Lençóis Maranhenses National ParkAbout Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park preserves a striking coastal landscape of white sand dunes interspersed with seasonal freshwater lagoons in the state of Maranhão. The contrast of dunes and bright lagoons is the park’s defining feature.
The scenery consists of sweeping dunes with scattered crystal-clear lagoons that form in interdunal depressions after rains, offering swimming in sheltered fresh water amid the sand. Popular viewpoints and trails provide panoramic dune vistas and photo opportunities; boat trips on nearby rivers give access to adjacent wetlands and fishing villages.
The area has long been recognized for its unusual dune-lagoon system and was designated a national park to protect its geomorphology, freshwater habitats and local communities. Tourism has grown around guided dune excursions and seasonal lagoon visits.
The park lies along Brazil’s northern coast in Maranhão state, with the town of Barreirinhas and other small villages acting as the main access points for visitors.
- When the lagoons form: Lagoons typically fill after the rainy season and are most extensive and swimmable between June and September, when rainwater accumulates between dunes.
- Access and movement: Access to the dune fields is commonly by 4x4 from Barreirinhas; sand driving and walking over the dunes are the usual ways to reach main lagoons and viewpoints.
What to See#
- Dune-and-lagoon landscape: A network of white sand dunes that trap seasonal rainwater in shallow lagoons, creating bright blue and green pools between dunes during the rainy season.
- Visitor gateways (Barreirinhas): The town of Barreirinhas and smaller villages that serve as launch points for 4x4 excursions across the park and boat trips on the Rio Preguiças.
Best Time to Visit Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Best visited May-September to see the lagoons at their fullest; access often from Barreirinhas by 4x4.
Weather & Climate near Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1570 mm/year), wettest in March with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 23° - 32° | 27° | 150 mm | - | - | 1.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 23° - 31° | 27° | 251 mm | - | - | 1.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 23° - 31° | 27° | 348 mm | - | - | 1.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 23° - 31° | 27° | 334 mm | - | - | 1.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 23° - 31° | 27° | 245 mm | - | - | 1.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 23° - 32° | 27° | 113 mm | - | - | 1.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 22° - 32° | 27° | 64 mm | - | - | 1.2 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 22° - 33° | 27° | 6 mm | - | - | 1.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 23° - 33° | 28° | 4 mm | - | - | 1.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 23° - 33° | 28° | 4 mm | - | - | 1.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 23° - 33° | 28° | 5 mm | - | - | 1.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 23° - 32° | 28° | 46 mm | - | - | 1.4 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Most visitors base themselves in Barreirinhas (about 4-5 hours by road from São Luís) and take organized 4x4 trips into the park. Small local boat or charter options exist from nearby river towns.
Tips for Visiting Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
- Hire a local driver/guide from Barreirinhas - the dunes and lagoons are easiest and safest with a 4x4 driver who knows seasonal lagoon locations.
- Visit lagoons after rainfall (May-Sep) when blue pools form between dunes.
- Bring sunglasses and a face covering for sand blasts; sunscreen and water are essential.