Family Adventure at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Finding Tranquility in the Lagoons

Today was a day of serene beauty and simple pleasures here in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. After several days of adventurous exploration, Sophie, Émile, and I decided to take a slower pace, soaking in the natural wonders around us and engaging with the local community. It’s amazing how quickly you adapt to the rhythm of a place, and today we truly felt like we were embracing the heart of Maranhão.

Our day began, as it has every day here in Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. The simple, home-cooked meal of eggs, fresh fruit, and strong Brazilian coffee set us up perfectly for the day ahead. Émile, of course, was particularly fond of the fruit, devouring mangoes and papayas with gusto. It’s been wonderful to see him embrace the local cuisine with such enthusiasm.


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.

With our bellies full, we set off to explore Lagoa Alaris. The journey there was an adventure in itself, bouncing along the sandy tracks in our 4x4. As we arrived, the lagoon stretched out before us, a shimmering expanse of turquoise water framed by the undulating white dunes. The weather in December is hot and slightly windy, with temperatures ranging from 78—89°F (26—32°C). It was the perfect temperature for a swim.


Discover the serene beauty of Lagoa Alaris in Barreirinhas, a hidden gem within the breathtaking Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.

The water was so clear and refreshing, offering a welcome respite from the warm sun. Émile, ever the little fish, splashed around with glee, while Sophie and I enjoyed a leisurely swim, taking in the breathtaking scenery. It's moments like these, surrounded by such natural beauty, that make all the travel worthwhile.

Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.

After a refreshing morning swim, we decided to explore Lagoa do Cassó. This lagoon, a bit further afield, is known for its tranquil waters and the surrounding native forest. Getting there required a bit more of an adventurous drive, but the journey was part of the fun. The landscape shifted from open dunes to patches of scrubland, offering a glimpse into the diverse ecosystems within the park. Some tourists have even nicknamed it the “Jericoacoara maranhense”.


Discover Lagoa do Cassó: Maranhão's hidden paradise with crystal-clear waters, tranquil beaches, and unforgettable natural beauty.

Upon arriving at Lagoa do Cassó, we were struck by its serene beauty. The lagoon's dark waters reflected the surrounding trees, creating a mirror-like effect that was incredibly peaceful. We spent a couple of hours simply relaxing by the water's edge, Émile building sandcastles while Sophie sketched in her notebook. I took the opportunity to practice my Portuguese with a local vendor selling refreshments – a small interaction that enriched the experience.

For lunch, we returned to the Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. Today, I opted for the grilled fish, a local specialty, while Sophie enjoyed a vegetarian dish made with regional vegetables. Émile, predictably, chose the chicken and rice, a safe bet that always pleases him. The simplicity and freshness of the ingredients truly shone through, a testament to the local culinary traditions.

In the afternoon, we decided to immerse ourselves further in the local culture with a visit to Tj Mix Confecções, Calçados. While I wouldn’t normally consider myself a shopper on these trips, Sophie and Émile were keen to explore the local crafts and clothing. I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of the items on offer. Émile picked out a colorful, hand-painted t-shirt, while Sophie found a beautiful, locally made shawl. I even succumbed to the temptation and bought a traditional straw hat, perfect for shielding myself from the strong Brazilian sun.


Explore Tj Mix Confecções, Calçados for a unique shopping experience in Santo Amaro do Maranhão with stylish clothing at affordable prices.

The shop owner was a friendly local woman who shared stories about her craft and the community. It was fascinating to learn about the traditional techniques used to create the items, and it gave us a deeper appreciation for the artistry and skill involved. These interactions are what truly make a trip memorable, connecting us to the people and culture of a place.

As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves back at the Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde for dinner. The sunset over the dunes was spectacular, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple. We savored our final meal of the day, reflecting on the beauty and tranquility of our experiences. Émile, tired but content, fell asleep in Sophie's arms as we made our way back to our guesthouse.

Thinking about tomorrow, we plan to visit Lar dos Brittos and Beira do Rio Ribeira. I'm particularly excited about the prospect of exploring more of the natural beauty of this region, and perhaps sampling some local beers at Urra! Beer Atins in the evening. It’s days like today that remind me why I love to travel – the opportunity to disconnect from the everyday, to connect with nature, and to immerse ourselves in new cultures.

Back at our guesthouse, I’m filled with a sense of gratitude for the experiences we’ve had today. Lençóis Maranhenses has a way of captivating the soul, offering a blend of adventure and tranquility that is truly unique. As I sit here, writing these words, I can hear the gentle sounds of the Brazilian night – the chirping of crickets, the distant hum of music, and the soft murmur of voices. It’s a symphony of life that reminds me of the beauty and wonder of our world. I am also grateful that I remembered to pack my camera, because the views today were stunning. I really wish I hadn’t forgotten my sunglasses and portable charger, though.

Tomorrow, we’re planning to explore Lar dos Brittos and Beira do Rio Ribeira. Sophie is especially looking forward to seeing more of the local crafts, and Émile is already asking if we can go swimming again. And who knows, maybe we’ll even find time to relax at Urra! Beer Atins. Until then, I bid you goodnight from the magical landscape of Lençóis Maranhenses.

The hot and humid weather is often perceived as muggy. Even during the dry season, the weather in the national park is consistently very warm to hot with daily high temperatures averaging at 31 °C to 32 °C (88 °F to 90 °F). Daily low temperatures during these months are 23 °C to 24 °C (73 °F to 74 °F). December is a good time to visit Lencois Maranhenses National Park.

The Ponta Verde tour begins with pickup from the hotel in a 4x4 vehicle, heading towards the village of Ponta Verde, a community located within the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. The scenery is marked by a large lake that guarantees the livelihood of the local residents. In Ponta Verde, it is possible to admire Lagoa do Reflexo, famous for its depth and the large extension in kilometers of diameter, which allows it to maintain good water levels for longer compared to the other lagoons. After sunset, the return to the city of Santo Amaro is carried out.

Lagoa do Cassó is located in the municipality of Primeira Cruz, in Maranhão, 217 km from São Luís. It has warm, clear and calm waters, reaching 20 meters deep at the time of flooding, when it manages to cross the spillway and flow into the Preguiças River. It is surrounded by native forest, attracting bathers, as well as diving and windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing. The place also offers inns and hiking tours.

I am really looking forward to tomorrow, as I am sure it will bring even more beautiful memories for my family and me.