Family Adventure at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Day 2: Discovering the Magic of Atins

Today was all about embracing the unique coastal paradise that is Atins. Leaving behind the familiar comforts of Montreal, Sophie, Émile, and I dove headfirst into the heart of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, ready to explore its famed dunes and soak in the vibrant local culture. It's amazing how quickly a change of scenery can invigorate the soul.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. It’s a humble spot, but it gave us a real taste of local flavors. Émile was particularly fond of the *pão de queijo*, which he devoured with gusto. Fuelled up, we set off to explore the Dunas de Atins.


Experience the majestic Dunas de Atins: a unique blend of stunning dunes, refreshing lagoons, and authentic Brazilian charm in Lençóis Maranhenses.
The landscape here is simply surreal. Imagine vast, undulating dunes stretching as far as the eye can see, interspersed with crystal-clear lagoons. The stark white of the sand against the azure sky is a sight that truly takes your breath away. Sophie, ever the photographer, was in her element, snapping away at every angle. Émile, of course, was more interested in rolling down the dunes, his laughter echoing through the serene landscape. It was a reminder of the simple joys in life, something we often forget amidst the hustle of Montreal.

We spent hours trekking through the dunes, the fine sand seeping into our hiking boots. The sun was high, but a gentle breeze kept us comfortable. According to the locals, December is a great time to visit, with temperatures averaging between 26°C and 32°C. They weren't wrong, the weather was perfect for exploring. I did regret forgetting my sunglasses though; the sun reflecting off the white sand was intense!

The beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses lies not just in its landscapes, but in its ability to transport you to a world where time seems to stand still.

Our next stop was Canto de Atins, a charming area known for its preserved beauty.


Discover Canto de Atins: A tranquil escape into Brazil's natural wonders, with stunning dunes, lagoons, and rich biodiversity.
We explored some of the most beautiful lagoons in the region, including Lagoa do Kite, Lagoa Gavião, and Lagoa Maria Vitória. Each lagoon offered a unique experience, with crystal-clear waters perfect for a refreshing swim. Émile, of course, didn't hesitate to jump in, splashing around with pure joy. Sophie and I took a more leisurely approach, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.

Lunch was back at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. We opted for some fresh seafood, grilled to perfection. There’s something special about eating fresh fish with your toes in the sand, a far cry from our usual Montreal haunts. The simplicity of the meal, combined with the stunning surroundings, made it an unforgettable experience.

As the afternoon waned, we decided to check out Charme Beach Bar | Atins, a spot recommended by several locals.


Discover the vibrant atmosphere and tropical flavors at Charme Beach Bar, your perfect escape in Atins, Brazil.
It turned out to be the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. The bar has a great vibe, with live music and a DJ creating a festive atmosphere. Émile was thrilled to find other kids to play with, while Sophie and I enjoyed some *caipirinhas* and watched the sunset.

The sunset at Charme Beach Bar was nothing short of spectacular. The sky exploded with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple, casting a magical glow over the dunes. It was one of those moments where you feel truly grateful for the opportunity to experience such beauty. Sipping on my drink, I couldn't help but reflect on how different this was from our usual Saturday nights in Montreal. While I love our cozy home and familiar routines, there’s something incredibly liberating about stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing new experiences.

Dinner was, again, at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. We were starting to feel like regulars! Émile insisted on having more *pão de queijo*, while Sophie and I tried a local specialty, *Moqueca de Camarão* (shrimp stew). It was rich, flavorful, and utterly delicious. I made a mental note to try and recreate it back home, though I doubt it will taste the same without the ocean breeze and the sound of the waves.

Before heading back to our guesthouse, we took a stroll along the beach. The sky was ablaze with stars, and the Milky Way stretched across the horizon like a river of light. It was a sight that reminded me of my childhood in Opelousas, Louisiana, where the night sky was equally breathtaking. Growing up in the countryside, I always had a deep appreciation for nature, something I’m now trying to instill in Émile.

As I lay in bed tonight, I can’t help but feel a sense of contentment. Today was a day of simple pleasures, of connecting with nature and each other. It was a reminder that the best things in life are often the simplest. I am also grateful to Sophie, who encouraged me to take this trip. Being an archivist can be a very solitary profession, and I appreciate these moments together as a family. Tomorrow, we plan to explore Lagoa Bonita, another of Lençóis Maranhenses’ famed lagoons. I’ve heard it’s even more stunning than what we saw today, which is hard to imagine. Also, we might check out Frutos de Goiás Santo Amaro MA, a local shop. Until then, I’ll drift off to sleep with the sound of the ocean in my ears and the memory of the sunset in my heart. I really should have packed my sunglasses though…

This trip is already exceeding my expectations, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. It’s moments like these that make me realize how important it is to step outside our comfort zones and embrace the beauty that the world has to offer. And who knows, maybe I’ll even pick up a few new Cajun recipes along the way!

Goodnight from Atins.