Lençóis Maranhenses is a National Park in the Maranhão state of Brazil.
Mostly about birdlife, shifting dunes and fresh water lakes, the latter in their best between May and September.
Motor vehicles are not allowed in the park, however, many agencies will offer 4X4 tours. Please think twice before booking one of these tours.
The shifting dunes with the lakes in between are most spectacular at low sun, when a range of shadows come into play. Just after sunrise is probably thev very best beacause of lower temperatures.
Dry sands don't cater for much. Some tiny fish in the lakes, the occasional bird and some bushes along the rim of the dunes. Quite a few cattle and goats grazing along the lakes.
Best time to visit is May - September, after the rains, and before the lakes dry out. The almost constant breeze may fool you into thinking the sun is not getting at you. Think again!
There are no fees or permits. You are free to enter.
There are two major trekking routes. Both go roughly east-to-west, which is by far the most convenient direction due to dunes shaping (i.e. steep and fluffy on the lee/west side) and also sand blowing in your back rather than your face:
- Atins - Santo Amaro. Possible stops at Canto do Atins, Baixa Grande and Queimada dos Britos. As a straight line, this is almost exactly downwind.
- Barreirinhas - Santo Amaro. Take a daytrip from Barreirinhas to either Lagoa Bonita or Lagoa Azul. Jump off and start walking. Possible stops at Baixa Grande and Queimada dos Britos.
Visitors must bring their own food and water for treks within the park. There are no opportunities to purchase food and drinks other than at lodging offered by locals who live in the two major oasis within the park.