The Enchanting Dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses

• HelloOi
  [oy]
• GoodbyeTchau
  [chow]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado
  [oh-bree-gah-doh]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-sen-sah/deh-skool-peh]
• How are you?Como vai?
  [koh-moh vah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [bane. eh voh-say]
• Do you speak English?Você fala inglês?
  [voh-say fah-lah een-glays]
• I don't understandEu não entendo
  [eh-oo now en-ten-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o cardápio, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah jee vehr oo kah-dah-pee-oh, por fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatEu não como carne
  [eh-oo now koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sah-oo-jee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEu gostaria de pagar, por favor
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah jee pah-gahr, por fah-vohr]

• Help!Socorro!
  [soh-koh-roh]
• Go away!Vá embora!
  [vah ehn-boh-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a Polícia!
  [shah-meh ah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [shah-meh oom meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [eh-stoh pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [eh-stoh doo-en-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Gostaria de comprar...
  [goh-stah-ree-ah jee kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSó estou olhando
  [soh eh-stoh oh-lahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwan-toh koos-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh mwee-toh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Você pode baixar o preço?
  [voh-say poh-deh bai-shahr oo preh-soh]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahz sah-ooh]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meia hora (10)
  [may-ah oh-rah (10)]
• MorningManhã
  [mah-nyah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [noy-teh]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-tehng]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mah-nyah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-ees]
• 3Três
  [trehs]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehz]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/a...?
  [ohn-deh fee-kah oo/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwahl eh oo ehn-deh-reh-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Você pode me mostrar (no mapa)?
  [voh-say poh-deh meh moh-strahr (noo mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (ônibus)?
  [kwan-doh eh oo proh-kssee-moh (ohn-ee-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom beel-yeh-teh (pah-rah)]

Before the arrival of Europeans, the region that is now Lençóis Maranhenses National Park was inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Tremembé people. These groups lived in harmony with the land, using its resources sustainably. Evidence of their presence can still be found in the form of ancient pottery shards and middens scattered across the park.

With the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, the region saw dramatic changes. The coastal areas of Maranhão became important for the Portuguese Empire, leading to the displacement of many indigenous communities. The colonial period also saw the introduction of African slaves, who contributed to the cultural and genetic mosaic of the local population.

The iconic white sand dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses were formed over thousands of years through a combination of wind and water erosion. The region's unique geography, characterized by its proximity to both the ocean and various freshwater sources, created the conditions for these vast, shifting landscapes.

Lençóis Maranhenses was officially designated as a national park on June 2, 1981. The Brazilian government recognized the area's unique ecological and geological significance, aiming to preserve its natural beauty and biodiversity. The park covers an area of 155,000 hectares and is managed by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).

The communities surrounding Lençóis Maranhenses have a rich cultural heritage that reflects a blend of indigenous, African, and Portuguese influences. Traditional activities such as fishing, agriculture, and handicrafts are still important aspects of daily life. Festivals, such as Bumba-Meu-Boi, showcase the vibrant cultural traditions of the region.

In recent decades, Lençóis Maranhenses has become a popular destination for eco-tourism. Efforts have been made to balance the influx of visitors with the need to protect the park's delicate ecosystems. Sustainable tourism initiatives include guided tours, educational programs, and regulations designed to minimize environmental impact.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is located in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. The nearest airport is Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport (SLZ) in São Luís, which is approximately 260 kilometers from the park. From São Luís, you can take a bus or hire a private transfer to the town of Barreirinhas, which is the main gateway to the park. The bus journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours. Alternatively, you can arrange a private 4x4 transfer for a quicker and more comfortable ride.

Once in Barreirinhas, you can arrange guided tours to explore Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. The park is vast and features challenging terrain, so guided 4x4 tours are the most practical way to navigate it. You can also take boat tours along the Rio Preguiças, which offer a scenic way to experience the park. There are no public transportation options within the park itself, so planning and booking tours in advance is highly recommended.

The official currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Barreirinhas, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when venturing into more remote areas of the park. ATMs are available in Barreirinhas, but they can occasionally run out of cash, so withdrawing enough money in São Luís before your journey is a good idea.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and the town of Barreirinhas are generally safe for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is advisable to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Always follow the guidance of your tour guides, especially when exploring the park's remote areas.

For emergencies, dial 190 for police assistance or 192 for medical emergencies. Barreirinhas has a small hospital that can handle minor medical issues. For more serious medical emergencies, you may need to travel back to São Luís. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Always carry a basic first aid kit, especially when exploring remote areas of the park.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing and always carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen due to the intense sun. Avoid wearing flip-flops; sturdy walking sandals or shoes are better suited for the terrain. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in smaller communities around the park. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient, as transportation can be less punctual. Don't rely on public transport within the park itself. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Olá' or 'Bom dia' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as 'arroz de cuxá' and 'tapioca'. Don't drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Lençóis Maranhenses like a local, consider visiting the park during the dry season (May to September) when the lagoons are full and the weather is more predictable. Join a local guide for a hike through the dunes and lagoons to get the most out of your visit. Try local foods and engage with the residents of Barreirinhas, who are often happy to share stories and tips about the area. Don't miss a boat trip along the Rio Preguiças to visit the charming village of Caburé and the Mandacaru Lighthouse for stunning views of the park.