Family Adventure at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Finding Peace in the Lagoons of Lençóis

Today was a day of gentle exploration, a chance to soak in the quieter side of Lençóis Maranhenses. We ventured to Vassouras, a charming village nestled amidst the dunes, and then spent time in Santo Amaro, absorbing the local culture. It was a day of simple pleasures, delicious food, and quality time with Sophie and Émile.

The morning started with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. The spread was simple but satisfying, with fresh fruits, local breads, and strong Brazilian coffee that gave me the jolt I needed. Émile, predictably, went straight for the fruit, while Sophie and I enjoyed the quiet morning, planning our day ahead. After breakfast, we set off for Vassouras.

Vassouras, a fishing village about 40 minutes from Barreirinhas, is part of the Pequenos Lençóis, boasting dunes and lagoons similar to the larger park, but with a unique charm. The dunes here have a slightly more yellowish tone compared to the stark white of the main park, which made for a beautiful contrast against the clear blue sky. We took a boat along the Preguiças River to get there, and the journey itself was incredibly peaceful. The riverbanks were lined with lush vegetation, and the air was filled with the sounds of birds. Émile was thrilled, pointing out every new bird and plant he spotted.

As we arrived in Vassouras, we were greeted by the sight of playful monkeys. These little guys are quite used to visitors and aren't shy about approaching in search of a snack. We had been warned not to feed them sweets, so we bought some bananas from a local vendor, which Émile gleefully handed out. Watching him interact with the monkeys, his eyes wide with wonder, was a highlight of the day. We spent a couple of hours exploring the dunes and swimming in the refreshing lagoons. The water was cool and clear, a welcome respite from the heat. Émile, of course, had a blast splashing around, while Sophie and I enjoyed the tranquility of the surroundings.


Discover Vassouras: A serene village with stunning dunes, refreshing lagoons, and playful monkeys on the Preguiças River.

The beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses lies not just in its grand landscapes, but also in the small, intimate moments of discovery.

For lunch, we headed back to Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde, where we enjoyed a simple yet delicious meal of grilled fish and rice. The restaurant is unpretentious, but the food is fresh and flavorful, and the service is warm and welcoming. It felt good to support a local establishment and experience authentic Brazilian cuisine. After lunch, we decided to visit Santo Amaro do Maranhão, a town known for its vibrant culture and friendly locals.
Santo Amaro is a bustling little town, with colorful houses and lively streets. We strolled along Beira Rio de Santo Amaro do Maranhão, a waterfront area that has recently been revitalized. It was lovely to see families enjoying the afternoon, children playing, and vendors selling their wares. Sophie was particularly taken with the local crafts, and we picked up a few souvenirs to remind us of our trip.


Explore the tranquil riverside beauty and rich culture of Beira Rio de Santo Amaro do Maranhão, a hidden gem in Brazil's stunning Maranhão state.

We also stopped by Açaí sabor encanto dos lençóis, a local spot known for its delicious açaí bowls. Açaí is a popular Brazilian treat made from the açaí berry, and it's absolutely delicious. We each ordered a bowl, topped with fresh fruit, granola, and honey. It was the perfect way to cool down and refuel after a day of exploring. Émile loved it so much he asked for seconds!


Discover the sweet flavors of Açaí Sabor Encanto dos Lençóis, a must-visit ice cream shop in Santo Amaro, Maranhão, perfect for cooling down after your adventures.

Before heading back, we did a little shopping at Açaí sabor encanto dos lençóis. I picked up some local spices to bring back home – I’m hoping to recreate some of the amazing flavors we’ve experienced here in my own kitchen. Sophie found some beautiful handmade jewelry, perfect gifts for her friends back in Montreal. And Émile, of course, got a new toy – a little wooden car painted in bright colors.

The evening was spent back at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde, enjoying another delicious meal. We shared stories from our day, laughed, and made plans for the rest of our trip. It's moments like these, simple and unhurried, that I cherish the most.

As I reflect on today, I’m filled with a sense of gratitude. We experienced the quieter side of Lençóis Maranhenses, away from the more crowded tourist spots. We connected with the local culture, tasted new flavors, and created lasting memories as a family. It was a day of gentle exploration, a chance to appreciate the simple things in life.

Tomorrow, we are planning to visit Beco do Beijo and Cabure. I am excited to see what new adventures await us! I’ve heard Cabure is a beautiful beach where the river meets the sea, and I can't wait to explore it with my family. And who knows, maybe we'll even find a new favorite spot to add to our list of Lençóis Maranhenses treasures. Until then, boa noite from Brazil!