Family Adventure at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

First Day Wonders: Touching the Sands of Lençóis Maranhenses

After what felt like an eternity of travel, Sophie, Émile, and I finally set foot in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. The journey here was an adventure in itself, a mix of flights and car rides that heightened our anticipation. Leaving behind the familiar chill of Montreal for the tropical embrace of Brazil was a welcome change. As a historian, I'm always eager to explore new cultures and landscapes, and I couldn't wait to share this unique experience with my family. Émile, with his boundless energy, was especially excited about the prospect of running up and down the dunes.


Explore Brazil's surreal desert oasis: vast dunes, crystal lagoons, and breathtaking beauty in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
Our first day was all about absorbing the sheer scale and beauty of this natural wonder. The park, a seemingly endless expanse of white sand dunes punctuated by crystal-clear freshwater lagoons, is unlike anything I've ever seen. It's a landscape that feels both surreal and deeply grounding, a testament to the power and artistry of nature.

We started our day with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. The local cuisine was a delightful introduction to the flavors of Maranhão. Sophie, ever the adventurous foodie, was particularly thrilled with the fresh, tropical fruits and the strong, aromatic coffee. Émile, predictably, was a fan of the *pão de queijo*, those addictive little cheese breads that seem to be a staple everywhere in Brazil.


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.
After breakfast, we ventured into the park itself. The heat was considerable, a stark contrast to the December temperatures we'd left behind in Montreal, but a gentle breeze kept things bearable. I must admit, I momentarily regretted forgetting my sunglasses, a rookie mistake for someone who prides himself on being prepared. Sophie, of course, had packed hers, along with plenty of sunscreen for Émile and me. She always thinks of everything.

The landscape was breathtaking. Imagine, if you will, miles upon miles of undulating white dunes, resembling crumpled bedsheets as they stretch towards the horizon. This is what gives the park its name, “Lençóis Maranhenses,” or the “Bed Sheets of Maranhão”. Interspersed among these dunes are the lagoons, formed by rainwater during the rainy season. The water is so clear and inviting, it’s hard to resist taking a dip.

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.

Émile, of course, didn't hesitate. He was in the water within minutes, splashing and laughing with pure joy. Sophie and I followed suit, and we spent a blissful hour swimming in the cool, refreshing water. It was the perfect antidote to the heat and the long journey. Watching Émile play so freely, I was reminded of my own childhood summers in Opelousas, Louisiana, running through fields and swimming in the bayous. Those memories, so deeply ingrained in my being, felt somehow connected to this moment, here in this surreal landscape.

After our swim, we continued our exploration of the park. We trekked across the dunes, the sand soft and yielding beneath our feet. The views from the top of the dunes were simply stunning, a panoramic vista of white sand and blue water stretching as far as the eye could see. I tried to capture the scene with my camera, but no photograph could truly do justice to the experience. It's one of those places you have to see and feel to truly appreciate.

For lunch, we returned to Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. We enjoyed a delicious meal of fresh seafood, grilled to perfection and served with a side of *arroz de cuxá*, a local specialty made with rice and herbs. It was a flavorful and satisfying meal, and we savored every bite.

In the afternoon, we visited Casa Da Castanha E Artesanato, a local shop where we hoped to find some souvenirs. The shop was filled with local crafts and delicacies, from handmade jewelry to cashew nuts and other regional treats. We bought a few small items to remind us of our trip, including a beautiful hand-painted ornament for our Christmas tree back in Montreal. I also picked up some *castanha de caju* (cashew nuts) for snacking later. As someone with a keen interest in local history, I appreciated the opportunity to support local artisans and learn more about the region's culture.


Explore the charm of Barreirinhas at Casa Da Castanha E Artesanato, where local craftsmanship meets unique home goods in a delightful shopping experience.
As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves back on the dunes, watching the sunset. The sky was ablaze with color, a fiery mix of oranges, pinks, and purples that reflected off the white sand and the still waters of the lagoons. It was a magical moment, one that I will cherish forever. Émile, tired but happy, snuggled between Sophie and me as we watched the sun dip below the horizon.

Dinner was, again, at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. We were so tired that we opted for something simple and comforting. We enjoyed a hearty stew and some more of that delicious *pão de queijo*. After dinner, we strolled around the *Povoado* again, enjoying the cooler night air. I was so happy to see that the government of Maranhão is investing in infrastructure in the region, including the construction of roads and improved sanitation. It's great to see that the benefits of tourism are being shared with the local communities.

Back at our *pousada* (guesthouse), Émile fell asleep almost instantly. Sophie and I sat on the porch for a while, sipping tea and talking about our day. We both agreed that Lençóis Maranhenses was even more beautiful and awe-inspiring than we had imagined. I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to share this experience with my family. It’s moments like these that make all the challenges of travel worthwhile.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're planning to explore the Dunas de Atins and Canto de Atins. I hear the beaches there are stunning, and I'm looking forward to trying some of the local seafood at Charme Beach Bar | Atins. Émile is already excited about building sandcastles on the beach.

As I sit here writing this, the sounds of the Brazilian night fill the air – crickets chirping, a distant melody drifting from a nearby house. It’s a world away from Montreal, but somehow, it feels like home. Perhaps it's the warmth of the people, or the beauty of the landscape, or simply the joy of being with my family. Whatever it is, I'm grateful for this experience, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

It's incredible to think that just yesterday, I was sorting through historical documents in Montreal, and today, I'm standing in this otherworldly paradise. Life truly is full of surprises, and I'm so glad to be sharing this adventure with Sophie and Émile. We are creating memories that will last a lifetime, and I can't wait to share more of our journey with you all.

I encourage everyone to come and see this place for themselves. You won't be disappointed. Just remember to pack your sunscreen and sunglasses – and be prepared to be amazed!

This trip has already been a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from our everyday lives and reconnect with each other and with nature. As a family, we've always valued experiences over possessions, and this trip to Lençóis Maranhenses is a perfect example of that philosophy. I am looking forward to seeing what new adventures await us tomorrow!

Before drifting off to sleep, I made a mental note to buy a portable charger. My phone battery was already running low, and I didn't want to miss any photo opportunities tomorrow. Note to self: always double-check the packing list! Goodnight from Lençóis Maranhenses. The adventure continues tomorrow!