Maranhão is a state in northeastern Brazil marked by cultural and landscape diversity: it brings together colonial historic centres, popular festivals such as bumba-meu-boi, extensive mangroves, beaches and the famous Lençóis Maranhenses — dunes and freshwater lagoons unique in the world.

The cuisine blends indigenous, African and Portuguese influences, and the population preserves vibrant musical and folkloric traditions.

7-day itinerary through Maranhão

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São Luís do Maranhão - Centro Histórico04:49

Alcântara no Maranhão - Drone

Barreirinhas no Maranhão - Guia Turístico02:55

Reportagem sobre os Lençois Maranhenses06:09

Roteiro em Atins nos Lençóis Maranhenses MA04:18

As lagoas de Santo Amaro do Maranhão

Approximate distances from São Luís and indicative times.

Day 1 — São Luís do Maranhão (arrival)

Distance: 0 km (base)

• Morning: arrival and check-in (Historic Centre or Praia Grande).
• Afternoon: tour of the Historic Centre — Palácio dos Leões, tiles, Praia Grande.
• Evening: dinner with local dishes.

São Luís combines colonial history, vibrant culture and access to unique natural landscapes — perfect for those seeking architectural heritage and also wanting to explore the Lençóis Maranhenses and the coast.

• Well-preserved Historic Centre with tiled mansions, churches and museums.
• Strong cultural expression: bumba-meu-boi, local reggae and popular festivals.
• Rich regional cuisine (cuxá, fish and seafood).
• Convenient starting point for the Lençóis Maranhenses (Barreirinhas, Atins, Santo Amaro).
• Alcântara: historical getaway accessible by boat.
• Beaches and varied landscapes: mangroves, rivers and nearby coastline.
• Good tourist infrastructure with accommodation and transport options.

Day 2 — Alcântara (day trip or overnight stay)

Distance: ~15–25 km by water — boat 30–60 min

• Morning: early departure for Alcântara; colonial ruins and viewpoints.
• Afternoon: visits to the village and landscapes.
• Evening: return to São Luís or overnight stay in Alcântara.

Alcântara is a historic village on the coast of Maranhão, accessible by boat from São Luís. Founded in the colonial period, it preserves mansions, squares and ruins dating back to the sugar cycle, as well as offering cobbled streets, viewpoints over São Marcos Bay and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for photography and cultural tours.

• Historic centre with townhouses, churches and colonial mansions.
• Ruins of mills and traces of the sugar cycle.
• Viewpoints overlooking São Marcos Bay and São Luís.
• Local crafts and regional cuisine in the communities.
• Easy access by boat; guided tours and overnight stay option.

Day 3 — Heading to Barreirinhas (Lençóis Maranhenses)

Distance: ~240–280 km by road — ≈4–5 h

• Morning: transfer to Barreirinhas (4×4/bus transfer).
• Afternoon: initial contact with the dunes and sunset.
• Evening: accommodation in Barreirinhas.

Barreirinhas is the main gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses, a town located on the banks of the Preguiças River. It is a practical base for 4×4 and boat trips to the dunes, lagoons and riverside villages, offering tourist infrastructure with guesthouses, restaurants and tour agencies.

• Departure for Lençóis Maranhenses: access to lagoons such as Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita.
• 4×4 tours and walks among dunes and lagoons.
• Boat trips on the Preguiças River to destinations such as Caburé, Mandacaru and Atins.
• Tourist infrastructure: accommodation options, guides and local agencies.
• Ideal climate between May and September, when the lagoons are full.

Day 4 — Lençóis Maranhenses (Lagoa Bonita / Lagoa Azul)

Base: Barreirinhas (~240–280 km from São Luís)

• Full day: 4×4 tour to the lagoons (Lagoa Bonita, Lagoa Azul).
• Afternoon: return; optional tour of the Preguiças River.
• Evening: overnight stay in Barreirinhas.

The Lençóis Maranhenses is a national park characterised by extensive white sand dunes interspersed with crystal clear freshwater lagoons formed by the rainy season — a unique landscape reminiscent of a desert with oases. Located on the coast of Maranhão, it attracts visitors for its trails, lagoon swimming and photogenic landscapes.

• Dunes and lagoons: highlights include Lagoa Bonita and Lagoa Azul
• Best time to visit: post-rainy season (May to September), when the lagoons are full.
• Activities: 4×4 tours, dune walks, swimming in lagoons and landscape photography.
• Access bases: Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro and Atins.
• Conservation: protected area with visiting rules — hiring local guides and agencies is recommended.

Day 5 — Atins

Distance: ~260–300 km (land + water); total time ≈5–7 h

• Morning: transfer Barreirinhas → Atins (speedboat/boat 1–2 h).
• Day: relax in the village, beaches; optional kitesurfing (Jul–Dec).
• Night: pousada in Atins.

Atins is a quiet riverside village on the edge of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, known for its unspoilt nature, access to dunes and lagoons, and rustic atmosphere. It is a popular destination for those seeking kitesurfing, dune hiking, virtually untouched beaches, and contact with local communities.

• Gateway to the northern reaches of Lençóis Maranhenses.
• Kitesurfing and windsurfing in windy seasons (September to March).
• Quad biking, hiking and trips to lagoons and beaches.
• Rustic atmosphere with simple inns, artisanal restaurants and little urban infrastructure.
• Access by boat from Barreirinhas or via Atins/Carnaubal depending on the route; ideal for those seeking ecotourism and tranquillity.

Day 6 — Santo Amaro (optional) or return to São Luís

Distance: Santo Amaro ~200–260 km; return to São Luís ≈240–280 km

• Option A: Santo Amaro — larger lagoons and fewer tourists.
• Option B: leave early and return to São Luís to spend the night.

Santo Amaro do Maranhão is a historic town located in the interior of Lençóis Maranhenses, known for its impressive dunes and lagoons near the urban centre, offering a less commercial experience and strong contact with the local community. It is an option for those seeking trails, crossings between lagoons and immersion in riverside culture.

• Location: interior of Lençóis Maranhenses, with dunes and lagoons accessible from the city.
• More traditional and less touristy atmosphere than Barreirinhas or Atins.
• Activities: hiking, crossing the dunes, swimming in lagoons and observing unique landscapes.
• Infrastructure: inns and simple accommodation options; basic services in the city.
• Access: usually by land from São Luís or Barreirinhas; routes may include stretches of dirt road.

Day 7 — São Luís (culture and return flight)

Distance: 0 km (base)

• Morning: Mercado das Tulhas, handicrafts, museums.
• Afternoon: free time and transfer to the airport.

Quick tips

• Best time to visit Lençóis: May to September.
• Book transfers and accommodation in Barreirinhas/Atins in advance.
• Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, water, sandals and photo ID.

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