Itinerary

Lençóis Maranhenses 4 days

Total duration

4 days

Limit

12 participants

Difficulty level

Intermediate

Departure and return

Atins x Santo Amaro

Total distance

50 Km

Between dunes, rivers, villages, and crystal-clear lagoons, the Lençóis Maranhenses crossing combines adventure, transformation, and a deep connection with the simplicity of local life. In just a few days of immersion, you surrender to the rhythm of nature, feel the strength of the dunes, swim in unforgettable freshwater lagoons, and realize this is one of those destinations that stay forever in your heart.

1º day

Barreirinhas - Atins - Baixa Grande

After the transfer from São Luís drops us off in Barreirinhas, we head to the port. The boat departs at 1 p.m., and the trip to Atins takes about 50 minutes. From there, a 4×4 vehicle takes us to Duna da Bandeira in a 30-minute ride. We finally arrive at the starting point of the trek, already inside the National Park.

We start walking around 2:30 p.m., enjoying the lagoons and the first sunset in paradise. The estimated arrival at the first oasis, Baixa Grande, is between 6 and 7 p.m. We end the day with a wonderful dinner prepared by the locals under an incredibly starry sky.

Start of the day: 7 a.m.

End: 7 p.m.
Overnight: hammock – Baixa Grande
Total distance: 10 km
Meal included: Dinner

2º day

Baixa Grande - Queimada dos Britos

We’ll wake up around 4:40 a.m. for breakfast. At 5:30 a.m., we begin the trek toward Queimada dos Britos, watching the sunrise in the middle of the dunes, and diving into various crystal-clear waters.

We arrive at our second support point around noon, where a delicious lunch awaits us. The afternoon is free for rest.

Around 4 p.m., we head out to watch the sunset from the top of the dunes. Upon returning, we have dinner and go to sleep early to start fresh the next day.

Total distance: 10 km
Overnight: hammock – Queimada dos Britos
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

3º day

Queimada dos Britos - Betânia

On this day, we’ll wake up at 3 a.m. and leave around 3:40 a.m. heading toward the village of Betânia.

We’ll walk for several hours in the dark, guided only by moonlight and the stars, when it’s often possible to see countless shooting stars. Once again, we’ll watch the sunrise and discover more stunning lagoons along the way. A second breakfast will be served in the middle of the dunes.

We’re expected to arrive in Betânia around noon, where we’ll have lunch, rest, and enjoy our last sunset in paradise at the end of the day.

Total distance: 18 km
Overnight: hammock lodging – Betânia
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

4º day

Betânia - Santo Amaro - São Luis

On the last day, we wake up around 6 a.m. and head toward Santo Amaro, where the transfer will take us back to São Luís.

Instead of hiking, this day we’ll paddle down the Alegre River by kayak for 12 km, going with the current. It’s a fun, unique, and truly special way to experience the Lençóis Maranhenses. Along the way, we’ll make a few stops for swimming and contemplation.

Upon arriving in Santo Amaro, we’ll have the chance to enjoy lunch and take a shower at Pousada Sol de Amaro before catching the transfer back to São Luís at 1 p.m.

Estimated arrival in São Luís: 6 p.m.
Day 4 total: 12 km (by kayak)
Included meals: Breakfast

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What’s Included
Accommodation in local homes
All meals included
Entrance fees
Local trekking guide
Adventure insurance
Transfer
Investment

R$ 3.700 (Credit Card) ; R$3.500 (Bank Transfer)

Reservation

To reserve your spot, you must pay 30% of the total cost of the tour. The remaining balance must be paid up to 10 days before the start of the trip. We accept:

•⁠ ⁠Bank transfer (IBAN or Wise)

•⁠ Debit or credit card – we will send you a payment link

What do we eat during the trek?

The cuisine in the Lençóis Maranhenses is a whole experience in itself. Local families welcome travelers with simple yet flavorful and heartfelt meals: fresh fish, sun-dried beef, chicken stew, and fruits. During the hikes, our guides prepare coffee with biscuits. We recommend bringing energy bars, nuts, or snacks for the journey. Meals can be adapted for dietary restrictions.

Where will we sleep?

During the trek, we spend three nights in three different oases, always staying with local families who live in the Lençóis and offer a truly enriching cultural exchange. Accommodation is in hammock lodgings, with one hammock per person, a light sheet, shared bathrooms, and homemade meals. Falling asleep to the sound of the wind rustling through the thatched roofs, each night becomes a unique, light, and authentic experience — just as Maranhão’s tradition teaches.
More information

June

18 a 21

July

30 a 02

August

15 a 18
  • 3 sets of light, quick-dry clothes with UV protection
  • Thick polyamide socks
  • Swimwear
  • Sandals
  • Raincoat & backpack cover
  • Hat with chin strap (wind protection)
  • Snacks (nuts, bars, etc.)
  • Sunscreen & insect repellent
  • Headlamp
  • Power bank
  • 2–3L of water (no refills during hikes, only in villages)
  • 30L backpack with hip belt
  • Trekking poles (optional)
  • Thin towel & sarong
  • Personal medications & toiletries

To reserve your spot, you must pay 30% of the total cost of the tour. The remaining balance must be paid up to 10 days before the start of the trip. We accept:

•⁠ ⁠Bank transfer (IBAN or Wise)

•⁠ Debit or credit card – we will send you a payment link

If the cancellation is made up to 60 days before the start of the itinerary, we will refund the full amount paid for the reservation.
Travelers who wish to change or cancel a reserved tour must request the change at least 60 days before the start of the tour they will no longer attend. The change will be subject to the availability of the desired tour and any necessary price adjustments. After 60 days, no refund of the amount paid will be issued

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

From May to September, when the lagoons are full and crystal clear, and the rainy season has ended.

There is no signal during the hike.

In the accommodations, Wi-Fi is available for an extra fee.

We encourage you to disconnect and enjoy the experience and connect yourself with nature

The Lençóis Maranhenses Trekking is a light to moderate experience, with a light backpack (around 4–5 kg).
Daily walks range from 8 to 18 km over firm sand, with few ascents and descents.

Although there is heat and sun exposure, the itinerary is planned for the coolest hours of the day, ensuring comfort and safety.
You don’t need to be an athlete, but having a basic physical activity routine is important.

More than just a hike, it is a contemplative journey, with stops for photos, swimming, rest, and picnics , always respecting each traveler’s pace and offering a deep connection with nature and the present moment.

Homemade meals prepared by local families, typically including fresh fish, sun-dried beef, chicken stew, and regional side dishes.

Showers are not heated, but the water is not very cold, it feels refreshing after a day of hiking.

  • Day 1: around 10 km
  • Day 2: around 10 km
  • Day 3: around 18 km
  • Day 4: around 12 km (by kayak)

Bring a 1.5-liter water bottle and start each day with it filled up. the trail have no refill points, so we suggest buying an extra bottle at each stop.

We stay in local family houses in the oases of Baixa Grande, Queimada dos Britos, and Betânia.

Accommodation is in hammocks, with shared bathrooms.

We recommend thick polyamide socks, which help protect your feet from the hot sand.

A 30-liter backpack with a hip belt is ideal to carry all personal items comfortably.

Our transfer will pick you up at your accommodation or at the airport and depart from São Luís towards Barreirinhas (about 4 hours). This transfer will drop us off at the port, where you can have lunch (not included). At 1:00 PM, we’ll take a speedboat along the Preguiças River to Atins (40 minutes), where we’ll hop into a 4×4 vehicle heading to the Bandeira Dune – the starting point of the trek.

On the fourth day, we finish the trek in Santo Amaro at around 12:00 PM, at a guesthouse where you can have lunch and take a shower. From there, our transfer will take you back to São Luís (estimated arrival: 6:00 PM).

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