Lencois Maranhenses National Park

Discovering Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Our journey continues in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, in the state of Maranhão, one of the main natural attractions of Brazil. It is an ecosystem formed by white sand dunes and they resemble sheets (lençóis in Portuguese) scattered on the northeastern coast.

Rains guarantee the Lençóis a unique feature: the rainwater forms, among the sand dunes, numerous fresh water mirrors, seasonal lagoons, making the landscape unique.

Mangroves, deserted beaches, a pretty type of palm tree and the Preguiças river help to make up the diversity of the park.

The formation of the Lençóis

But let's see this enchanting place in detail.

The most characteristic part of the park is an area of ​​270 km² (the Lençóis proper) covered by white sand dunes, which change their arrangement according to the combinations of the winds.

This rare geological phenomenon has formed over the years thanks to the action of winds and other natural agents.

Landscapes characterize a desert: immensity of sand and scarcity of vegetation. But in reality, in the region, which is bathed by rivers, rains.

This element,  quarantees the Lençóis a unique feature: the rainwater forms, among the sand dunes, many fresh water mirrors.

They are found in practically the whole area of ​​the park, forming a very characteristic landscape.

The Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses is so called because, seen from an airplane in flight, the dunes, with their clear sand, look like sheets (in Portuguese Lençóis) laid out to dry in the sun.

Some of these ponds, such as Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita, are sought after by tourists for the beauty of the waters and the bathing conditions. The villages of Caburé, Atins and Mandacaru are the most important tourist spots in the area.

The beaches of Ponta do Mangue, Moitas, Vassouras, Morro do Boi and Barra do Tatu are some of the most renowned beaches that exist in Barreirinhas. They can all be reached by boat from the town.

To protect these 155,000 hectares which preserve such a particular ecosystem, the Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses was created in 1981. In fact, motor vehicles are forbidden to enter the nature reserve and the oil exploitation projects in the region have ceased with the establishment of the park.

The protected area is a transit area for many species of migratory birds. There you can also find turtles.

Mangrove forests are located along the coast. This type of natural habitat is in fact made up of plant species that manage to survive in an environment beaten by sea waves and benefit from the salinity of the sea water.

How to reach this paradise and at what time of year?

To reach the park there are bus lines between Barreirinhas and São Luís, about 350 km away. By car, starting from São Luís, take the BR-135 and MA-402 road to Barreirinhas.

Beyond Barreirinhas there is an alternative access through Santo Amaro do Maranhão, reachable only with 4x4 vehicles. In fact, the park is divided between the municipalities of Santo Amaro, Barreirinhas and Primeira Cruz which, however, holds only a small part made up mostly of mangroves.

Despite the almost anonymity of the town, most of the national park is under the circumscription of the municipality of Santo Amaro which holds over half of the territory including the major lagoons.

Access to Santo Amaro is separated by 36 km of sandy road, a journey of about an hour and a half which has slowed down its development and tourist turnout at the expense of the most famous Barreirinhas on the one hand but at the same time preserving the naturalness and authenticity of the place.

Access to the road leading to Santo Amaro is located in Sangue, about 40 minutes from Barreirinhas by taking the MA-402 towards São Luís. It is also possible to take a plane taxi from São Luís to Barreirinhas. Another option is to go by boat through the Rio Preguiças to Atins, on the edge of the park.

An excellent and pleasant accommodation near the Lençois and Caburé, in a sand tongue in a sand tongue between river and ocean

The best time to visit the Lençóis is the rainy season, when the ponds have more water.

It starts in March and can last until June.

However, the weather is still favorable.