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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 one of the most authentic and immersive experiences! This 4-day Lencois Maranhenses trekking is much more than a simple walk: it’s a journey through one of Brazil’s most surreal landscapes, recognized as a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There, crystal-clear lagoons contrast with golden dunes and hidden oases surprise you at every step.

On this Lençóis Maranhenses adventure, you’ll cover between 6 and 16 km a day at a moderate pace, always accompanied by experienced guides. The stops to bathe in the lagoons and the moments to enjoy the sunset over the dunes show that all the effort is worth it!

What’s more, on this trip you’ll also have the experience of sleeping in the homes of local residents, enjoying home-cooked meals and experiencing the human warmth of the communities that live in harmony and in a simple way with this exuberant nature!


This Lencois Maranhenses trekking is ideal for those looking for a deep connection with nature, local culture and memories that will last forever. Pack your bags, because this adventure starts now!
If you’re short on time, you can still enjoy a unique adventure with our 2-day trip or 3-day trek.
Highlights of the adventure
- Trekking across landscapes that feel out of this world.
- Immersion in the Baixa Grande and Queimada dos Britos oases, true sanctuaries in the desert.
- Refreshing swims in crystal-clear lagoons along the way.
- Golden sunsets over the dunes, a daily spectacle of nature.
- The warm simplicity of local families who welcome travellers into their homes.
- The serene grandeur of Lagoa Bicudo Gordo, hidden in the Rancharia community.
- The almost untouched beauty of Lagoa do Junco, the perfect setting to conclude the adventure.
Day by day
Departure from Barreirinhas at 4:30 am and from Atins at 6:30 am
Ready to start an unforgettable trip? Your Lençóis Maranhenses adventure begins early: we’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Barreirinhas at 4:30 am (or 6:30 am if you’re in Atins) for a 4×4 ride straight into the heart of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Both towns are less than 300 kilometres from São Luís, the capital of Maranhão.

It’s about two hours off-road to the Rio Negro region, and along the way, we’ll stop for a tasty breakfast and watch the sunrise. A magical way to begin the day, don’t you think?
After breakfast, we continue our Lencois Maranhenses trekking with a light 6 km walk (around 2 to 3 hours) towards Baixa Grande Oasis. Once there, it’s time to relax, enjoy the landscape, and cool off in the crystal-clear lagoons. We expect to arrive around 10:30 am.

After lunch, we return to the dunes for another swim and a breathtaking sunset. Dinner and overnight stay will be at a local family’s house, offering an authentic touch to the experience.
- Total distance by vehicle: 40 km (approximately)
- Travel time by vehicle: 2 hours (approximately)
- Total hiking distance: 6 km
- Hiking duration: Around 2 to 3 hours
The second day of our Lençóis Maranhenses trekking continues in the same spirit of adventure! Breakfast is at 4:30 am, and by 5 am we hit the trail towards the Queimada dos Britos Oasis.

It’s a 12 km hike (around 5 hours), crossing the Rio Negro, enjoying the sunrise, and of course, stopping for refreshing swims in the lagoons. Arrival is expected around 10:30 am. After lunch and some rest, we head back to the dunes for another sunset, as stunning as the previous ones. If you appreciate tranquillity and untouched nature, this is the perfect place. Dinner and overnight at a local family’s home once again.

- Total hiking distance: 12 km
- Hiking duration: Around 5 hours
Today, our Lençóis Maranhenses trekking starts even earlier: wake-up at 3 am, breakfast at 3:30 am, and departure at 4 am. We’ll hike 14 km (around 6 hours), with stops to swim in incredible lagoons along the way! Arrival at Rancharia is expected around 10 am, with lunch at 11 am.



In the afternoon, after a well-deserved rest, we return to the dunes for a swim and another breathtaking sunset. Rancharia is a small, welcoming community, home to about 15 families. Here, you’ll find Lagoa Bicudo Gordo, one of the largest and most impressive lagoons in the park. Enjoy it!

- Total hiking distance: 14 km
- Hiking duration: Around 6 hours
Our last day of the Lençóis Maranhenses trekking, but it’s far from over. Wake-up call at 3 am, breakfast, and then departure at 4 am for a 16 km hike (around 5 hours) towards Lagoa do Junco, considered one of the most beautiful lagoons in the entire park.

We’ll make a stop along the way to admire the sunrise and take one last refreshing dip. Arrival is expected around 9 am, giving us time to relax, swim, and savour our final moments in this unique landscape.

At around 10 am, a 4×4 vehicle will take us on a 30-minute ride to Santo Amaro do Maranhão, marking the end of this incredible journey.
- Total distance by vehicle: Approximately 25 km
- Travel time by vehicle: Around 30 minutes
- Total hiking distance: 16 km
- Hiking duration: Around 5 hours
Arrival in Santo Amaro at 10:30 am
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.

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.


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.


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.

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 BrazilJanuary 25, 2025A very serious and committed company. Guided trekking with trained, attentive and helpful guides. I felt 100% safe, they are always on the lookout, alert to any step or movement of the clients on the A very serious and committed company. Guided trekking with trained, attentive and helpful guides. I felt 100% safe, they are always on the lookout, alert to any step or movement of the clients on the trek. You can go with your eyes closed! …read more read lessDate of Experience: January 25, 2025
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from BrazilJanuary 15, 2025It was an incredible experience, the guides were experienced professionals, kind, and I was very well looked afterDate of Experience: January 15, 2025
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from BrazilOctober 23, 2023Excellent 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, 2023Definitely 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, 2023Lençóis 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, 2023It 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, 2023The 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
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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.
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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.
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Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the start date are non-refundable.