Travel guide · Brazil
Lençóis Maranhenses: what to see and when to go
Lençóis Maranhenses is a national park in northeast Brazil where white sand dunes stretch over 1,500 km² and, after the rains, fill with hundreds of blue and green lagoons. It looks like a desert but gets plenty of rain, which is why the pools appear between about June and September.
What to see and do in Lençóis Maranhenses
Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita
The classic lagoons near Barreirinhas, reached by 4x4 and a short walk over the dunes.
Atins
A kitesurfing village where the river meets the sea, and the quietest gateway to the dunes.
Preguiças River
Boat trips past mangroves to the small dunes of Vassouras and the Mandacaru lighthouse.
Crossing the park on foot
A two- to three-day trek between oases, sleeping in fishermen's houses.
Santo Amaro
Lagoons deeper inside the park, often with far fewer people.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Jun – Dec.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 9 hr, 45 min | ≈ €530 · See flights |
| New York | 8 hr | ≈ €470 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 11 hr, 45 min | ≈ €570 · See flights |
| Dubai | 14 hr, 45 min | ≈ €640 · See flights |
| Singapore | 21 hr, 30 min | ≈ €800 · See flights |
| Sydney | 20 hr, 45 min | ≈ €780 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €730 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Brazil
- Currency
- Brazilian Real
- Good for
- nature · wild
- How long to stay
- 3–5 days
- Where to stay
- Barreirinhas has the most hotels and tours; Atins and Santo Amaro are smaller and closer to the dunes.Find a place to stay in Lençóis Maranhenses
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Lençóis Maranhenses, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €530 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in Lençóis Maranhenses (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- CarPick it up at the airport (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Lençóis Maranhenses and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Jun – Dec. Average highs range from 29° in January to 32° in September.
How many days do you need in Lençóis Maranhenses?
3 to 5 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in Lençóis Maranhenses cost?
Accommodation runs at around €70 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €730 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 9 hr, 45 min.
Where should you stay in Lençóis Maranhenses?
Barreirinhas has the most hotels and tours; Atins and Santo Amaro are smaller and closer to the dunes.
