Lençóis Maranhenses Full Itinerary: Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro & Atins
Planeta Exo
TripsBrazilLençóis Maranhenses

Lençóis Maranhenses Full Itinerary: Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro & Atins

Brazil
5 Nights·6 Days
Lençóis MaranhensesMulti-ActivityComfort Adventures

Overview

This 6-day itinerary covers all three main bases of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Barreirinhas, Atins, and Santo Amaro) connected by road, river, and 4×4 transfers. It is the most complete option for travelers who want to experience the full diversity of the park in a single trip without committing to a multi-day trek.

Each base reveals a different side of Lençóis Maranhenses. Barreirinhas is the main gateway, with the strongest infrastructure and access to the Lagoa Azul circuit plus a stargazing experience in the dunes. Atins is a rustic beach village reached by speedboat along the Preguiças River, with the Ponta do Mangue and Canto do Atins lagoon circuits. Santo Amaro sits right at the edge of the park's eastern sector, with direct walking access to Lagoa do Junco and Lagoa do Reflexo.

  • Full itinerary in Lençóis Maranhenses: Barreirinhas, Atins, and Santo Amaro.
  • Visits to some of the park's most beautiful lagoons (Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Tropical, Lagoa do Junco, Lagoa do Reflexo, and many more).
  • Boat trips across the Preguiças River, with strategic stops to explore the surrounding attractions.
  • Visits to local villages, including Vassouras, Mandacaru, and Ponta Verde.
  • Picnic on the dunes, stargazing, and the Canto do Atins Circuit.
  • Activities led by highly qualified guides, 4x4 circuits, and round-trip transfer from São Luís.

  • Flexible tour: extend your trip by adding more days to this adventure. Contact us for more information!

Itinerary

Day 1

Barreirinhas / Lagoa Azul / Stargazing / Picnic

  • DrivingSão Luís → Barreirinhas · ~4 hrs · ~260 km · paved
  • FerryPreguiças River crossing · ~30 min
  • 4x4 transferFerry → Lagoa Azul area · ~14 km · ~45 min
  • HikingShort dune walk to Lagoa Azul viewpoint
  • Sunset + StargazingLagoa Azul · ~3 hrs total

Departure from São Luís, Maranhão: PlanetaEXO's local partner will pick you up at your accommodation in São Luís at 8:30 AM. The road to Barreirinhas covers about 250 km in 4 hours on paved roads, with a short snack stop in Morros along the way (snack not included). Arrival in Barreirinhas around 12:30 PM, followed by check-in at your accommodation.

At 3:30 PM the group meets to take the ferry across the Preguiças River. From the far bank, a 4×4 vehicle continues to the Lagoa Azul region inside Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. A short walk over the dunes leads to a viewpoint for sunset.

After sunset, there is free time to swim in the lagoons and explore the surroundings. At 7:30 PM the sky opens up for stargazing in the dunes—minimal light pollution makes this one of the best stargazing spots in northeastern Brazil. A light picnic is served before the return to Barreirinhas around 8:30 PM. Overnight in Barreirinhas.

Meals included: Light picnic on Day 1 evening

Turquoise rainwater lagoon nestled between sweeping white sand dunes under a blue sky in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
An open-top 4x4 vehicle carrying a group of travellers along a sandy track beside a shallow coastal lagoon, with green dune vegetation and blue sky as part of a Lençóis Maranhenses Full Itinerary
Aerial view of a lone swimmer floating on their back in shallow crystal-clear water over a patterned sandy and rocky seabed, captured from directly above as part of a Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary
Two swimmers float face-down in a crystal-clear shallow lagoon on the Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary, with sweeping white sand dunes stretching to the horizon under a vivid blue sky
A golden-furred capuchin monkey with a dark cap clings to a tree branch surrounded by green foliage, spotted during the Lençóis Maranhenses Full Itinerary river stop at Vassouras
A woman sits on a colorful blanket atop a white sand dune in Lençóis Maranhenses Full Itinerary, gazing at a vivid golden sunset over the vast dune landscape
The Milky Way arching over white sand dunes and a still turquoise lagoon at night in Lençóis Maranhenses Full Itinerary stargazing experience
Aerial view of sinuous white sand banks weaving between vivid turquoise lagoon channels in Lençóis Maranhenses Full Itinerary landscapes, with two tiny human figures visible on the dunes below

Day 2

Barreirinhas / Vassouras / Mandacaru / Atins

  • TransferHotel → Preguiças River port · ~5 min
  • SpeedboatBarreirinhas → Atins along Preguiças River · ~half-day with stops
  • Stop 1Vassouras (Pequenos Lençóis) — capuchin monkeys, fresh coconut
  • Stop 2Mandacaru lighthouse — river-meets-sea panorama

Hotel pick-up at 8:30 AM and transfer to the Preguiças River port. The speedboat journey to Atins runs along one of the most scenic stretches of the river, framed by mangrove vegetation and palm trees.

First stop: the village of Vassouras, in the so-called Pequenos Lençóis (Small Lençóis). Walk among small dunes, drink fresh coconut water, and watch for capuchin monkeys living in the mangroves. Important: do not feed the animals.

The boat continues past riverside fishing villages to Mandacaru, where the group climbs the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the Preguiças River mouth. Onward to Bar da Hora village for lunch (not included), then free time. At 2:30 PM the boat resumes its journey to the port of Atins; a vehicle transfers travelers to their inn around 3 PM. Overnight in Atins.

Meals included: Not included

Aerial view of Barreirinhas showing the Preguiças River curving past a white sand beach, colorful boats moored along the waterfront, and the town spreading into green vegetation on the Lençóis Maranhenses Full Itinerary
Aerial view of trekkers leaving footprints across vast white dunes in the Lençóis Maranhenses Full Itinerary, with dark blue lagoons nestled between the sandy ridges under a partly cloudy sky
A woman in a white shirt stands barefoot on rippled white sand dunes facing a sparkling blue lagoon, with a row of wind turbines stretching across the horizon under a bright sky — a striking scene from a Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary
A dark donkey grazes on a narrow strip of green grass beside a lagoon, with a towering golden sand dune rising sharply behind it under a blue sky — a striking scene from the Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary
Tall coconut palms cast sharp shadows over a white sand shore along the Preguiças River, with two small speedboats crossing the calm blue water under a cloudless sky — part of the Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary
A young capuchin monkey perches on the edge of a rustic wooden rooftop surrounded by swaying palm fronds and a vivid blue sky, a memorable wildlife encounter on the Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary
A market stall loaded with trays of fresh cashew fruit and tropical citrus alongside rows of colourful homemade infused liqueur bottles, part of the local food culture along the Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary
A traveller with a straw hat and backpack walks barefoot down a sandy slope toward thatched and tin-roofed huts nestled among palm trees beside a wide blue river on the Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary

Day 3

Atins / Ponta do Mangue / Canto do Atins

  • 4x4 circuitPonta do Mangue · morning
  • 4x4 circuitCanto do Atins · afternoon
  • SwimmingMultiple lagoons throughout the day
  • WaterfallCachoeira do Bonzinho (June–August only)

Departure at 10 AM for a full day of lagoon circuits in the Atins region. The Ponta do Mangue Circuit visits seasonal favorites such as Lagoa Tropical, Lagoa da Gorjeta, and Lagoa da Esmeralda (the exact selection depends on water levels).

Mid-day stop for lunch (not included) and rest in hammocks. At 3 PM the Canto do Atins Circuit continues to Lagoa do Gavião, Lagoa do Kite, Lagoa da Gaivota, and Lagoa das Sete Mulheres—among the most photogenic lagoons in the region. Between June and August, the route also includes Cachoeira do Bonzinho, the only waterfall on this circuit.

End-of-day sunset over the dunes before returning to Atins. The village has the most laid-back atmosphere of the three bases, with sandy streets and a small but interesting restaurant scene. Overnight in Atins.

Meals included: Not included

Bare footprints crossing vast white sand dunes toward a small blue lagoon nestled between ridges under a blazing sun — a scene from the Lençóis Maranhenses Full Itinerary
Aerial view of thatched-roof huts, palm trees, and sandy tracks in the rustic village of Atins, with the Lençóis Maranhenses Full Itinerary taking travelers along the coastline where kite surfers dot the blue waters beyond
A small freshwater turtle with a dark patterned shell and yellow-marked head resting in clear shallow water over a sandy bottom, spotted along the Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary
A kitesurfer skims across choppy water near a white-sand beach lined with palm trees and thatched huts, part of the Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary experience
A lone figure wades along the base of a sweeping white sand dune beside a turquoise lagoon in Lençóis Maranhenses Full Itinerary country, under a wide blue sky with cumulus clouds
Aerial view of crystal-clear turquoise lagoon water cutting between sweeping white sand dunes under a vivid blue sky in Lençóis Maranhenses Full Itinerary country
Four travelers seated in folding chairs on a vast open dune at golden-hour sunset, with a 4x4 safari vehicle silhouetted beside them during a Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary excursion
A woman's silhouette walks across rippled sand dunes at golden-hour sunset on the Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary, with a glimmering lagoon and rolling dunes stretching to the horizon behind her

Day 4

Atins / Barreirinhas / Santo Amaro / Lagoa do Junco

  • SpeedboatAtins → Barreirinhas · along Preguiças River
  • DrivingBarreirinhas → Santo Amaro · ~1h30 · ~111 km · paved
  • HikingShort dune walk to Lagoa do Junco
  • Swimming + SunsetLagoa do Junco · afternoon

Pick up from the Atins inn at 9 AM and transfer to the port for the speedboat back to Barreirinhas. From there, road transfer to Santo Amaro (~111 km, ~1.5 hours on paved roads). Drop-off at each traveler's chosen accommodation.

At 3 PM the group departs on foot for Lagoa do Junco, one of the most famous lagoons in Lençóis Maranhenses. Because Santo Amaro sits right at the park's edge, much of the trail crosses the dunes directly, with dramatic views throughout.

Free time at the lagoon for swimming and photos through sunset before returning to the inn. Overnight in Santo Amaro.

Meals included: Not included

Golden sunset over a tidal channel winding between white sand dunes in Lençóis Maranhenses, reflecting orange light on shallow water
Aerial view from a small aircraft over the Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary landscape, showing vast white sand dunes interlaced with turquoise and emerald seasonal lagoons stretching to the horizon
A smiling woman in a teal bikini splashes through crystal-clear shallow lagoon water against white sand dunes and a vivid blue sky in Lençóis Maranhenses Full Itinerary
Aerial view of a deep blue lagoon cutting through white sand dunes with green aquatic vegetation visible on the submerged floor, part of the Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary landscape
A red and green wooden boat named Esperança moored at a sandy riverbank, with mangrove-fringed water and blue sky behind — part of the Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary river experience
A rustic wooden swing and sign reading 'Santo Amaro é único e pra você' stand on white sand beside a calm lagoon, with sweeping white dunes stretching to the horizon on this Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary stop
Aerial view of a tannin-dark river winding through green vegetation before meeting the white dunes and turquoise lagoons of the Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary landscape
A group of travellers silhouetted with arms raised on the crest of a vast white sand dune, their footprints trailing down the slope toward a vivid green lagoon below, on a Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary

Day 5

Santo Amaro / Ponta Verde + Lagoa do Reflexo

  • HikingSanto Amaro → Ponta Verde · over dunes + 4x4 trail
  • Lunch stopPonta Verde village (~1.5 hrs)
  • Swimming + SunsetLagoa do Reflexo · afternoon

Departure at 9 AM on foot toward Ponta Verde village. The route begins with dunes and continues through stretches of restinga vegetation. Ponta Verde is known for native fruits (cashew, mirim) and for the evergreen growth that gives the place its name.

Lunch at a local restaurant in Ponta Verde (not included). Later, the group heads to Lagoa do Reflexo for swimming and photos. After sunset, return to the inn in Santo Amaro.

Meals included: Not included

Aerial view of a woman floating on her back in clear turquoise shallow water near a white sand shore, part of the Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary experience
A woman with a backpack walks barefoot across white sand dunes toward a crystal-clear blue lagoon on a Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary, her footprints trailing behind her
An adult and two children climb a vast white sand dune beside a still lagoon during the golden hour on a Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary
A crystal-clear turquoise lagoon nestled against a sweeping white sand dune under a dramatic cloudy sky, part of the Lençóis Maranhenses Full Itinerary experience
A young capuchin monkey perched on a branch among dense green mangrove leaves, part of the Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary wildlife experience at Vassouras
Wooden welcome arch for Santo Amaro reading 'Morrarias Lagoas Praias e Rios', with turquoise directional signs and a sandy unpaved road ahead, part of the Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary

Day 6

Departure

  • DrivingSanto Amaro → São Luís · ~4 hrs

Say goodbye to Lençóis before transferring back to the city in the morning. The 4×4 stretch covers the first part of the route before connecting to the paved highway. We recommend booking onward flights from São Luís for late evening or the following day (in case of road delays).

Departure from Santo Amaro, Lençóis Maranhenses: PlanetaEXO's local partner will drive you back to the airport or your hotel in São Luís at 9 AM. Expected arrival in the capital is around 1 PM.

Meals included: Not included

Aerial view of two travelers waving from a golden sand dune ridge beside a dark reflective lagoon during sunset, with a 4x4 vehicle parked below — a scene from a Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary
Aerial view of a black-and-white striped lighthouse surrounded by palm trees and small buildings, with the Preguiças River, dense forest, and white sand dunes stretching to the horizon — a landmark stop on the Lençóis Maranhenses Full Itinerary
A lone figure sits on rippled white sand dunes overlooking a shallow lagoon fringed with grass tufts at golden sunset, a defining scene of the Lençóis Maranhenses full itinerary

What is Included

  • Transfers: Private round-trip São Luís ⇄ Lençóis Maranhenses, all ground services in private vehicles, speedboats Barreirinhas ⇄ Atins (via Vassouras and Mandacaru) and ground transfer Barreirinhas → Santo Amaro
  • Activities & tours: Day 1 Lagoa Azul circuit with picnic and stargazing; Day 3 Ponta do Mangue + Canto do Atins 4x4 circuits; Day 4 Lagoa do Junco circuit; Day 5 Ponta Verde + Lagoa do Reflexo circuit
  • Guide: Certified local guide throughout

Not included

  • Flights
  • Accommodation (Barreirinhas, Atins, Santo Amaro and São Luís)
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary (lunch and dinner on most days)
  • Drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Bilingual-guide upgrade (see Optional Extras)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc.) and tips for guides, drivers and boat crew
  • Any services not previously mentioned

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$ 950/ per person