The beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses lies in its simplicity. The endless sand dunes stretching to the horizon, crystal-clear blue lagoons, and oases like the ones you read about in books appear out of nowhere.  

Its beauty can only be truly appreciated in person, as you walk amongst what makes Lençóis Maranhenses so unique. Exploring this incredibly special region of Brazil by foot is a privilege and an unforgettable opportunity.

Here are 20 things you need to know before visiting and trekking Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.

Stretching for 43 miles along Brazil’s Maranhão coastline, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is made up of crescent-shaped sand dunes, temporary and perennial freshwater lagoons, gently flowing rivers and streams, mangrove swamps, and protected oases.

From above, the crescent-shaped dunes give the appearance of “crumpled bed linens.”

Every year, during the rainy season, the dunes receive nearly 80 inches.

The geomorphological features of the sand dunes cause the surge of rainwater during the rainy season to accumulate above ground, forming new seasonal freshwater lagoons or replenishing existing ones.

Some lagoons have water year-round, but water levels dwindled towards the end of the dry season.

The average lagoon is about 3-10 feet (1-3m) deep. Our guide told us that just 15 years ago, he remembers some of the lagoons being as deep as 25 feet (7m). It is estimated that there are 36,000 lagoons in the park.

After trekking 25 miles through the park, I can confidently say that going barefoot or wearing just socks is the most comfortable footwear option.

We originally planned to wear Chacos or Tevas, but the sand quickly became a problem, getting trapped between the straps and irritating skin.

Moreover, once the straps got wet from river and lagoon crossings, blisters formed quickly regardless of how broken-in the sandals were.

Our guide told countless stories of trekkers needing to be carried out of the park due to severely blistered feet.

Planning a trek in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park? My blog post has the complete packing list you’ll need.  

700 families reside in Lençóis Maranhenses.

Many of the families are completely self-sustained, living off the land and sea. Baixa Grande and Queimada dos Britos Oases are two communities where trekkers have the opportunity to visit and spend time with the locals.

These specific oases are home to more than 30 families who live, work, and host visitors in the park. Several of the homesteads in the Oases are 4th-generation families.

The dunes stretch 600 square miles, covering an area 2x the size of New York City. Some dunes reach as high as 60 feet and go for 40-50 miles. 

There is a special technique for descending the highest dunes in the park that guides teach trekkers. 

If you plan on trekking through the park, you will have the option of sleeping at an “Oasis”.

The oases typically consist of multiple family homesteads that host visitors, sell hot meals, have snack bars, provide drinking water, and offer bathrooms, showers, hammocks, and sometimes even free wifi.

Some guided treks offer tent camping in the dunes instead of staying at the oases.

Most of the national park’s rainfall occurs between January and June, with a dry season from July to December.

By the end of the dry season, many lagoons may shrink significantly or dry up completely

By trekking through the national park, you explore the most preserved and deepest part of the park, known as the zona primativa or “primitive zone”.

Only residents and overnight trekkers are permitted to access this area of Lençóis Maranhenses.

Day trippers are limited to a select few routes on the park edges where vehicles are allowed. All day trippers visit the same lagoons and dunes, which may be overrun during the busy months of July and August.

Trekkers also have the exclusive privilege of visiting Lagoa do Junco or Junco Lagoon – one of the most beautiful lagoons in the park.

It’s no surprise that there’s virtually no shade along the trek, so wearing lightweight, quick-drying clothing is ideal.

You’ll be wading in and out of water as you walk between oases. Some trekkers prefer to wear a swimsuit under their clothes, while others simply swim in whatever they’re already wearing.

Changing in and out of a bathing suit on the exposed dunes isn’t exactly practical, so don’t plan on multiple wardrobe changes.

My go-to trekking outfit in Lençóis Maranhenses was a pair of thin athletic shorts, a comfortable sports bra or bikini top, and a lightweight long-sleeve sun shirt. I’d take off the sun shirt whenever I went for a swim.

A good sun hat, sunglasses, and a microfiber towel are also essential for enjoying the dunes and lagoons. 

Planning a trek in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park? My blog post has the complete packing list you’ll need.  

Despite its arid appearance, the national park covers three Brazilian biomes: Cerrado, Caatinga, and Amazon.

The climate is considered semi-humid with a distinct rainy season.

The infamous winds from the east in this region of Brazil force the dunes to change shape every year.

“Barchans” is the scientific word used to describe the type of sand dunes formed by the wind in Lençois Maranhenses. Year after year, wind shapes the dunes and has the potential to shift them up to 100 feet.

If you sleep at an oasis, like Baixa Grande or Queimada dos Britos, you will receive your own hammock and a bed sheet for the night.

I recommend bringing an inflatable camping pillow, an eye mask, and some earplugs if you are a light sleeper. Groups depart the Oases at different times of the morning, some as early as 3 am.

The hammocks (rede in Portuguese and pronounced like “head-gee”) are already set up in palm thatched “rooms” called redarios. Some redarios might have as many as 30 hammocks.

The redarios have outlets where trekkers can charge electronics like cameras and phones. Just don’t forget to pack an adapter.

The most common meal we ate on the trek was grilled fish with Brazilian staples like rice, beans, cabbage, tomato, and buttered pasta noodles. Breakfast included fried eggs, tapioca (another Brazilian staple), toast, and fruit.

Most of the Oases also have snack bars or convenience store windows that sell snacks, domestic beer, bottled water, and sodas.

Guides will often provide an afternoon snack of coffee and cookies.

Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro are the two primary towns bordering Lençóis Maranhenses. These towns are where most day-trippers and trekkers will enter and exit the national park.

Atins is a small coastal village that is technically under the jurisdiction of Barrerinhas. In recent years, Atins has become a popular tourist destination for visitors to the national park. It’s sandy roads, laidback vibes, and trendy restaurants and hotels can be compared to those in Jericoacoara.

Since the wind consistently blows east to west in this region of Brazil, it’s best to plan your trek in that direction.

Thinking of adding Jericoacoara to your Northeast Brazil itinerary? Don’t miss my blog posts packed with tips for planning your visit!

The Best of Jericoacoara: A Fun & Easy 4 Day Itinerary

How to visit Jericoacoara: A seaside oasis in Brazil

The best 8 things to do in Jericoacoara

The constant wind keeps the sands moving and cool to the touch

Walking on the dunes is fairly easy, and trekking poles aren’t necessary. Much of the park’s sand is hard-packed, especially after rain.

A few of the family-run lodges in the Oases offer free wifi for trekkers. But I believe part of the magic of Lençóis Maranhenses is the peace and solitude inside the park. Trekking here is the perfect opportunity to disconnect and reflect. 

Almost every morning starts before sunrise on the trek. On the last morning, many hikers set out at 3 am and walk for several hours in complete darkness, relying on the moon, stars, and headlamp.

No need to worry, your guide knows the way. Just focus on tuning into your senses and feeling the path unfold in the dark. Just don’t get too distracted searching for shooting stars.

There are no rules against trekking in the park without a guide. However, since there are no trails or signage, only very experienced backcountry travelers should attempt the trek without a guide.

Many of the licensed guides and oases host families frown upon guideless trekkers. Using a local guide is not only the safest option, but also directly supports the Lençóis Maranhenses community.

I always try to find guides who are local to the area. Paradíso do Caju Turismo is a highly reputable and local company that offers guided tours in Lençóis Maranhenses.

Every year, the national park’s popularity grows, but its beauty remains.

In 2024, Lençóis Maranhenses was recognized as a World Natural Heritage site by UNESCO. It was chosen because of the national park’s unique geomorphology (earth surface changes), ecological significance, scenic beauty, and cultural importance.

There is a certain peace and tranquility inside the park. Trekkers will notice the stillness that accompanies the dunes’ simple beauty.

The silence is only interrupted by the sound of the wind blowing across the dunes and the lagoons’ waves gently lapping.

Exploring the vastness of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a privilege and an experience you will never forget.

Planning a trek in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park? My blog post has the complete packing list you’ll need.  

Related Posts…

Everything You Need to Pack for Trekking Lençóis Maranhenses

Parnaíba River Delta: How to Plan Your Visit

How to Visit Jericoacoara: A Seaside Oasis in Brazil