Things to do in

Barreirinhas

Delight in 3 days of activities and discover the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, a stunning region formed by the contrast between dunes and natural lagoons created by rainwater during the rainy season. Enter this huge oasis from the gateway town of Barreirinhas, and marvel at the scenic beauty of the lagoons that attract visitors from all over the world. Day 1 Depart from your hotel in São Luis or the SLZ-Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport for flights arriving before 6:30 AM. Arrive in Barreirinhas, and depart around 2 PM in a 4x4 vehicle to cross the ferry. Then, take a trail to get to the Lençois Maranhenses, admire the dunes, and refresh with some swimming in the clear blue lagoons. After watching the amazing sunset at the top of the dune, return to Barreirinhas. Day 2 Depart around 8 AM in a 4×4 vehicle and start the 1.5-hour drive to Atins. Upon arrival, enjoy a short walk to visit some natural lagoons formed by rainwater. Take the opportunity to dive into the clear waters of the lagoon and snap some beautiful photos. Next, be amazed by the meeting of the Preguiças River and the sea at Atins Beach. Enjoy some free time to swim and relax on the sand. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant (not included in the tour price) famous for grilled shrimp. After lunch, spend some time resting and relaxing in hammocks before returning to Barreirinhas. Day 3 Depart around 8 AM on a speedboat tour of Preguiças River, a calm river with lots of different typical trees and palms on its margins. Make your first stop in Vassouras village at the limit of the dunes, where it's possible to interact with the monkeys, have some coconut water, and buy some local art. The next stop will be at the village of Mandacaru. Here, see and climb a lighthouse to have a panoramic view of the region, the park, the river, and the sea. Make your last stop in Caburé village, an arm of sand having the river on one side, and the sea on the other. Enjoy free time to have lunch and swim in the river or the sea. Finally, transfer to your hotel in São Luis or the SLZ-Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport for flights departing after 11:00 PM.

Discover the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park — a stunning region formed by the contrast between dunes and natural lagoons created by rainwater during the rainy season — with 2 incredible days of activities. Marvel at the wild scenery of the desert and the scenic beauty of the lagoons in this unique landscape. Day 1 Depart from your hotel in São Luis or the SLZ-Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport for flights arriving before 6:30 AM. Arrive in Barreirinhas, and set out at around 2 PM in a 4x4 vehicle to cross on the ferry. Then, follow a trail to get to the Lençois Maranhenses National Park, admire the dunes, and take a refreshing dip in the clean, blue lagoons. After watching the spectacular sunset at the top of the dune, return to Barreirinhas. Day 2 Depart around 8 AM on a speedboat tour of Preguiças River, a calm river with lots of different typical trees and palms on its margins. The first stop will be in Vassouras village, at the limit of the dunes. Interact with the monkeys, refresh with some coconut water, and peruse the local art. Next, head to the village of Mandacaru where it's possible to see and climb a lighthouse. Soak up a panoramic view of the region, the park, the river, and the sea. Make your last stop in Caburé village, an arm of sand with the river on one side, and the sea on the other. Spend some free time having lunch and swimming in the river or the sea. Finally, transfer back to your hotel in São Luis or the SLZ-Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport for flights departing after 11 PM.

Enjoy shared transfer service to or from Barreirinhas and São Luiz with daily departures, including holidays. The trip will take around 4 hours and 20 minutes with a stop on the way to purchase snacks and to stretch your legs. São Luís is the capital of Maranhão in the northeast of Brazil. Its colonization has a history of disputes between French, Dutch, Portuguese, and Indigenous people, leaving a rich and intense cultural collection as its legacy. In addition, the São Luís culture is represented in famous festivals, such as Bumba Meu Boi and the Tambor da Crioula, which fill the streets in June. Barreirinhas is located on the coast, 252 kilometers from the capital, São Luís. The city is known for being the gateway to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, a stunning region formed by the contrast between dunes and natural lagoons created by rainwater during rainy season. The wild scenery of the desert and the scenic beauty of the lagoons attract visitors from all over the world, searching for this unique experience in Brazil's Northeast.

Enjoy a tour through the beautiful Preguiças River, located in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park with rich animal life, flora, dunes, and beaches. Enjoy pick up from hotels in Barreirinhas around 8:00 AM and depart from the pier in a speedboat. Ride through the majestic Preguiças River with its calm waters and mangroves, buritis, Juçara's trees (famous for açai), tucunzeiros, as well as animal life, such as herons and kingfishers. Stop at the Vassouras community, also known as "Pequeno Lençóis," to enjoy delicious coconut water, interact with capuchin monkeys in their natural habitat, and take a swim in natural pools. Also stop in Caburé, a strip of dunes between the river and the sea where you can have lunch and, optionally, ride an ATV on the beach. Afterwards, relax returning to Barreirinhas around 3:00 PM.

Enjoy a half-day tour to one of the most impressive natural sights in Brazil, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. You will be amazed by dunes separated by brilliant, crystal clear rainwater natural lakes.  Enjoy pick-up from hotels in Barreirinhas in a 4x4 vehicle and make your way through trails of white sand, lakes, and small dunes to get to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.  After arrival, walk one of three circuits, Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon), Lagoa Bonita (Beautiful Lagoon), or Lagoa da Esperança (Lagoon of Hope), depending on the time of year. Enjoy a stop for a swim and relax in one of the natural pools.  End your day by taking in the beautiful sunset over the dunes. 

Enjoy a tour to the charming village of Atins, considered the doorway to Lencois Maranhenses National Park. Atins is a rustic paradise, still unknown to most visitors to the national park. Situated between the Preguiças River, the beach, explore the stunning and landscapes of this place.  After pickup from hotels in Barreirinhas at around 8:00 AM in a 4×4 vehicle, start the 1.5-hour drive to Atins. Upon arrival, enjoy a short walk to visit some natural lagoons formed by rainwater. Take the opportunity to dive into the clear waters of the lagoon and take beautiful photos. Be amazed by the meeting of the Preguiças River and the sea at Atins Beach. Enjoy some free time to swim and relax on the sand. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant (not included in the tour price), famous for grilled shrimp. After lunch, time to rest in hammocks before returning to Barreirinhas around 6:00 PM.

Disconnect and dive into the crystal clear waters of the lagoons in the Lençois Maranhenses National Park on this 4x4 tour from Atins, a small village on the border of the park so calm it is possible to hear “the noise of silence.” Depart from the very soft sand streets of Atins in your 4x4 vehicle and follow trails to Canto do Atins with your local guide. Pass by the beach then take a short walk to visit the lagoons formed by rainwater. Soak up the tranquil atmosphere in the less-visited lagoons. To enhance the tour, stop for lunch to taste the famous grilled shrimp of Luzia or Antônio's restaurant, internationally famous for the homemade special sauce that is a family secret (lunch not included). After lunch and a brief rest in the hammocks, return to the village of Atins.

The town of Cardosa attracts tourists who want to relax with the wonderful opportunity to float on the Formiga River. The tour is among the most relaxing in Barreirinhas and is recommended for all ages.  The river is not deep and the current is very light, making this a delightful experience. For those who want to relax after climbing the sand dunes in the park, this tour will offer you relaxation and refreshment from the high temperatures of this region.  Float along the Formiga River accompanied by a local guide, while appreciating the fauna and flora of this region.