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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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English, Portuguese
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10
- Hassle-Free Booking
- Handpicked Local Partners
- Sustainable Travel
- Book with Flexibility
About the adventure
Welcome to the 3-day Lençóis Maranhenses trek! This magical trip perfectly combines natural beauty with cultural experiences. Embark on an adventure starting in Barreirinhas, the gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Join us for an unforgettable experience as we take you through the region’s most captivating attractions.
As part of your trek to Lençóis Maranhenses, you’ll get a glimpse of the local way of life, meet the friendly locals and discover the sustainable tourism initiatives that are an integral part of preserving this incredible natural treasure. On this adventure we will explore this ecosystem and observe animals, carnivorous plants and traditional communities.
The highlight of your adventure will undoubtedly be the hikes through the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. In this unique landscape, you’ll find vast expanses of white dunes interspersed with crystal-clear lagoons. This unparalleled natural wonder will leave you in awe.
We can also offer you our 2-day trek or the 4-day Lençois Maranhenses hike in a similar format and guarantee an equally unique experience.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary trek experience in Lençóis Maranhenses that will allow you to connect with the beauty of nature like never before. Ready to live this adventure?
Highlights of the adventure
- 3-day trek in Lençóis Maranhenses blends natural beauty and culture.
- Visit two Oasis, the Oasis Baixa Grande and Oasis Queimada dos Britos
- Explore white sand dunes and shimmering lagoons in the National Park.
- Stay with local families to learn about regional traditions.
Day by day
📍 Departure from Barreirinhas at 5 a.m.
Get ready for an unforgettable day of trekking in the Lençóis Maranhenses! Our adventure begins in Barreirinhas (or in Atins, in which case departure is at 7 am), about 4 hours from São Luís (237 km). We’ll depart at 5 am towards Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, followed by a 2-hour off-road journey in a 4×4 vehicle to Rio Negro, with a stop to catch the sunrise along the way.
From there, we’ll start a 6 km hike (around 2 to 3 hours), including a refreshing swim in the lagoons, before reaching Oásis Baixa Grande (a small, lush patch of green in the middle of the sand), the gateway to an extraordinary journey in this paradise in Brazil!
We should reach the oasis around midday. It’s one of the most isolated inhabited spots in the park, home to just six families who live in tune with the dunes and the restinga ecosystem. To truly experience the Lençóis Maranhenses crossing, we’ll stay overnight with one of these families, a rare chance to connect with the local way of life.
After lunch and some rest, we’ll return to the dunes in the late afternoon for another swim in the lagoons and a chance to watch the sunset. Back at the house, we’ll gather for dinner and an informal chat to learn more about the community’s stories and traditions. And if you’re curious, don’t miss the chance to taste Tiquira, a strong cassava-based brandy that’s typical of the region.ㅤ
- Total distance by vehicle: 34 km from Barreirinhas to Lençóis Maranhenses
- Travel time by vehicle: about 2 hours
- Total hiking distance: 6 km
- Hiking duration: approximately 2 to 3 hours
Ready for another adventure in this Lençóis Maranhenses trek? The day starts at 4:30 am with breakfast, essential to fuel us for the journey ahead. By 5:00 am, we’ll begin our 12 km hike, which will take around 4 to 5 hours to complete.
We’ll cross the dunes just as the first light of day appears. The trail leads us through the vast white sandscape and across the Rio Negro, a narrow stream winding through the desert. As we continue, we’ll be rewarded with a stunning sunrise and the chance to swim in some of the park’s most beautiful crystal-clear lagoons. Around 10:30 a.m., we’re expected to reach the Oasis, where a homemade lunch awaits.
After a well-deserved rest in the shade, we’ll return to the dunes in the late afternoon. There’ll be more opportunities to swim in the lagoons and to take in the quiet beauty of the landscape as the sun sets. In the evening, we’ll be welcomed into the home of a native family for dinner and an overnight stay, a simple, authentic experience that offers a glimpse into the local way of life.
- Total hiking distance: 12 km
- Hiking duration: approximately 5 hours
The day starts early, with breakfast at 2:30 am and the walk beginning at 3 am. It’s about 14 km to Lagoa do Cajueiro, a journey of about 6 hours, with stops to rest, swim in the lagoons and enjoy the sunrise.
We reach Lagoa do Cajueiro around 9am, where a 4×4 will take us to Santo Amaro. Arrival in town is expected around 10am, marking the end of the journey. This is the moment to look back and see all the incredible things we’ve done and places we’ve seen!
- Total distance by vehicle: approximately 10 km
- Travel time by vehicle: about 30 minutes
- Total hiking distance: 12 km
- Hiking duration: around 6 hours
🏁 Arrival in Santo Amaro at 10 a.m.
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 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
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.
From São Luís, it takes about 4 hours by car or van to Barreirinhas. It is the main gateway, with strong infrastructure, hotels, and tours such as 4×4 excursions and boat rides to Lagoa Bonita and Lagoa Azul.
If you choose the departure in Atins
From Barreirinhas, take a boat along the Preguiças River (3–4 hours with stops, about 2h30 direct) or a 4×4 transfer (1h30–2h) to Atins.
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
2 days let you see a glimpse of Lençóis Maranhenses, but you can feel rushed. With 3 days, you can balance visits to lagoons, oases, and 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.
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.
👉 Read our complete travel guide to Lençóis Maranhenses
Packing Tips
- Avoid heavy items like laptops or excess clothing. Less is more!
- The ideal backpack weight is around 4kg (about 8.8 lb).
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Must do - Perfect organization
By Dominik Baldinfrom GermanySeptember 14, 2025Lénçois Maranhenses is a paradise. A d Planeta EXO helps you to have everything organized in advance, without searching on Seite. Just a heads up: The oasis you'll spend the nights are as simple as Lénçois Maranhenses is a paradise. A d Planeta EXO helps you to have everything organized in advance, without searching on Seite. Just a heads up: The oasis you'll spend the nights are as simple as advertised. Don't expect a clean hotel room! …read more read lessDate of Experience: September 14, 2025 -
English speaking guide, please
By Jennifer Rasmussenfrom United StatesSeptember 12, 2025The only thing that would have made it better would have been an English speaking guide. More than half the group spoke English as their primary language so having a guide that did not speak The only thing that would have made it better would have been an English speaking guide. More than half the group spoke English as their primary language so having a guide that did not speak ANY English at all made it so we missed all of the geological and flora/fauna and cultural explanations. …read more read lessDate of Experience: September 12, 2025 -
Great communication and experience
By May Giscardfrom FranceSeptember 12, 2025Great communication and experience! everything went well and follow up during the experiences (treck and transfer) very good.Date of Experience: September 12, 2025 -
Magical and memorable experience
By Thomas Rasmussenfrom United StatesSeptember 12, 2025Lençóis de Maranhenses is a one of a kind place. Trekking is the absolute best way to experience this magical place. Planning a trek is complicated as there are dozens of little things that could Lençóis de Maranhenses is a one of a kind place. Trekking is the absolute best way to experience this magical place. Planning a trek is complicated as there are dozens of little things that could ruin an otherwise beautiful experience. However, All aspects were perfectly planned and organized so the focus was on maximizing enjoyment for the time we were there. Our local guide related to oasis families was an exciting addition. …read more read lessDate of Experience: September 12, 2025 -
Lencois Marenhes is a great and special place
By Adam Blechafrom Czech RepublicSeptember 10, 2025Lencois Marenhes is a great and special place The Lencois Marenhes is just an exceptional area and the walk with Octavio was excellent, he explained a lot and sleeping in the oasis is an exceptional Lencois Marenhes is a great and special place The Lencois Marenhes is just an exceptional area and the walk with Octavio was excellent, he explained a lot and sleeping in the oasis is an exceptional experience. …read more read lessDate of Experience: September 10, 2025 -
Tudo perfeito!
By Fabiano Brandãofrom BrazilSeptember 10, 2025Tudo perfeito!! Irei contratar outras experiênciasDate of Experience: September 10, 2025 -
A great experience
By Agnesfrom FranceSeptember 6, 2025A great experience in an extraordinary and magnificent setting. Despite a slight hiccup at the start, the team was able to react appropriately to ensure our trip went perfectly.Date of Experience: September 06, 2025 -
Lencois are amazing and hiking for 3…
By Marco Riccifrom ItalyAugust 27, 2025Lencois are amazing and hiking for 3 days though them the perfect day to enjoy them without the crowd. Planet Exo and paraíso do caju provided an outstanding service and made that possible.Date of Experience: August 27, 2025 -
Recommended
By Sonia Andrigofrom ItalyAugust 20, 2025Staff very polite and helpful, I would definitely recommend it!Date of Experience: August 20, 2025 -
Very efficient agency
By Juliette Félixfrom FranceAugust 17, 2025Very efficient agency, smooth and responsive communication via WhatsApp. We went on two treks and everything went perfectly. We were very well looked after. Knowledgeable guides.Date of Experience: August 17, 2025
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.
