Family Adventure in the Sands: Exploring Lençóis Maranhenses

Saying Goodbye to the Sands of Time

As our incredible journey through Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on the surreal beauty and unforgettable moments we've experienced as a family. It feels like just yesterday we arrived, wide-eyed and eager to explore this natural wonder, and now, as we prepare to leave, our hearts are full of cherished memories. This trip has not only been a visual feast but also a deeply bonding experience for Fatima, the kids, and me.


Explore Brazil's surreal desert oasis: vast dunes, crystal lagoons, and breathtaking beauty in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.

Our final day began with a hearty breakfast at the Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. The simple, yet delicious, meal of fresh fruits, tapioca, and strong Brazilian coffee set the perfect tone for a day of reflection and last-minute adventures. We savored every bite, knowing it was our last taste of local cuisine before heading back to Edmonton. It's funny how food can become such an integral part of travel memories; I'll definitely be trying to recreate some of these dishes back home, much to Fatima's amusement, I'm sure.


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.

The morning was dedicated to revisiting the Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses. We couldn't resist one last stroll across those mesmerizing dunes. The kids, Nelson and Sheila, were particularly thrilled, running and playing as if they had endless energy. Fatima and I walked hand in hand, taking in the panoramic views and engraving them in our minds. The sun was warm, but a gentle breeze kept us comfortable as we explored hidden corners and revisited our favorite lagoons. I even managed to capture a few stunning photos, hoping to preserve the magic of this place forever.

The beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses is not just in its landscape, but in the way it makes you feel—connected, humbled, and utterly grateful.

One of the highlights of the day was our impromptu visit to O Boticário. Fatima had been wanting to pick up a few local beauty products, and I must admit, I was curious to see what they had to offer. The shop was quaint and charming, filled with the aroma of exotic fragrances. Fatima spent a good half-hour browsing, while Nelson and Sheila entertained themselves by testing different lotions. I ended up buying a traditional Brazilian aftershave, hoping it would remind me of this trip every time I used it. It's these little souvenirs that often hold the most significant memories.


Explore a vibrant world of beauty and fragrances at O Boticário in Barreirinhas, where Brazilian cosmetics meet exceptional service.

For lunch, we returned to the Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. We decided to try some of their seafood dishes, which were highly recommended by the locals. The grilled fish was cooked to perfection, and the shrimp stew was bursting with flavor. As we ate, we reminisced about our adventures over the past eleven days—the exhilarating 4x4 rides, the refreshing swims in the lagoons, and the friendly faces we encountered along the way. It felt surreal that our journey was coming to an end.

In the afternoon, we decided to experience something a little different: the Boogie dos Lençóis. I had read about this event, a gathering of skydivers who jump over the park, and thought it would be an incredible sight to witness. While we didn't participate ourselves, watching the colorful parachutes against the backdrop of the dunes was truly breathtaking. The kids were especially fascinated, pointing and cheering as each skydiver gracefully descended. It added an unexpected thrill to our final day.


Experience skydiving thrills amidst the stunning dunes and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Barreirinhas, Maranhão.

As the sun began to set, we found ourselves back at the Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses for one last time. We climbed to the top of one of the highest dunes and watched as the sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors. The lagoons reflected the fiery hues, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty. It was a moment of pure serenity, a perfect way to bid farewell to this extraordinary place. I held Fatima close, feeling grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with my family. Nelson and Sheila sat quietly beside us, equally mesmerized by the spectacle.

Dinner was, once again, at the Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. We ordered some of our favorite dishes from the past few days, savoring each bite as if it were our last. The restaurant staff had become like old friends, and we exchanged warm goodbyes, promising to return someday. It's these personal connections that make travel so meaningful.

As we packed our bags for the final time, I couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy. Lençóis Maranhenses had captured our hearts in a way we never expected. It was more than just a beautiful destination; it was an experience that brought us closer together as a family. We talked about our favorite moments, the challenges we overcame, and the lessons we learned. It was a reminder of how travel can broaden our perspectives and enrich our lives.

Tomorrow, we begin our journey back to Edmonton. The thought of returning to our routine is both comforting and bittersweet. I know that the memories of Lençóis Maranhenses will stay with us forever, inspiring us to seek out new adventures and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. I am already looking forward to sharing our stories and photos with friends and family, hoping to inspire them to embark on their own journeys of discovery.

Reflecting on this trip, I realize how important it is to embrace the unexpected. We didn't have a detailed itinerary, and we allowed ourselves to be spontaneous and open to new experiences. This approach led us to discover hidden gems and create lasting memories. Whether it was stumbling upon a local festival, trying a new dish, or simply striking up a conversation with a stranger, each unplanned moment added depth and richness to our journey.

One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the importance of disconnecting from technology and immersing ourselves in the present moment. In Lençóis Maranhenses, we had limited access to the internet, which forced us to put our phones away and focus on each other and our surroundings. This digital detox allowed us to fully appreciate the beauty of nature and connect on a deeper level as a family. I plan to incorporate this practice into our daily lives back in Edmonton, making a conscious effort to be more present and engaged with my loved ones.

As I write this, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to explore Lençóis Maranhenses with my family. It has been an adventure of a lifetime, one that I will cherish forever. The stunning landscapes, the warm hospitality of the locals, and the memories we created together have left an indelible mark on my heart. I encourage anyone seeking a unique and transformative travel experience to visit this extraordinary destination. You won't be disappointed.

And so, with heavy hearts but full spirits, we bid adieu to the sands of time, carrying with us the magic of Lençóis Maranhenses. Until next time, Brazil!