The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park can be accessed mainly through three towns: Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro do Maranhão and Atins. Each of these towns offers different ways of accessing and exploring the Park, giving visitors a unique experience. Park Description The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is one of Brazil’s most impressive […]
Maranhão Travel Guide
Main tourist attractions in Maranhão
Maranhão is a Brazilian state rich in natural beauty, history and culture. Its tourist attractions are varied, from national parks with unique landscapes to historic cities and popular festivals.
Maranhão stands out for its combination of the ancient and the modern, such as São Luís do Maranhão and Alcântara, as well as its beautiful beaches, the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and the Chapada das Mesas.
1. Lençóis Maranhenses
- Description: One of Brazil’s most famous destinations, known for its white sand dunes and freshwater lagoons that form during the rainy season.
- Lençóis Maranhenses.
- Activities: 4×4 tours, hiking through the dunes, swimming in the lagoons, boat trips on the Preguiças River.
- Access towns: Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro do Maranhão, Atins.
2. São Luís
- Description: The capital of Maranhão, known for its historic centre, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Activities: Visits to the Historic Centre, with its colonial mansions and Portuguese tiles, Palácio dos Leões, Catedral da Sé, Museu Histórico e Artístico do Maranhão.
- Culture and Festivals: São Luís is famous for its bumba-meu-boi and reggae music, with several concert halls and cultural events.
3. Alcântara
- Description: A historic town located about an hour by boat from São Luís, known for its ruins and colonial architecture.
- Activities: Stroll through the cobbled streets, visit the ruins of the Church of São Matias, Alcântara Historical Museum, traditional festivals such as the Festival of the Divine.
4. Chapada das Mesas
- Description: National Park located in the south of Maranhão, with rock formations, waterfalls and rivers.
- Activities: Trails, waterfall bathing, abseiling, boat trips on the Tocantins River.
- Access towns: Carolina, Riachão.
5. Parnaíba Delta
- Description: Delta in the open sea, one of the only ones in the Americas, located on the border between Maranhão and Piauí.
- Activities: Boat trips along the igarapés and islands, observation of fauna and flora, visits to deserted beaches.
6. Route of Emotions
- Description: A tourist route that takes in the Lençóis Maranhenses, the Parnaíba Delta and Jericoacoara in Ceará.
- Activities: A combination of ecotourism, adventure sports and cultural experiences.
7. Raposa
- Description: Small fishing town near São Luís, famous for the ‘Fronhas Maranhenses’, a smaller version of the Lençóis Maranhenses.
- Activities: Boat trips through the mangroves and dunes, visit to the bobbin lace artisan community.
8. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
- Description: In addition to the Lençóis itself, the park includes areas of mangroves, sandbanks and deserted beaches.
- Activities: Trekking, bird watching, boat trips.
Practical Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses is between June and September, when the lagoons are full. The climate is hot all year round, but there is a rainy season from January to June.
- Transport: To explore the Lençóis Maranhenses region, access is generally via São Luís, followed by a car or bus transfer to Barreirinhas. 4×4 vehicles are recommended to access the dunes.
- Accommodation: There are accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets, from simple inns to more sophisticated hotels, especially in São Luís and Barreirinhas.
- Gastronomy: Maranhão’s cuisine is rich and varied, with typical dishes such as arroz de cuxá, torta de camarão, caranguejada and the delicious guaraná Jesus.
Final thoughts
Maranhão is a destination that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, history and culture. From the tranquillity and beauty of the dunes and lagoons of the Lençóis Maranhenses to the historical richness of São Luís and Alcântara, passing through the natural exuberance of the Chapada das Mesas, the state is an invitation to explore and be enchanted.
Maranhão Beaches: the 10 Most Beautiful on the Coast
The beaches of Maranhão are famous for the dunes of Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses (Lençóis Maranhenses National Park) and for their lush mangroves. With a look that differs from the rest of Brazil’s Northeast, the Maranhão coast brings together almost deserted beaches in fishing villages and urban beaches around […]
Pedra Caída Complex: Your Guide to Adventure
The Pedra Caída Complex, located in Chapada das Mesas, in the state of Maranhão, is an unmissable attraction for visitors to the region. This place is ideal for nature lovers and those who want to relax in a lush natural environment. Tourist Structure The Pedra Caída Sanctuary is a large […]
Chapada das Mesas National Park Adventure Guide
The Chapada das Mesas National Park is one of Brazil’s most impressive tourist destinations, with sandstone formations dating back some 70 million years. With altitudes that can reach around 400 metres, its mountains, waterfalls, rivers and lakes offer visitors a unique and captivating experience. Location and access The park is […]
Cafua das Mercês: Preserving Black Memory Today
Cafua das Mercês – Black Museum The Cafua das Mercês, located in São Luís do Maranhão, is a former slave depot that tells the story of black people through the exhibition of works of art and objects from the time of slavery, including instruments of torture. Preserving memory Today, the […]
Convent and the Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo History
Convent and Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo in São Luís do Maranhão The Convent and the Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo are located in the Praça João Lisboa in São Luís do Maranhão and belong to the Capuchin Order. The church is one of the most important and […]
Benedito Leite Public Library’s Rich History
Benedito Leite Public Library in São Luís do Maranhão The Benedito Leite Public Library, located in São Luís do Maranhão, is one of the most important public libraries in Brazil and the second oldest in the country. Founded on 3 May 1829, the library is an important centre for cultural […]
Cristo Rei Palace: Architecture of the 19th Century
Cristo Rei Palace in São Luís do Maranhão The Cristo Rei Palace is located in the Largo dos Amores and is an example of 19th century Ludovico architecture. Historically, it served as a residence for nobles, housed Jesuit schools and was the seat of the Archbishopric. Today, the palace houses […]
Josué Montello House of Culture in Maranhão History
Josué Montello House of Culture in São Luís do Maranhão The Josué Montello House of Culture is part of the Cultural System of the State of Maranhão and aims to promote studies, research and work in the fields of Literature, Arts, Social Sciences, History and Geography, covering the artistic and […]
Church of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios History
Church of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in São Luís do Maranhão The Church of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios dates from 1719 and is part of the urban ensemble of the Gonçalves Dias Square, formerly known as the Largo dos Remédios. Festivals were held here during the month of October, making […]
Gonçalves Dias Square, São Luís: where it is and what to see
Gonçalves Dias Square (Praça Gonçalves Dias) is one of the most beautiful lookout points in São Luís do Maranhão. It lies in the bairro dos Remédios, at the end of Rua Rio Branco, on a promontory facing the rio Anil. Inaugurated in 1873, it also honors the Maranhão-born poet Gonçalves […]
Church of Our Lady of Victory: Historical Significance
Igreja da Sé or Church of Our Lady of Victory in São Luís do Maranhão The Igreja da Sé, also known as the Church of Our Lady of Victory, is the Cathedral of São Luís do Maranhão. Located in the city’s Historic Centre, the Igreja da Sé is one of […]
Catarina Mina: The Story Behind the Alley
Catarina Mina Street in São Luís do Maranhão Beco Catarina Mina in São Luís do Maranhão was named in honour of the slave Catarina Rosa Pereira de Jesus, known for her great beauty. Through hard work and “favours” from the wealthy Portuguese, Catarina managed to raise enough money to buy […]
Casa Real Empório: History and Culture Combined
Casa Real Empório in São Luís do Maranhão The Casa Real Empório, located in the Historic Centre of São Luís, is a pleasant place to meet friends, have a quick snack in the middle of the afternoon or take a break after walking around the city centre. Located on Rua […]
La Ravardière Palace: A Historic Monument in the City
La Ravardière Palace in São Luís do Maranhão The La Ravardière Palace, built in 1689, is one of the city’s first major buildings and currently serves as the administrative headquarters of the Municipal Government. Historical heritage The Palais de La Ravardière has been declared a Historic Monument and is located […]
Palácio dos Leões: A Historical Landmark Tour
History of the Palácio dos Leões in São Luís do Maranhão The Palácio dos Leões is one of the most important historical and architectural landmarks in São Luís, Maranhão. With a built area of 3,000 square metres, the palace is divided into three wings: residential, administrative and visitor. Video about […]
Founding of São Luís: French origins and Portuguese rule
The founding of São Luís, capital of Maranhão, is traditionally dated to 8 September 1612, when a French expedition built the Forte de Saint-Louis on the island of Upaon-Açu. Later, the city was retaken by the Portuguese, occupied by the Dutch and, finally, grew into one of the richest colonial […]
Tutóia: Discover the Beauty of Maranhão’s Coast
Tutóia is the gateway to the Lençóis Maranhenses and the Parnaíba River Delta. The municipality of Tutóia, in Maranhão, is an ideal starting point for those who wish to visit the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and the Parnaíba River Delta. Geographically privileged, Tutóia is located opposite the Parnaíba River Delta […]
Macapá Waterfall: A Natural Treasure in Maranhão
The Macapá Waterfall, located between the towns of Balsas and Nova Colinas, is one of the most impressive natural treasures in the southern region of Maranhão. With a height of over 80 metres, this magnificent waterfall stands out as the largest in the area, attracting visitors in search of adventure […]
Environmental Wealth of Maranhão: A Tropical Paradise
The environmental wealth of Maranhão Maranhão is the synthesis state of Brazil. It combines the characteristics of the North, the Northeast and the Middle-West. Different nuances of climate, vegetation, hydrography, coastline, relief, history and culture blend together in a tropical tableau of colours, tastes, sounds, textures, smells and breathtaking landscapes […]

