Barreirinhas: the gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses

Published on July 15, 2021 · Updated on May 17, 2025

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Barreirinhas is considered the main gateway to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and is home to most of the tourist agencies.

This city, Barreirinhas, is an excellent base from which to explore the wonders of the Lençóis Maranhenses, with a variety of activities to suit different interests and levels of adventure.

Barreirinhas nos Lençóis Maranhenses — Barreirinhas of the Lençóis Maranhenses

Access and structure

Although it is possible to access the park via the neighbouring Santo Amaro do Maranhão and Primeira Cruz, it is in Barreirinhas that most tourists are concentrated.

The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park consists of a vast area of high white sand dunes and lakes and lagoons, also known as the Brazilian Desert. The main access to Barreirinhas is via the MA-402 motorway, which is in good condition.

Barreirinhas has a good structure for accommodation and food, and several tourist agencies offer trips to the National Park and other attractions, such as the Speedboat Trip to the mouth of the Preguiças River and the Boia Cross on the Formiga River.

Best time to visit Barreirinhas

The best time to visit the Lençóis Maranhenses of Barreirinhas is between June and September, when the lagoons are full due to the rains that occur between January and May.

During these months, visitors can appreciate the beauty of the lagoons, which become real postcards of the region. It’s important to note that outside this period, some of the lagoons may be dry, which can affect the experience in Barreirinhas.

Climate in Barreirinhas

The climate of Barreirinhas is tropical, with two distinct seasons: the rainy season, which lasts from January to May, and the dry season, which lasts from June to December.

Temperatures vary between 25°C and 35°C and are warmer during the day. Visitors to Barreirinhas are advised to prepare for the heat by bringing light clothing, sunscreen and plenty of water.

Route of Emotions

For those seeking more adventure, another access route is via Paulino Neves – MA. This route is part of the Route of Emotions, a tourist route that starts in Ceará, crosses the Piauí coast and ends in Maranhão.

Along this route it is possible to visit three federal protected areas: the Jericoacoara National Park, the Parnaíba Delta Environmental Protection Area and the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.

Access to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park from Barreirinhas begins with a ferry across the Preguiças River. From this point, only 4×4 vehicles equipped with snorkels can proceed.

Mapa do Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses — Map of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Videos – Attractions in Barreirinhas and Lençóis Maranhenses

Barreirinhas no Maranhão - Guia de Turismo02:55

Barreirinhas, Atins, dunas e o oásis do Maranhão13:54

Lençóis Maranhenses a partir de Barreirinhas

Passeio de lancha pelo RIO PREGUIÇAS em Barreirinhas

Passeio de lancha pelo RIO PREGUIÇAS03:07

Tourist Attractions in Barreirinhas

1. Blue Lagoon Circuit

This is the most visited attraction in the reserve. After 12 kilometres of sand bank trails, the walk continues through the dune field on a trail of about 2 kilometres. Along the way you can visit the Preguiça Lagoon, the Esmeralda Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon and the Peixe Lagoon, the only perennial lagoon with water all year round.

2. Lagoa Bonita Circuit

Located 15 km from Barreirinhas, Lagoa Bonita is moderately difficult to access, requiring you to climb a steep dune about 30 metres high. The effort is rewarded with beautiful views of the dune field and the restinga vegetation of the National Park.

3. Lagoa da Esperança

This lagoon is the result of an interruption in the flow of the Rio Negro and is ideal for visiting during the dry months, when the lagoons of other attractions are dry. The Esperança Lagoon forms the geographical boundary between the municipalities of Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro.

4. Atins

The village of Atins, located opposite the mouth of the Preguiças River, is popular with visitors seeking tranquillity and close contact with nature. In Atins you can practise sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding.

5. Canto dos Lençóis

Located inside the park, Canto dos Lençóis is a small village of traditional fishermen. It offers beautiful views of the dune field and is a good starting point for the walk to the parish of Santo Amaro.

6. Foz do Rio Negro and Lagoa Verde

The mouth of the Rio Negro is an attraction where you can swim in small waterfalls by the sea. The route includes a visit to interdunal lagoons such as Lagoa Verde, which is flooded for much of the year.

7. Boat trip on the Preguiças River

A boat trip on the Preguiças River is a must, as it is surrounded by lush vegetation and leads to small villages and enchanting beaches.

Vila de Mandacaru no Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses — Mandacaru Village in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

The main stops include Mandacaru Village, famous for its lighthouse, and Caburé Beach, ideal for relaxing.

Farol da Vila de Mandacaru no Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses — Lighthouse at Mandacaru Village in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

8. Beira Rio in Barreirinhas

The riverside in Barreirinhas is a pleasant place to stroll, with restaurants, bars and local craft shops making it a great place to relax after a day of exploring.

9. Canoeing on the Formiga River

Canoeing on the river Formiga offers a peaceful experience and allows visitors to observe the local fauna.

10. Hiking and trails

There are a number of trails that allow you to explore the unique landscape of Lençóis Maranhenses. These include the Dunes Trail and the Santo Amaro Trail.

11. Quad Bike Tours

These tours offer an exciting way to explore the dunes and beaches, including visits to lagoons and nearby villages.

12. Queimada dos Britos and Baixa Grande

These areas are true oases, perfect for staying overnight while trekking through the Park.

Visits are made with minimal environmental impact, and it is compulsory to hire a visitor guide for the crossing.

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 →