Atins: A Hidden Gem on the Maranhão Coast

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Atins is a small, picturesque fishing village located at the mouth of the Preguiças River in the Lençóis Maranhenses.

Known for its beautiful natural landscapes, quiet beaches and rustic, cosy atmosphere, Atins has become a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic and relaxing experience.

Atins no estado do Maranhão — Atins in the state of Maranhão

Location and access

Atins is a village in the municipality of Barreirinhas, in the state of Maranhão, where the Preguiças River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The village is surrounded by beaches, dunes and crystal clear lagoons that form during the rainy season.

The village’s difficult access makes it ideal for those wishing to escape the crowds that visit the state every year. With its rustic and charming atmosphere, Atins should be on the list of those looking for deserted beaches.

Mapa da costa do Maranhão — Map of the Maranhão coast

Best time to visit

The amount of water in the Atins Lagoons varies throughout the year, so it is important to choose the right time of year to visit. Between the months of June and September conditions are ideal for a magical visit. The destination is perfect for those looking for a quiet and rustic trip, and serves as one of the bases for exploring the paradisiacal lagoons of Maranhão.

Access to the village

However, access to the village is difficult and it is necessary to use a 4×4 vehicle or a boat to get to Atins.

Tourist attractions in Atins

Roteiro em Atins nos Lençóis Maranhenses MA04:18

Praia Canto do Atins02:22

Lençóis Maranhenses - Guia Completo18:46

This enchanting destination in the Lençóis Maranhenses offers the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation and authenticity. Whether kitesurfing, exploring the lagoons or simply relaxing on the beach, Atins offers an unforgettable experience in one of Brazil’s most beautiful regions.

Mapa dos Lençois Maranhenses — Map of the Lençois Maranhenses

1. Canto do Atins beach

Canto do Atins is a small fishing village of around 800 inhabitants. Isolated from Barreirinhas, the village is quiet and considered the main base for exploring Maranhão’s lagoons.

Canto do Atins can be reached on foot, but it’s a 2-hour walk in the strong Maranhão sun.

Canto de Atins nos Lençóis Maranhenses — Atins Corner in Lençóis Maranhenses

When you arrive, you can explore the nearby dunes and lagoons, and enjoy stunning views of the sea. You can hire a quad bike to make the adventure even more exciting.

2. Tropical lagoon

One of the main attractions of Atins is its dazzling blue lagoons.

Lagoa Tropical nos Lençóis Maranhenses — Tropical lagoon at Lençóis Maranhenses

To get to Lagoa Tropical, you need to hire a tourist agency to take you by car through the sand dunes.

The lagoon is large, with several small lagoons around it and a larger dune in the middle, perfect for taking photos.

3. Green Lagoon

Lagoa Verde is one of the closest lagoons, accessible on foot or by 4×4 vehicle. It is famous for its clear, calm waters, ideal for a refreshing swim.

4. Atins Beach

Atins Beach is a true paradise of sand dunes and a vast blue-green sea with crystal clear waters.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful sunset and watch the river meet the sea. Here you can walk along the beach, swim and kite surf to make your visit even more memorable.

5. Boat and canoe trips

Explore the Preguiças River Delta and its canals on a boat or canoe trip. This is a great way to observe the local fauna and flora, including birds and mangroves.

6. Kitesurfing

Compared to other bases for discovering the Lençóis Maranhenses, Atins stands out for its paradisiacal deserted beaches with crystal clear blue waters, making it the ideal place for kitesurfing.

Kitesurf em Atins — Kitesurfing in Atins

At low tide, the beaches become natural pools between the sandbanks.

Accommodation in Atins

1. Inns and Chalets

Atins offers a variety of accommodation options, from rustic inns to more comfortable chalets, many with stunning views of the sea or dunes.

2. Camping

For the more adventurous, there are camping facilities in Atins for an even closer experience to nature.

How to get there

1. From Barreirinhas

Boat: The most common and scenic way to get to Atins is by boat from Barreirinhas. The journey along the Preguiças River includes stops at Vassouras, Mandacaru and Caburé before arriving.
4×4 Vehicle: Another option is to travel by 4×4 vehicle, which can be hired in Barreirinhas. The trip takes about 2 hours and offers breathtaking views of the dunes and local vegetation.

2. From Santo Amaro

4×4 vehicle: From Santo Amaro you can reach Atins by 4×4 vehicle, crossing the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. This route is for the more adventurous and offers a unique experience crossing the dunes.

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →

Published on 06/07/2021 · Updated on 17/05/2025