Lençóis Maranhenses | 7 Days

Arrival at São Luis airport (SLZ). Transfer to the hotel, check-in, and overnight. The city has a markedly Afro-Brazilian tinge to its culture, from a lively reggae scene to the highly colorful Bumba Meu Boi festivities. Depending on the arrival time, you can visit the World Heritage-listed historical center of São Luís, an enchanting neighborhood of steamy cobbled streets and pastel-colored colonial mansions, some handsomely restored, many crumbling.

After breakfast, we depart for Barreirinhas (about 4-5 hours of driving), one of the main gateways to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Barreirinhas is a large, hot service with a reasonably pleasant setting if you seek it out. The Rio Preguiças meanders elaborately around the town’s west, north, and east, giving the place several separate riverfronts.

We’ll check in and enjoy lunch upon arrival before transferring to the airport for an unforgettable scenic flight over the Lençóis. This aerial perspective provides breathtaking views of the vast dunes and turquoise lagoons below, perfect for capturing the grandeur of the landscape.

After breakfast, departure to the Beira River and take a speedboat to Atins through the Preguiças River, an environmentally protected area. During the course of the trip, take time to appreciate the landscape of the typical mangrove vegetation, as well as the animals and birds of the region.

The first stop is in the community of Vassouras (Pequenos Lençóis, where there is a preservation of guariba monkeys), followed by Mandacaru (the Preguiças Lighthouse, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the park), and Caburé (a beach that is divided from the river and the sea). Lovers of fauna and flora will be more than happy with the presence of numerous bird species, including the famous red ibis or Guará. They return every afternoon to the trees and nests on the banks of the river to overnight. This will be an excellent opportunity to photograph these beautiful birds on the way to Atins, a small fishing village that will be our base for the next days.

Atins is tucked away between the dunes of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, the delta of the Preguiças River, and the Atlantic Ocean’s coastline. The village is a vast stretch of cottages sparsely lined up along several sand tracks just a few hundred meters recessed from the beach, protecting the inhabitants from the thrust of the winds and an ever-changing sandy coastline.

Spend entire days immersed in Atins, where the charm of this remote paradise meets the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. The tours will be tailored to your interests, ensuring an experience that truly resonates with you.

Whether dedicating a full day to exploring the region’s most famous lagoons — immersing yourself in their ever-changing shades of blue and the vastness of the dunes — or splitting the adventure into two strategically timed outings, you’ll have the chance to experience Atins at its most magical. For those passionate about photography, these excursions are designed to make the most of the golden hours. One departure at sunrise, when the soft light enhances the textures of the sand. Another in the late afternoon, as the landscape is bathed in warm tones before the sun dips below the horizon. These experiences are already part of the journey, and we’ll fine-tune the details together to match your preferences.

Spend a leisurely day in Atins, starting with a stroll on the spacious, uncrowded beach where soft sands meet the gentle Atlantic waves. Seek refuge under the shade of cashew trees or relax in a hammock swaying with the breeze.

Alternatively, explore the village’s relaxed vibe by browsing local artisan shops or tasting fresh seafood from the region.

On your final day, we’ll take a morning boat back to Barreirinhas, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local cuisine at one of the charming riverside restaurants. Following lunch, we’ll embark on a 4- to 5-hour drive directly to São Luís airport for your flight to São Paulo and onward connections.