Exploring the Sand Dunes and Lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses

Caburé: A Day of Serenity and Surprise

Today was a day of simple pleasures and unexpected beauty as Greta and I explored Caburé, a charming peninsula nestled between the Preguiças River and the vast Atlantic Ocean. It’s amazing how a place so seemingly remote can offer such a rich tapestry of experiences.


Discover Caburé: A serene peninsula in Lençóis Maranhenses where the Preguiças River meets the Atlantic, offering pristine beaches and stunning dunes.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. It’s become our go-to spot for starting the day, with its simple, honest fare and the friendly faces of the locals. The energy of the village is infectious, and it’s a great way to fuel up before heading out for the day’s adventures.


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.

After breakfast, we decided to take a stroll along the beach. The sand was soft and inviting, and the sound of the waves was incredibly soothing. It’s funny, I’ve lived in Berlin for years now, a city that pulses with a different kind of energy, but there’s something about the rhythm of the ocean that always calls me back to my roots in Saint Lucia. Greta, ever the observer, was fascinated by the small fishing boats bobbing gently in the water, and we spent a good while just watching the local fishermen prepare for their day's work.

As we wandered further, we stumbled upon the Parque Eólico Caburé, a wind farm that stands as a testament to sustainable energy. It was quite a sight to see these towering turbines against the backdrop of the dunes. I must admit, I’m always a bit skeptical of these kinds of installations, but there was something undeniably beautiful about the way they seemed to dance with the wind. Greta, of course, was in her element, peppering me with questions about the technology and the environmental impact. I did my best to answer, drawing on my limited knowledge, but mostly just admired her enthusiasm.


Discover the beauty of sustainable energy at Parque Eólico Caburé, where stunning landscapes meet innovative wind power technology.

The beauty of Caburé lies not just in its landscapes, but in the simple, unhurried rhythm of life that permeates every corner of this hidden paradise.

Lunch was another delightful experience at the Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. We opted for fresh grilled fish, caught that very morning, and it was absolutely divine. There’s something about eating seafood so close to the source that just makes it taste better. We sat at a small table overlooking the river, watching the boats glide by and soaking in the laid-back atmosphere. It was one of those moments where everything just felt right, and I was grateful for the chance to share it with Greta.

In the afternoon, we decided to explore the dunes a bit more. We rented a quad bike and set off into the sandy wilderness. It was exhilarating to zoom across the dunes, the wind whipping through our hair. Greta, surprisingly, was a natural behind the wheel, navigating the tricky terrain with ease. We stopped at the top of one of the highest dunes to take in the panoramic view. The landscape was breathtaking – a seemingly endless expanse of sand, dotted with crystal-clear lagoons. It felt like we were on another planet.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, we made our way back to Caburé, stopping at the Bar da Vaca for a sundowner. It’s a quirky little place, with a rustic charm that perfectly captures the spirit of the village. We sipped on caipirinhas, watching the sky explode with color as the sun disappeared. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.


Discover the vibrant nightlife of Barreirinhas at Bar da Vaca, a karaoke bar where music and fun unite for an unforgettable experience.

The evening was quiet and peaceful. We had dinner again at our trusty Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde, savoring the flavors of the local cuisine. The restaurant was lively with locals and tourists alike, all sharing stories of their day's adventures. After dinner, we took another stroll along the beach, this time under the starlit sky. The Milky Way was clearly visible, stretching across the heavens like a shimmering ribbon. It was a humbling reminder of our place in the universe.

Reflecting on the day, I realized that Caburé is more than just a beautiful place. It’s a place where you can reconnect with nature, with yourself, and with the simple joys of life. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, and where you can truly appreciate the present moment. As an ESL teacher in bustling Berlin, these moments of tranquility are rare and precious.

Tomorrow marks the end of our journey in Lençóis Maranhenses. We plan to visit Feirinha Vila de Encantos and Mirante dos pequenos lençóis maranhenses. I’m looking forward to soaking in as much of this beautiful landscape as I can before we head back to the hustle and bustle of Berlin. I’m sure Greta is already planning our next adventure, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us. Until then, I’ll cherish the memories of Caburé and the lessons it taught me about slowing down and appreciating the simple things.

As we prepare to leave this enchanting place, I am reminded of a quote by Pico Iyer:

“We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next, to find ourselves. We travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate.”

This trip to Lençóis Maranhenses has been nothing short of transformative. It has not only allowed me to witness the unparalleled beauty of Brazil but also to rediscover the joy of exploration and the importance of connecting with nature. The sweeping sand dunes, the crystal-clear lagoons, and the warm hospitality of the locals have left an indelible mark on my soul. I return to Berlin with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the world around me. The memories created here, with my beloved Greta by my side, will undoubtedly fuel our adventures for years to come. As we pack our bags and prepare for our journey home, I am already dreaming of our next escape, eager to uncover more hidden gems and embrace the unknown with open arms.

And as I think of home, I realize how much I miss some of my simple pleasures of Berlin too – like trying to decipher the quirky German idioms that Greta teaches me, or exploring the hidden gems in the diverse neighborhoods. But for now, I am grateful for this escape, and I’ll hold onto the memories of Caburé as a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life.

It's time to head back to Berlin, ready to share my experiences with my students and inspire them to seek their own adventures. And who knows, maybe one day I'll bring them here to experience the magic of Lençóis Maranhenses for themselves.