Exploring the Mesmerizing Dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses

Day 2: A Day of Dunes and Lagoons: Discovering the Wonders of Lençóis Maranhenses

Exploring Lagoa Bonita and Dunas de Atins, a day filled with breathtaking landscapes and serene beauty in Brazil's Lençóis Maranhenses.

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Embracing the Serenity of the Dunes


Today, the adventure continued in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, and what a day it has been! After yesterday's arrival and settling in, I was eager to explore more of this unique landscape. The combination of vast sand dunes and crystal-clear lagoons is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in its beauty. With the sun high in the sky and a sense of excitement in the air, my friends and I set out to discover the wonders that awaited us.

The day began with a hearty breakfast at the Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. Fuelled up and ready, we headed towards our first destination: Lagoa Bonita. The journey itself was an adventure, as we travelled in a 4x4 vehicle through the sandy terrain. The landscape was surreal, with endless white dunes stretching as far as the eye could see. It reminded me of the vast deserts of my homeland, Saudi Arabia, yet with a surprising twist of lagoons filled with inviting water. The temperature was warm, around 33°C, typical for September in this region.

Upon arriving at Lagoa Bonita, we were greeted by the sight of a towering dune that we had to climb to reach the lagoon. It was a challenging ascent, but the panoramic view from the top was well worth the effort. The lagoon below sparkled in the sunlight, its clear waters reflecting the blue sky above. It was the perfect spot for a refreshing swim, and we eagerly plunged into the cool water. We spent a couple of hours swimming and sunbathing, enjoying the tranquility of this natural oasis.

Experience the enchanting beauty of Lagoa Bonita - Rota, where breathtaking lagoons and stunning dunes await adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Experience the enchanting beauty of Lagoa Bonita - Rota, where breathtaking lagoons and stunning dunes await adventure seekers and nature lovers.

The beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses lies not only in its stunning landscapes but also in the sense of peace and serenity it offers.


After our refreshing interlude at Lagoa Bonita, we returned to the Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde for lunch. The simple yet delicious meal gave us the energy we needed for our next adventure: exploring the Dunas de Atins.

The journey to Atins was another exciting ride in our trusty 4x4. As we approached the coast, the landscape began to change, with the dunes meeting the ocean. The Dunas de Atins were even more impressive than what I had imagined, stretching along the coastline and offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic. We spent the late afternoon exploring these dunes, hiking to the top of the highest peaks and taking in the stunning scenery.

Experience the majestic Dunas de Atins: a unique blend of stunning dunes, refreshing lagoons, and authentic Brazilian charm in Lençóis Maranhenses.
Experience the majestic Dunas de Atins: a unique blend of stunning dunes, refreshing lagoons, and authentic Brazilian charm in Lençóis Maranhenses.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Bar da Amizade, a local bar known for its friendly atmosphere. We enjoyed some refreshing drinks and watched as the sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors. It was the perfect way to end a day filled with exploration and adventure.

Experience the warmth and charm of Bar da Amizade in Praia do Barreirinhas, the perfect retreat for travelers seeking relaxation and local flavor.
Experience the warmth and charm of Bar da Amizade in Praia do Barreirinhas, the perfect retreat for travelers seeking relaxation and local flavor.

Before dinner we took a moment to reflect on the day's journey. The majestic sweep of the dunes reminded me of the shifting sands of the Arabian Desert, a landscape I have always found both humbling and beautiful. Yet, the presence of the lagoons, shimmering like mirages, added a unique dimension to this Brazilian vista. It was a landscape that whispered tales of resilience and adaptation, much like the stories of the people who call this place home.

For dinner, we once again found ourselves at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde, enjoying a simple, satisfying meal. As we ate, we shared stories and laughed, reminiscing about the day's adventures. The sense of camaraderie and shared experience made the meal even more enjoyable.

As I sit here, writing this blog post, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience such a remarkable place. Lençóis Maranhenses is truly a natural wonder, and I feel privileged to have had the chance to explore its beauty. I am also grateful for the company of my friends, who have made this journey even more special. Their laughter and enthusiasm have added to the joy of each day, and I know that these are memories we will cherish for a lifetime.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Canto de Atins and Queimada dos Britos. I am excited to see what new adventures await us, and I look forward to sharing my experiences with you all. Until then, I bid you goodnight from this magical corner of Brazil.

The experience reminded me of a quote I once read by Ibn Battuta, the famous Moroccan explorer: "Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." Indeed, Lençóis Maranhenses has left me speechless with its beauty, and I am eager to continue sharing its stories with you all. I am starting to feel like a storyteller, eager to share every detail of this incredible journey.

I must remember to buy a portable charger tomorrow as my phone is constantly running out of battery. It is essential for taking photos and videos, and I don't want to miss capturing any of the special moments. I should probably buy mosquito repellent too, as I have already been bitten a few times.
Go to day 1 First Impressions: Discovering the Enchanting Lençóis Maranhenses
Go to day 3 A Day of Serenity and Camaraderie in Atins: Exploring Coastal Charms and Hidden Oases
trip photo
Exploring the Mesmerizing Dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses

Join me on an adventure through the stunning sand dunes and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, with friends. A journey of natural beauty.

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Meet this Featured Explorer

Farida Al-Harbi
  • Occupation icon Occupation: Cultural Liaison for an International NGO
  • Country icon Country: Netherlands
  • Age icon Age: 55

Ahlan wa Sahlan! I'm Farida, a Saudi Arabian native living in the charming city of Delft, Netherlands. My journey has been one of cultural immersion, bridging traditions, and discovering the world's hidden gems. As a cultural liaison, I've developed a deep appreciation for the diverse tapestry of human experience, and through this blog, I share my adventures, insights, and reflections on travel, culture, and the beauty of our global community. Join me as I explore historical sites, savor local cuisines, and uncover the stories that connect us all.

Interests:
  • Cultural heritage preservation
  • International relations
  • Modern art and design
  • Sustainable living
  • Middle Eastern cuisine
More about Farida Al-Harbi

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