Family Adventure in the Sands: Exploring Lençóis Maranhenses

Off the Beaten Path

Today, we ventured into parts of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park that felt untouched, serene, and utterly magical. It's days like these that remind me why we traded our familiar Edmonton life for the thrill of exploration, creating memories with Fatima and the kids that we'll cherish forever. Forget the crowded tourist spots; today was about finding our own slice of paradise.

Our day began, as usual, with a delightful breakfast at the Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. I must say, this place has become our go-to for authentic Brazilian flavors, a comforting start to our daily adventures. The kids, Nelson and Sheila, were particularly excited, having heard whispers of the 'Pequenos Lençóis' – the Small Lençóis – which were our first destination for the day. I was also excited to explore, because I had heard about the ATV tours in Lençóis Pequenos.

The journey to Pequenos Lençóis was an adventure in itself. The landscape shifted dramatically, from sandy tracks to surprisingly lush patches of vegetation. Fatima kept remarking on the resilience of life in such an arid environment. When we finally arrived, the sight was breathtaking. While not as expansive as the main Lençóis Maranhenses, Pequenos Lençóis possessed a unique charm. The dunes were more intimate, the lagoons felt like secret pools, and the overall atmosphere was one of tranquil beauty. Nelson and Sheila immediately took off, their laughter echoing across the dunes as they raced each other to the water's edge.


Discover the serene beauty of Pequenos Lençóis Maranhenses: a stunning landscape of dunes and lagoons in Maranhão, Brazil. An unforgettable escape.

I spent a good while simply observing. The way the sunlight played on the water, the gentle breeze that sculpted the sand, it was a masterpiece of nature. I tried to capture it all with my camera, hoping to do justice to the scene's ethereal quality. Fatima joined me, and we shared a quiet moment, appreciating the serenity of our surroundings. It's moments like these that make our family trips so special, a chance to connect with each other and with nature, far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life in Edmonton. I am glad that we came during November, because it is less busy this time of year.

Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are found not in the grand spectacles, but in the quiet corners of the world.

After a couple of hours of exploration and countless photos, we headed towards Capão dos Carneiros. This was a location I'd been particularly eager to visit, having read about its unique ecosystem and the promise of more secluded lagoons. The drive was a bit rougher, the roads less defined, but our trusty vehicle handled it with ease. The anticipation grew with each passing kilometer, and when we finally arrived, Capão dos Carneiros did not disappoint.


Discover Capão dos Carneiros in Maranhão: pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant culture create unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

What struck me most about Capão dos Carneiros was its sense of unspoiled wilderness. There were fewer signs of human presence here, the landscape felt raw and untamed. We hiked along the dunes, discovering hidden lagoons teeming with life. Nelson, ever the curious explorer, was fascinated by the tiny fish and crustaceans he found in the shallows. Sheila, on the other hand, was content to simply splash in the water, her squeals of delight adding to the joyful atmosphere.

As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, we found a particularly picturesque spot overlooking one of the lagoons. We sat there in comfortable silence, watching the sky transform into a canvas of vibrant colors. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day, a moment of pure bliss shared with my loved ones in this extraordinary corner of Brazil. November has been treating us well with temperatures in the range of 26-32°C (78-90°F). I made sure to pack light and comfy clothes for the family so we could enjoy the outdoors comfortably.

Before heading back to our guesthouse, we made a quick stop at Edi fashion. Fatima wanted to pick up a few souvenirs, and Sheila was particularly keen on a colorful dress she'd spotted earlier in the day. I must admit, even I was tempted by some of the local crafts on display. It's always nice to have a little memento of our travels, something to remind us of the incredible experiences we've shared.


Discover the latest Brazilian fashion trends at Edi Fashion, a stylish boutique in Barreirinhas offering a diverse range of clothing for every occasion.

Dinner, once again, was at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. We indulged in more of their delicious local cuisine, savoring the flavors of Brazil as we recounted the day's adventures. The kids were already fast asleep by the time we got back to our guesthouse, exhausted but happy. Fatima and I sat on the porch for a while, enjoying the cool evening breeze and reflecting on our incredible journey so far.

Tomorrow, we are planning to explore Lagoa do Cassó and Beira Rio de Santo Amaro do Maranhão. I am eager to see what new adventures await us. But for now, I am content to bask in the memories of today, another unforgettable chapter in our family's travelogue. I am glad that we took this trip to Brazil and Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in particular. I feel like I am showing my children a different way of life, and expanding their horizons.

Back in Edmonton, life is comfortable but predictable. Here, every day is a new discovery, a new challenge, a new opportunity to create lasting memories. It's a life I wouldn't trade for anything, and I'm grateful for every moment we get to spend together as a family, exploring the wonders of this beautiful planet. From my family to yours, Boa Noite!

I will make sure to pack light rain jackets tomorrow, just in case I forgot to pack them [TripEssentialsForgotten].