Audio Guide of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

The park is open 24 hours a day year-round, but visits are made through 4x4 tours from Barreirinhas, which leave early in the morning. The best way to get there is to fly to São Luís, take a 4-hour bus to Barreirinhas, and then a jeep to the park (2-4 hours). Book tours with local agencies or on the official ICMBio website: ICMBio Lençóis Maranhenses.

Entry to the park is free, as it is a nationally protected area. However, jeep tours from Barreirinhas cost between 100 and 200 BRL per person per day, depending on the itinerary. Check updated prices with local agencies or on the ICMBio website.

At least 2 to 3 days are recommended to explore the main dunes and lagoons without rushing, including a full day on the main circuit. If you have limited time, a day tour is possible, but you will see less. Plan according to your itinerary from Barreirinhas.

Created in 1981, this park protects a unique landscape of white dunes and lagoons formed by wind, sand, and seasonal rains, a geological phenomenon covering about 155,000 hectares. It is a place of great ecological and tourism value, home to migratory birds and flora adapted to desert-like conditions. More details at Wikipedia.

The best period is from June to September, when the lagoons are full of crystal-clear water after the rains. Avoid the dry season (October to May) if you want to see the blue lagoons; go early to avoid the heat and enjoy the soft light. Check forecasts on the ICMBio website.

The park is not wheelchair accessible because of the loose sand dunes and uneven trails; visits require walking or climbing dunes. Some agencies offer adapted jeep options near entry points, but contact ICMBio or tour operators in Barreirinhas in advance for alternatives.

Nearby, visit Atins Beach, the village of Caburé, or the Preguiças area with mangroves and monkeys. Barreirinhas offers waterfalls such as Poço Azul. Explore these on combined tours from Barreirinhas.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, and comfortable shoes for sand; do not leave trash behind in order to preserve the ecosystem. Book tours with certified guides and go in a group for safety. Download offline maps and check lagoon water levels in apps or on ICMBio before you go.