Family Adventure at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Barreirinhas Beckons: A Farewell Embrace

As our adventure in Lençóis Maranhenses nears its end, today was all about soaking in the local atmosphere of Barreirinhas. With Sophie and Émile by my side, I wanted to experience the town's everyday life, from its bustling market to its serene viewpoints, before we bid adieu to this natural wonderland. It's amazing how quickly a place can feel like home, even when you're just passing through.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. I must say, starting the day with local cuisine is always a good idea. We enjoyed some freshly baked bread and strong coffee, fueling up for the day's explorations. Émile was particularly fond of the local fruit juices, a colorful mix that he declared tasted like sunshine. He certainly has a way with words, that one.


Discover authentic Brazilian cuisine at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde in Santo Amaro do Maranhão—where every dish is a journey through local flavors.

First on our list was the Mercado Municipal. I always find that visiting a local market is the best way to get a feel for the heart of a place. The market was bustling with activity, vendors calling out their wares, and locals going about their daily shopping. The colors, smells, and sounds were a feast for the senses. We wandered through the stalls, admiring the vibrant displays of fruits, vegetables, spices, and handicrafts. I picked up some local spices to try my hand at some Maranhense dishes back home in Montreal. Sophie, ever the translator, enjoyed chatting with the vendors, practicing her Portuguese and learning about the local culture. Émile, of course, was fascinated by everything, especially the live chickens and the piles of colorful candies. It reminded me of the old markets back in Opelousas, where the sense of community was just as strong.


Explore the vibrant Mercado Municipal in Santo Amaro do Maranhão, a hub for local produce, unique goods, and authentic flavors.

The best way to know a place is to wander through its markets, taste its food, and listen to its stories.

After the market, we decided to take in some panoramic views from Vista Mar. The name promises a view, and it certainly delivered. From our vantage point, we could see the vast expanse of the park, the winding Preguiças River, and the town of Barreirinhas stretching out before us. It was a perfect spot for some family photos, capturing the beauty of the landscape and the joy of our shared experience. I tried to explain the geological history of the area to Émile, but he was more interested in spotting birds and identifying different types of trees. I suppose some things are better experienced than explained.


Discover Vista Mar in Barreirinhas: Where coastal beauty meets the gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.

For lunch, we returned to Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. We enjoyed a leisurely meal of fresh seafood and local delicacies. The restaurant had a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. Émile, as always, was the star of the show, charming everyone with his attempts to speak Portuguese. I felt a pang of nostalgia, thinking of similar family meals back in Louisiana, filled with laughter and good food.

Next, we explored Feirinha Vila de Encantos. This charming fair offered a delightful array of local crafts, souvenirs, and artisanal goods. Sophie was in her element, browsing the stalls and admiring the intricate designs. Émile, predictably, was drawn to the toys and trinkets, and after some negotiation, we agreed on a small, hand-carved wooden bird for him to take home. I found a beautiful, hand-woven hammock, perfect for relaxing on our balcony back in Montreal, a little piece of Brazil to remind us of our adventure.


Experience the vibrant culture of Maranhão at Feirinha Vila de Encantos in Santo Amaro, a treasure trove of local crafts and traditions.

As the day drew to a close, we had our final dinner at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. The restaurant was even more lively in the evening, with live music and a festive atmosphere. We savored our last taste of Maranhense cuisine, reminiscing about our favorite moments from the trip. Émile fell asleep in Sophie's arms, exhausted but content. As I looked at them, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this experience, for the opportunity to share this incredible place with my family.

Tomorrow, we'll be heading to Boogie dos Lençóis and Portal Barreirinhas before making our way back home. It’s always bittersweet, this part of a trip. The anticipation of returning home, of sharing our stories and photos with friends and family, is exciting. But there’s also a sadness in leaving behind a place that has captured our hearts, a place where we’ve made memories that will last a lifetime.

As I sit here, writing these words, I can hear the sounds of Barreirinhas drifting in through the window – the distant music, the chatter of voices, the gentle breeze rustling through the palm trees. It’s a lullaby of sorts, a reminder of the magic we’ve experienced here. And as I drift off to sleep, I know that Lençóis Maranhenses will forever hold a special place in my heart, a place I hope to return to someday, with my family by my side.