Lencois Maranhenses National Park

Lencois Maranhenses National Park Trips & Tours

Lencois Maranhenses National Park

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Lencois Maranhenses National Park Trips & Tours

Wind-swept dunes watch over shimmering, freshwater lagoons in this fantasmagorical setting.
Otherworldly, unspoiled and dazzling don’t even begin to describe the phenomenon that is Lencois Maranhenses National Park. Covering around 155,000 hectares, the park is a vision of blindingly-white dunes (some reaching heights of 40 metres!) carved by coastal winds over thousands of years. What’s more, annual rains create thousands of turquoise, emerald and sapphire lagoons that vary from personal plunge pools to vast bodies of water teeming with fish that seem to appear out of thin air. Explore this breath-taking landscape on foot, watching iridescent scarlet ibises gather at the water’s edge, stopping for a dip or simply soaking up the endless vistas. For the most adventurous of visitors, there is also sandboarding and ATV rides, or take flight in a teeny-tiny plane for the ultimate view from the top.
Things to do

What to do in Lencois Maranhenses National Park

A surreal realm of blazing-white dunes and shimmering lagoons (in the right season, of course), Lencois Maranhenses overflows with adventure. Traverse the dunes on foot to discover hidden pools in every shade of blue, or hop on an ATV or sandboard for a real adrenaline rush. As you go, keep an eye out for the incredible birdlife that thrive at the lagoons. You could also opt for a boat ride along the river, stopping at the peaceful town of Atins to enjoy a taste of the local cuisine and an array of watersports.

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Culture

Visit the native houses of Lencois Maranhenses

Food & cooking

Taste local dishes in Lencois Maranhenses

Active

Take a barefoot trek across the National Park

Why you'll love it

Why you'll love it

The landscape is incredibly photogenic, especially around sunrise or sunset when the scenery is at its most dramatic.

Off the beaten track

Off the beaten track

On a guided, multi-day trek, you can really discover the furthest corners of the park, away from the most popular lagoons and amidst dunes where few ever tread.

Something to think about

Something to think about

Timing is everything in Lencois Maranhenses National Park as you’ll want to avoid the rains but reap their rewards. May to September is the ideal time to go.

Best time to visit

When to go on a Lencois Maranhenses National Park Trip

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