Family Adventure at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Whispers of the Dunes

Today, we ventured into a part of Lençóis Maranhenses that feels like a well-kept secret: the Pequenos Lençóis. It's a place where the vastness of the dunes meets the intimacy of smaller, more secluded lagoons. The day was filled with gentle exploration, quiet moments of awe, and the simple joy of being together as a family in a landscape that feels both otherworldly and deeply grounding.

Our day began, as it often does here, with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. There's something incredibly comforting about starting the day with simple, honest food in a place where the rhythm of life is dictated by the sun and the tides. Sophie, Émile, and I enjoyed some tapioca, a local staple, while we discussed our plans for the day. We were all eager to see what the Pequenos Lençóis had in store for us.

The journey to Pequenos Lençóis was an adventure in itself. We bumped along sandy tracks, the landscape transforming from scrubby vegetation to the now familiar expanse of white dunes. Even though I thought I was prepared, the sight of the dunes still took my breath away. It’s a stark, beautiful reminder of the power and artistry of nature. As a historical archivist, I am used to sifting through documents and piecing together stories of the past but standing in this landscape felt like stepping into a story that was still being written.

The Pequenos Lençóis, as the name suggests, are a smaller version of the main park, but what they lack in size, they more than make up for in charm and tranquility. The dunes here seem to undulate more gently, and the lagoons are tucked away like hidden pools. We spent the morning exploring the area, walking along the crests of the dunes, the sand cool beneath our feet despite the strong sun. Émile, of course, was in his element, running and tumbling down the slopes with boundless energy.

Sophie, ever the pragmatist, reminded us to reapply sunscreen – a lesson we seem to need reminding of daily. I must admit, I forgot my sunglasses today, a silly mistake considering how harsh the sun can be here. Note to self (and to you, dear reader): always double-check your essentials!

We found a perfect spot by one of the lagoons and decided to take a dip. The water was cool and clear, a welcome respite from the heat. Émile splashed and played, while Sophie and I floated on our backs, gazing up at the impossibly blue sky. It was one of those moments where everything felt right, a perfect blend of place, company, and time.

The beauty of a place is not just in what you see, but in how it makes you feel.

Lunch was another delightful affair at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. We enjoyed some freshly caught fish, grilled to perfection, along with rice and beans and a simple salad. The flavors were fresh and vibrant, a testament to the local ingredients and the skill of the cooks. I find that food always tastes better when you're surrounded by natural beauty, and this was no exception.

After lunch, we ventured towards the Piscinas naturais, natural pools formed among the dunes. These pools were even more secluded and serene than the lagoons we had visited earlier. The water was crystal clear, and we could see tiny fish swimming around our feet. Émile was fascinated, trying to catch them with his hands, his laughter echoing across the still water.

As the afternoon wore on, we made a stop at Dunas Modas, a local shop. Sophie was keen to find a souvenir, and Émile, surprisingly, was quite interested in the colorful t-shirts. I ended up buying a small, hand-painted figurine of a sea turtle, a reminder of our time here. I am not usually one for souvenirs, but I thought this would be a nice addition to my study back in Montreal, a little piece of Lençóis to remind me of this incredible journey.

One of the things that struck me most about the Pequenos Lençóis was the sense of peace and solitude. Unlike some of the more popular spots in the main park, here we felt like we had the landscape all to ourselves. It was a chance to disconnect from the noise and distractions of everyday life and simply be present in the moment. I thought about my work back in Montreal, the endless stacks of documents and the constant pressure to preserve and interpret the past. Here, in this timeless landscape, I felt a sense of perspective and clarity that I often struggle to find in the archives.

As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, we found a high dune and sat down to watch the sunset. The sky exploded with color, painting the dunes in hues of orange, pink, and purple. It was a breathtaking sight, a fitting end to a day of quiet exploration and connection. Émile, tired but content, snuggled up beside me, his small hand in mine. Sophie leaned against my shoulder, and we watched in comfortable silence as the day faded into night.

Reflecting on the day, I am reminded of why we chose to come to Lençóis Maranhenses in the first place. It wasn't just about seeing a unique landscape; it was about creating memories, connecting with each other, and experiencing something truly extraordinary as a family. The Pequenos Lençóis offered us a glimpse into a quieter, more intimate side of this incredible park, a reminder that sometimes the greatest treasures are found in the most unexpected places.

Back at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde for dinner, we recounted our favorite moments from the day. Émile, of course, loved the swimming and the sand dunes, while Sophie was captivated by the tranquility of the natural pools. I was simply grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with my family, to witness their joy and wonder in a place that feels so far removed from our everyday lives.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Portal de Lençóis Maranhenses, another iconic spot in the park. I am curious to see what new adventures await us, what new stories this landscape has to tell. For now, though, I am content to savor the memories of today, the whispers of the dunes, and the laughter of my son echoing across the lagoons of the Pequenos Lençóis.

Good night from Lençóis Maranhenses.