Audio Guide of the Preguiças Lighthouse

Preguiças Lighthouse is open 24 hours a day year-round as part of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, but visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety. You can reach it by boat from Atins or Santo Amaro do Maranhão (trips take about 30–45 minutes) or on foot along trails from the Preguiças entrance, which takes around 1 hour. For more details, see the official ICMBio website.

Admission to the lighthouse itself is free, but to access the area you need to pay the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park fee, which is R$25 for Brazilians and R$100 for foreigners (approximate 2023 prices). Children under 12 enter free. Check for updates on the official ICMBio website.

It is recommended to allow between 1 and 2 hours to climb the lighthouse stairs (about 150 steps), enjoy the panoramic views of the dunes and lagoons, and come back down at a relaxed pace. If you combine it with a walk around the surroundings, it could extend to half a morning. It is ideal not to rush and to capture photos.

Built in 1945, Preguiças Lighthouse served as a guide for coastal navigation in this remote region of Maranhão, helping to prevent shipwrecks on the beaches and dunes. Culturally, it represents Brazil’s maritime heritage and is an icon of the unique Lençóis Maranhenses ecosystem, where history, nature, and adventure come together.

The best time is from June to September, when the lagoons are full from the rains, offering spectacular views of crystal-clear waters contrasting with the white dunes. During the day, choose early morning or sunset to avoid the intense heat and enjoy the golden light that is ideal for photos.

Unfortunately, access to the lighthouse requires climbing about 150 steep steps on sand and wood, so it is not accessible for wheelchairs or people with reduced mobility. However, the views from the base are impressive, and you can enjoy the surroundings without climbing. I recommend contacting local guides for adapted alternatives.

Nearby you will find Preguiças Lagoon and the village of Atins with its unspoiled beaches, ideal for relaxing. You can also explore Blue Lagoon or Bonita Lagoon, about 30–45 minutes away by vehicle or tour. To plan your visit, see the official ICMBio website for park maps.

Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for the sand; the sun is strong and there is no shade. Hire a local guide to learn about the flora and fauna, and go in high season for full lagoons, but book tours in advance. Respect the park rules by avoiding littering to help preserve this natural paradise.