Audio Guide of Preguiças River

Preguiças River does not have fixed opening hours because it is a natural site accessible year-round, but boat tours usually depart from Barreirinhas or Atins between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM to avoid darkness. The best way to visit is by joining a guided boat tour from Barreirinhas, which lasts about 2 to 3 hours; you can book through local agencies or on the official Lençóis Maranhenses National Park website at ICMBio.

Access to Preguiças River itself is free as part of the national park, but you need to pay a park entrance fee of around BRL 20 per person, valid for 10 days. Boat tours cost between BRL 100 and 150 per person, including a guide; check updated prices on the Maranhão tourism website at Setur-MA.

At least 3 to 4 hours is recommended for a full boat tour, including stops at beaches and local communities. If you want to explore more, a full day combined with nearby walks lets you appreciate the landscape at a more relaxed pace.

Preguiças River is key to the ecosystem of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, shaped by geological processes that create dunes and lagoons unique in the world, protected as a natural heritage site since 1981. Culturally, it has been vital for local communities such as the fishers of Atins, representing the biodiversity and riverside traditions of northeastern Brazil.

The ideal period is from June to September, when the rains fill the nearby lagoons and the river is at its most beautiful; avoid the dry season from October to May if you are looking for crystal-clear waters. Early morning is best to avoid the intense heat and enjoy softer light.

The main access is by boat, which is relatively accessible with ramps at some piers, but stops on the beaches involve loose sand and uneven paths, which can be challenging. I recommend adapted tours or contacting agencies in Barreirinhas for options; the park provides accessibility information at ICMBio.

Nearby, explore the dunes and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, just 20 to 30 minutes by 4x4 from the river, or the village of Atins with its idyllic beach. Do not miss Mandacaru, a riverside community along the tour route, ideal for trying local food.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and plenty of water, as the sun is intense; wear comfortable shoes for walking on sand. Book tours in advance during high season and consider a local guide for authentic stories; for more details, call the Barreirinhas visitor center at +55 98 3349-1060.