Exploring the Sand Dunes and Lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses

Whispers of the Dunes

Today marked the beginning of an adventure Greta and I have long dreamed of: exploring the majestic Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Leaving the familiar streets of Berlin behind, we traded cobblestones for sand dunes, and the cool German air for the warm, embracing climate of Brazil. It's a journey into a landscape so unique, so otherworldly, that it feels like stepping onto another planet.

The journey here was quite something. After flying from Berlin to São Luís, we hopped on a bus to Barreirinhas [the time in Barreirinhas, BR is 01:11 PM]. The gateway to Lençóis, where the real adventure would begin. The bus ride was long but offered a taste of the Brazilian countryside, a prelude to the natural wonders awaiting us. As an ESL teacher, I always find it fascinating to observe the local culture and language, picking up new phrases and customs along the way. Greta, ever the librarian, was already engrossed in a book about the region's history, occasionally sharing interesting facts with me as we bumped along the road.

Our first stop was Queimada dos Britos, a tiny settlement that feels like a mirage in the middle of the desert. This oasis is a few kilometers from Atins and Santo Amaro. Surrounded by seemingly endless dunes, the village is a testament to human resilience and adaptability. The locals call Queimada dos Britos an island in the heart of the park. It's hours away from everything, requiring treks across the dunes. The families here are mostly related, and they live off fishing, tourism and raising livestock.


Discover Queimada dos Britos, a remote oasis village in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, offering stunning landscapes and a unique cultural experience.

The simplicity of life here is striking; it's a reminder that true wealth lies not in material possessions, but in community and connection to nature.

We spent the morning wandering through the village, chatting with the locals, and learning about their way of life. It's incredible how they've managed to thrive in such an isolated environment. They are so warm and welcoming. Their stories of survival and community resonated deeply with us. As someone who grew up on the small island of Saint Lucia, I felt an immediate connection to their resourcefulness and spirit. Greta, with her librarian's curiosity, was fascinated by their oral traditions and the history of the village, founded by Manuel Brito, who sought refuge from a severe drought in Ceará.

After Queimada dos Britos, we made our way to the Portal de Lençóis Maranhenses. This area provides a stunning introduction to the park's unique landscape. As we stepped out of our vehicle, we were immediately greeted by the sight of rolling white dunes stretching as far as the eye could see. The contrast between the bright white sand and the clear blue sky was breathtaking.


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

We spent the afternoon exploring the dunes, hiking up to the highest peaks for panoramic views of the park. The sand was soft and cool beneath our feet, and the wind carried whispers of stories from times long past. I couldn't resist taking out my camera and capturing the stunning scenery. Photography is one of my passions, and Lençóis Maranhenses is a photographer's dream. Every angle offers a new perspective, a new composition, a new story to tell.

For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we enjoyed the local cuisine at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. This restaurant offers authentic Brazilian dishes that provided us with a true taste of the region. It was a delight to savor the flavors of Maranhão, each meal a new culinary adventure. The fresh ingredients and traditional recipes made every dish memorable. I even tried my hand at ordering in Portuguese, much to Greta's amusement and the locals' appreciation.


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.

As the sun began to set, we headed to Lencois Bar for a relaxing evening. Sipping on local drinks and listening to the gentle sounds of Brazilian music, we reflected on the day's adventures. It was the perfect way to unwind and soak in the atmosphere of this magical place. The bar was lively, filled with locals and tourists alike, all sharing stories and laughter. I even managed to practice my rusty Portuguese with a few friendly locals, learning some new idioms and slang along the way.


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

The weather today was perfect, with hot temperatures around 32°C (90°F), ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. The humidity was about 71%, and we were lucky enough to experience only a very slight chance of rain. August is one of the busiest months here, and it's easy to see why. The lagoons are full, and the conditions are perfect for exploring the park.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're excited to explore the Dunas de Atins and Canto de Atins. We plan to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner again at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde, and we might check out Charme Beach Bar | Atins in the evening.

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel grateful for this opportunity. Leaving Berlin was a big step for us, but moments like these make it all worthwhile. The beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses is not just in its landscape, but also in its people, its culture, and its spirit. It's a place that challenges you to step outside your comfort zone, to embrace the unknown, and to find joy in the simplest of things.

This trip is about more than just ticking off another destination on our travel list; it's about immersing ourselves in a new culture, connecting with nature, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings, to explore more of this incredible park, and to continue sharing our adventures with you all. So stay tuned, and join us as we uncover the secrets of Lençóis Maranhenses, one dune at a time.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Dunas de Atins and Canto de Atins, hoping to capture more of the unique beauty of this region. We'll have all our meals at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde, and perhaps end the day at Charme Beach Bar | Atins, soaking in the sunset. It promises to be another day filled with discovery and wonder.

The park spans 1550 square kilometers and is influenced by the Amazon, Caatinga and Cerrado biomes. The dunes make up two-thirds of the park, and they create lagoons during the rainy season. The best time to see the lagoons is from May to September. Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro and Primeira Cruz support the park's infrastructure.

The day ended perfectly with Greta and I sharing stories and laughter, solidifying our bond amidst the stunning backdrop of Lençóis Maranhenses. It's moments like these that remind me why we embarked on this journey together, seeking not just new landscapes, but also deeper connections with each other and the world around us.