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Barra: Gateway to Santo Amaro's Lagoons

Discover Barra in Santo Amaro: Your serene starting point for exploring the breathtaking Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.

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Barra, located in Santo Amaro do Maranhão, serves as a key access point to the stunning Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. This area offers a blend of natural beauty and local culture, characterized by its proximity to the park's famous lagoons and dunes.

A brief summary to Barra

  • 8QH4+VG, Santo Amaro do Maranhão, State of Maranhão, BR

Local tips

  • Visit between June and September to see the lagoons at their fullest and enjoy the best weather.
  • Bring sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and use closed-toe shoes to protect yourself from the sun and sand.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for tours deeper into the dunes and to ensure you don't get lost.
  • Be prepared for warm temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night.
  • Respect the local culture and environment by followingLeave No Trace principles.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Barra is a small area within Santo Amaro, easily navigable on foot. From the center of Barra, you can walk to the Alegre River, where you might find boats offering tours to nearby lagoons. Always confirm pricing before departure. Walking around Barra itself is free.

  • 4x4 Transportation

    The most common way to access the lagoons from Barra is by hiring a 4x4 vehicle with a driver. These can be arranged in Santo Amaro. A typical trip to Lagoa da Gaivota or Lagoa da Betânia will involve a bumpy ride through sandy tracks. Expect to pay around R$200-R$300 for a half-day tour, depending on the season and your negotiation skills. This price usually includes transportation for a group of up to 4 people. Remember that prices can increase during peak season.

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Discover more about Barra

Barra, situated within the municipality of Santo Amaro do Maranhão, is a significant location for those looking to explore the wonders of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Santo Amaro is known as a quieter, more authentic base for visiting the park compared to Barreirinhas, offering a more intimate experience with nature. The main draw of Barra is its easy access to some of the park's most beautiful lagoons, such as Lagoa da Gaivota and Lagoa da Betânia. The landscape is characterized by vast expanses of dunes interspersed with freshwater lagoons, creating a unique and unforgettable visual experience. These lagoons are formed by rainwater and groundwater, and they are at their fullest between June and September, offering the best conditions for swimming and enjoying the scenery. While Santo Amaro provides a simpler infrastructure compared to Barreirinhas, it allows visitors to park closer to attractions like the Andorinha and Gaivota lagoons. The village offers a peaceful atmosphere, where the local community preserves the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can explore the dunes, swim in the lagoons, and experience the tranquility of this unique Brazilian landscape.

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