where you sleep are simple ( you sleep in hammocks) . The people of these houses are very welcoming and kind, they make a fire in the night and you are really in the middle of nature. That’s a great experience! I would really recommend this trip. This dune landscape I never experienced before.. …read more read lessDate of Experience: September 02, 2023
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from GermanyAugust 31, 2023Reviewed Tour 4-day Lençóis Maranhenses TrekkingIt was an great experience! If you have the possibility to do it……do it! It is a once in a livetime adventure! Viva Brazil!!!Date of Experience: August 24, 2023
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from FranceApril 24, 2023Reviewed Tour 4-day Lençóis Maranhenses TrekkingThe adventure was incredible as the place is truly one of a kind.. We very much enjoyed walking for several days in the Lençóis and had a great time. But the organization lacked clarity fir The adventure was incredible as the place is truly one of a kind.. We very much enjoyed walking for several days in the Lençóis and had a great time. But the organization lacked clarity fir us : first of all on the fact we would be literally walking in water for days (I definitely would have taken other clothes if I had known this). Second on the organization if days, the time we would wake up (2h30 instead of 4h on last day, which we discovered at 9pm the day before). Finally we were disappointed by the quality of meals during our stops (no vegetables, no fruits in most places and in the end we literally ate the same thing every day: rice, feijão, grilled fish or chicken). I was also very surprised that we had to buy our water for each day, as I would have imagined a meal would include something to drink, especially in the desert. All these remarks this diminished a bit the satisfaction we felt during the trip …read more read lessDate of Experience: April 16, 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.