Family Adventure at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Whispers of the Dunes

Today was a day of quiet contemplation amidst the grandeur of Lençóis Maranhenses. Sometimes, the most profound travel experiences aren't about ticking off a list of sights, but about allowing yourself to be absorbed by the environment, to breathe in the stillness and find a connection with the landscape. Today, at the Portal de Lençóis Maranhenses, I found just that.


Discover the best access point to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, offering stunning dunes, lagoons, and unforgettable natural experiences in Santo Amaro.

Our day began, as most have here, with a hearty breakfast at the Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. Sophie, Émile, and I enjoyed some fresh fruits and local pastries, fueling up for what we knew would be a day of exploration. The anticipation was palpable, especially for Émile, who always seems to wake up with boundless energy and a thirst for adventure. I must admit, even I felt a surge of excitement, eager to see what the day would unfold. The weather in December is perfect, with temperatures ranging from 78°F to 89°F.

The Portal de Lençóis Maranhenses isn't so much a specific 'attraction' as it is a gateway, an entry point into the vast expanse of the park. It’s where the paved roads give way to sandy tracks, where the bustling outside world fades into the quietude of nature. The village of Ponta Verde is located within the park, offering a glimpse into the local culture and way of life. As we bumped along in our 4x4, leaving the last vestiges of civilization behind, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. It’s a feeling I often chase when I travel – the shedding of everyday worries and the embrace of the present moment.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found not in the places we go, but in the moments of quiet reflection we allow ourselves to experience.

Our first stop was a viewpoint overlooking a seemingly endless sea of dunes. The landscape was breathtaking. The stark white sand undulated like frozen waves, meeting the clear blue sky in a hazy horizon. Émile, of course, was immediately captivated, running up and down the dunes with the carefree abandon of a child. Sophie and I watched him, smiling, content to simply soak in the view. I took a few photos, trying to capture the immensity of it all, but I knew that no image could truly do it justice. It’s one of those places you have to experience firsthand to fully appreciate.

We spent the morning exploring the area around Ponta Verde, a charming village nestled amidst the dunes. It felt like stepping back in time. Simple houses, sandy streets, and the friendly faces of the locals greeted us. We stopped at a small shop where Sophie bought a beautifully handcrafted bracelet, a memento of our time here. Émile, predictably, opted for an ice cream, which he devoured in record time, his face smeared with chocolate.

Lunch was back at the Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde, where we enjoyed some traditional Brazilian cuisine. Fresh fish, rice, beans, and farofa – a simple but delicious meal that filled us up and gave us the energy for the afternoon ahead. I savored the flavors, thinking about how food is such an integral part of any culture, a way to connect with the people and the place on a deeper level.

After lunch, while Émile was playing, I took a walk by myself, wandering away from the village and into the dunes. I wanted to find a quiet spot, a place where I could be alone with my thoughts. It didn't take long. I found a secluded hollow between two towering dunes, a natural amphitheater of sand. I sat down, closed my eyes, and listened. The silence was profound, broken only by the occasional whisper of the wind. I thought about my life, my family, my work. I thought about the challenges I've faced and the blessings I've received. I felt a sense of gratitude wash over me, a deep appreciation for the simple things in life.

As the afternoon wore on, we made our way to Lencois Bar for a refreshing drink. The bar was lively, filled with locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. Émile, ever the social butterfly, made friends with a group of kids and they were soon running around, playing tag in the sand. Sophie and I sat back, sipping our drinks and watching them, feeling a sense of contentment. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.


Experience the vibrant spirit of Barreirinhas at Lencois Bar, where refreshing drinks meet a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for relaxation after exploring Lençóis Maranhenses.

The sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple. We found a high dune and sat down to watch the sunset. It was a spectacular sight, the sky ablaze with color, the dunes silhouetted against the fading light. Émile snuggled between Sophie and me, his small hand clutching mine. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude. This trip, this place, this family – it was all more than I could have ever asked for.

As we made our way back to our guesthouse, I reflected on the day. It wasn't about grand adventures or adrenaline-pumping activities. It was about slowing down, connecting with nature, and finding peace in the stillness. It was about appreciating the simple things, the beauty of the landscape, the warmth of the people, the love of my family. It was a day of reflection, a day of serenity, a day I will never forget.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Vassouras and Beira Rio de Santo Amaro do Maranhão. I am looking forward to it, but I also know that no matter what we do, it will be the quiet moments of reflection that I will cherish the most. I am also hoping to find Açaí sabor encanto dos lençóis, as Émile has been asking for it non-stop.

Lençóis Maranhenses has a way of stripping away the unnecessary, of forcing you to confront what truly matters. It’s a place where you can lose yourself in the vastness of the landscape and, in doing so, find yourself in the quiet corners of your own heart. It's a place that reminds you that sometimes, the greatest adventures are found not in the places we go, but in the moments of quiet reflection we allow ourselves to experience. And as I drift off to sleep tonight, under the vast, star-studded sky of Brazil, I am grateful for this reminder, grateful for this journey, grateful for this life.