Family Adventure at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Oases and Overlooks: Monday's Magic in Lençóis

Today marked the fourth day of our family adventure in Lençóis Maranhenses, and it was nothing short of magical. Leaving behind the familiar comforts of Montreal, I never imagined I'd find such unique beauty in Brazil. The stark contrast between the endless dunes and the vibrant life nestled within them is a story I can't wait to share.

Our day began, as it has every morning here, with a hearty breakfast at the Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. The simple, honest food fuels us for the day's adventures. Émile, predictably, devoured his tapioca with gusto, while Sophie and I savored the strong, sweet coffee. I'm starting to feel like a local, trading stories with the other guests and soaking in the morning sun.


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.

Our first stop was Queimada dos Britos, an island of life amidst the sea of sand. The journey there was an adventure in itself, a seemingly endless drive across the dunes. I couldn't help but think of my work back in Montreal, archiving the stories of the city's past. Here, the story was written in the sand, in the resilience of the people who call this place home. Queimada dos Britos is more than just a village; it's a testament to the human spirit. Surrounded by dunes, the residents, mostly relatives, live off fishing, tourism and animal husbandry. I learned that many of them are descendants of Manuel Brito, who sought refuge here from a severe drought in Ceará. It's incredible how such a remote place can hold so much history.


Discover Queimada dos Britos, a remote oasis village in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, offering stunning landscapes and a unique cultural experience.

The beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses lies not only in its landscapes but also in the stories of the people who call it home.

We spent a few hours exploring the village, chatting with the locals, and trying to capture the essence of their simple way of life. Émile was fascinated by the goats roaming freely among the dunes, while Sophie was captivated by the intricate handicrafts made from local materials. I was particularly moved by the resourcefulness of the community, who have adapted to living in such a challenging environment. They use solar generators since only few homes have electricity.

Leaving Queimada dos Britos, we headed towards Mirante das dunas de Vassouras. As we approached, the landscape opened up before us, revealing a panoramic vista of rolling dunes stretching as far as the eye could see. The wind sculpted the sand into ever-changing patterns, creating a surreal and breathtaking scene. I felt a sense of awe and humility, a reminder of the power and beauty of nature.


Discover golden dunes, refreshing lagoons, and playful monkeys at Mirante das Dunas de Vassouras, a unique oasis within Lençóis Maranhenses.

We spent the afternoon simply wandering through the dunes, losing ourselves in the landscape. Émile, with his boundless energy, ran up and down the slopes, his laughter echoing through the air. Sophie and I walked hand in hand, marveling at the sheer scale of it all. I tried my best to capture the moment with my camera, but no photograph could truly do justice to the experience. The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the dunes. The sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors, painting a masterpiece that only nature could create. As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to the Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde for dinner.

After dinner, seeking a bit of local flavor, I ventured out to the Kayak Bar. It was a great spot to unwind, chat with fellow travelers, and enjoy a cold drink while soaking in the atmosphere. I even tried my hand at a local concoction, which, while potent, was surprisingly refreshing. It's these small moments, these little detours, that often make a trip truly memorable.


Experience the vibrant culture and relaxing atmosphere at Kayak Bar, a must-visit riverside gem in Barreirinhas, Maranhão.

As I sit here now, writing this entry, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences of the day. Lençóis Maranhenses has a way of stripping away the unnecessary, of reminding you what truly matters. It's a place where time slows down, where you can reconnect with nature and with yourself. It's a place I know I'll never forget.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Pequenos Lençóis Maranhenses and the natural pools. I'm eager to see what new wonders await us. And Sophie is looking forward to visit Dunas Modas. Until then, I'll cherish the memories of today, of the oases found and the vistas conquered.

Good night from Lençóis Maranhenses.

P.S. I realized today that I forgot my sunglasses *and* my portable charger back in Montreal. Note to self: Sophie is always right about packing.