Audio Guide of Vassouras in Lençóis Maranhenses

Vassouras, located in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, is accessible year-round, but visiting during the day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. is recommended for safety. To get there, you can fly to São Luís and then take a 4x4 from Barreirinhas, the main entry point; book guided tours at Lençóis Turismo for easy access.

Entry to the national park, which includes Vassouras, costs approximately BRL 25 per person (around USD 5), payable at the federal entrance. It is free for children under 12 and for Brazilians with identification, but check for updates on the official ICMBio website.

It is recommended to set aside at least 3 to 4 hours to explore Vassouras, including the 4x4 journey and time to walk through the dunes and lagoons. If you combine it with a full tour, half a day is ideal so you do not have to rush and can enjoy the scenery.

Vassouras is part of the unique ecosystem of Lençóis Maranhenses, a national park recognized by UNESCO for its white sand dunes and crystal-clear lagoons formed by seasonal rains, representing the fusion of desert and oasis in Brazil. Culturally, it is vital for local communities such as the quilombolas, highlighting the preservation of biodiversity and Maranhão traditions since its creation in 1981.

The best period is from June to September, when the lagoons are full thanks to the May rains, offering spectacular sunset views. Avoid the season of heavy rains (December to April) for greater comfort, and visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

Access to Vassouras involves walking on loose sand and dunes, which makes it challenging for wheelchairs; there are no paved trails. However, some tours offer adapted vehicles to nearby points; contact ICMBio by phone at +55 98 3349-1305 for personalized options or accessible alternatives in the park.

Near Vassouras, you can visit Blue Lagoon or Bonita Lagoon, just 20 to 30 minutes away by 4x4, as well as the town of Barreirinhas with the Preguiças River. Do not miss the park’s southern circuit for more lagoons; plan a full day and combine it with TripAdvisor reviews for itineraries.

Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and comfortable shoes for the sand; wear light clothing and a hat. Book a local guide to avoid getting lost and respect environmental rules by leaving no trash behind; for more tips, check the park’s official app or the National Park website.