-
Trekking
-
Barreirinhas
-
Santo Amaro
-
Hammocks
-
English, Portuguese
-
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 a three-day itinerary starting in Barreirinhas, the gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park Join us for an unforgettable trekking experience in Lençóis Maranhenses 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
Get ready for an exciting day on your Lençóis Maranhenses trek! We will depart from Barreirinhas at 5 a.m. to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, where we will drive by 4×4 vehicle for 2 hours on an off-road trail to the Rio Negro, stopping to watch the sunrise. We will then hike 6 km (2-3 hours), with a stop to swim in the lagoons, to Oásis Baixa Grande, the starting point of our Lençóis Maranhenses trek.
Arrival at Oásis is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. After lunch, we’ll return to the dunes to swim in the lagoons and watch the sunset. Here, at Oásis Baixa Grande, you will see how the locals live in harmony with their natural environment. The area has dunes and a unique restinga ecosystem and is home to just six families, to truly experience the Lençóis Maranhenses trail, you will spend the night with a local family.
During your free time, explore and talk to them to learn about their traditions. Don’t forget to taste Tiquira, a local cassava brandy. This trail promises a deep connection with nature and culture, providing an authentic Lençóis Maranhenses experience.
The overnight stays are carried out in closed spaces, hammocks with blankets are offered by our hosts. Their houses are equipped with essential structures for our stay, such as: showers, outside showers, restrooms, electricity to recharge our electronic equipment, food and drinks.
Get ready for another day of trek in Lençóis Maranhenses! Breakfast will be served at 4:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. we will start our trek to Queimada dos Britos Oasis, 12 km (5 hours) across the Rio Negro, watching the sunrise and bathing in crystal clear lagoons along the way.
Our next stop is Queimada dos Britos, a small village with 14 families that is part of the municipality of Santo Amaro, in Maranhão. The landscape features typical restinga vegetation and, in the flood months, the village is partially submerged, creating a unique and captivating morning of exploration. The community also has a school adapted for just 9 children. Immerse yourself in this day of trekking in Lençóis Maranhenses, discovering the wonders of nature and being enchanted by the warmth, affection and attention of the local people.
Hammocks
Get prepared for our last day of trek in the Lençóis Maranhenses! Departure is scheduled for 3:00 am, with breakfast served at 2:30 a.m. We’ll then head to Lagoa do Cajueiro, which will take about 14km (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 transportation from Barreirinhas to Rio Negro (start of the hike) in a 4x4 vehicle;
- Dinner, overnight stay in hammocks, breakfast, and lunch at Oásis Baixa Grande;
- Dinner, overnight stay in hammocks, and breakfast at Oásis Queimada dos Britos;
- Private transportation for the Lagoa do Cajueiro to Santo Amaro segments;
- Experienced local ecological guide accredited by ICMBio;
- Individual accident insurance - Porto Seguro;
- Exclusive Gifts.
What is not included?
- Drinks
- Breakfast on the first day
- Lunch and dinner on the last day
- Anything else not mentioned in the included items
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.
-
from United StatesSeptember 16, 2024Reviewed Tour 3-day Lençóis Maranhenses TrekI did the 3-day Lençois Marenheses trek and it was amazing! The trip was organized really well, there was helpful information up front, the experience itself was fantastic, and we really liked our guides. Would I did the 3-day Lençois Marenheses trek and it was amazing! The trip was organized really well, there was helpful information up front, the experience itself was fantastic, and we really liked our guides. Would highly recommend doing this tour with them. …read more read lessDate of Experience: September 14, 2024
-
from BrazilOctober 7, 2024Reviewed Tour Trek Lençóis Maranhenses de 3 jours au BrésilEverything was perfect, very well organized !Date of Experience: September 10, 2024
-
from GermanySeptember 16, 2024Reviewed Tour Trek Lençóis Maranhenses de 3 jours au BrésilI booked the three-day tour through ExoPlanet. I got answers to every question very quickly and was always well advised.Date of Experience: September 06, 2024
-
from FranceAugust 29, 2024Reviewed Tour 3-day Lençóis Maranhenses TrekThe landscape is impressive, and the location is distinctive. However, the quality of the food is not commensurate with the expectations set by the exceptional setting. In my experience of three weeks in Brazil, the The landscape is impressive, and the location is distinctive. However, the quality of the food is not commensurate with the expectations set by the exceptional setting. In my experience of three weeks in Brazil, the food was consistently disappointing. It is unfortunate that the quality of the food did not meet the basic standards. I have also spoken with other individuals who have completed this trek and their experiences were quite different. …read more read lessDate of Experience: August 19, 2024
-
from SpainAugust 5, 2024Reviewed Tour 3-day Lençóis Maranhenses TrekGreat organization; exactly what we were looking for to see the place like a local. Always helpful with questions.Date of Experience: August 03, 2024
-
from United statesJune 24, 2024Reviewed Tour 3-day Lençóis Maranhenses TrekI had a wonderful three day trek with a tour company that Planet Exo uses in Lencois Maranhenses. The tour itinerary is clear and detailed on the booking page (including distances and wake up times). I had a wonderful three day trek with a tour company that Planet Exo uses in Lencois Maranhenses. The tour itinerary is clear and detailed on the booking page (including distances and wake up times). I was worried about not being able to sleep in hammocks but this wasn’t a problems because you end both nights very tired. The trips are perfectly timed so that you can enjoy sunrises, swims, sunsets, and even a very early morning dark walk through the dunes. I recommend that pack as light as possible (you will need much less than you realize). To enjoy this, accept the long, contemplative walks in one of the most stunning places that you will ever get the chance to see. …read more read lessDate of Experience: June 24, 2024
-
from CanadaJune 18, 2024Reviewed Tour 3-day Lençóis Maranhenses TrekI’ve booked a three days trek in Lençois Maranhenses with two of my friends. Although the tour was in Portuguese (which we don’t speak) our guides did their best to speak in English and even I’ve booked a three days trek in Lençois Maranhenses with two of my friends. Although the tour was in Portuguese (which we don’t speak) our guides did their best to speak in English and even French with us. They were kind, patient and helpful and took a lot of pictures/videos to share with us after. I had a great service before the experience, with our guide who was always there to answer at my questions. Everything was well organized and we didn’t have had any problems. I would recommend this experience. The only reason why it is not 5 stars is because of the food and the lack of sleep (we got up a 4am the first morning and 2 am the second morning, which can be a challenge). …read more read lessDate of Experience: June 15, 2024
-
from United statesMay 24, 2024Reviewed Tour 3-day Lençóis Maranhenses TrekHad a great time! Lencois was a wonderful experience! The staff helped organize and was very responsive to every question I hadDate of Experience: May 21, 2024
-
from NetherlandsMay 2, 2024Reviewed Tour 3-day Lençóis Maranhenses TrekFirst of all, PlanetaEXO was very helpful in the chat and it made deciding which tours to do and booking very easy. We did the Lençóis Maranheses 3-day trek, everything was arranged well by PlanetaEXO. First of all, PlanetaEXO was very helpful in the chat and it made deciding which tours to do and booking very easy. We did the Lençóis Maranheses 3-day trek, everything was arranged well by PlanetaEXO. They arranged the pickup and the transfer afterwards. The Lençóis Maranheses tour itself was amazing. There is no landscape like it I think, with only sand and lagoons. We trekked over the sand dunes and through the shallow parts of some lakes and slept with families that live in the oases. It was great to see how free and relaxed their way of living is. Our guide, while his English was not great, was a good guide and made sure we had a great experience. Luckily a member of our trekking group was a Brazilian who could speak English well, so he could translate if we had more difficult questions. …read more read lessDate of Experience: April 30, 2024
-
from BrazilSeptember 20, 2023Reviewed Tour 3-day Lençóis Maranhenses TrekHost were so kind and made us feel at home ! The adventure is unforgettableDate of Experience: September 18, 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.