Ultimate Guide for the Best Trek in Brazil: Lencois Maranhenses (transportation, guide, & tips)

Parque Nacional dos Lençoís Maranhenses is a national park located in Northeastern Brazil known for its pristine sandy white dunes and blue freshwater lagoons. Hands down, this was the best trek of my life. It's not too demanding but spirituality-enhancing. This trek is 100% worth your time and money: trekking barefoot for 3-5 days, staying at locals' homes in the park, sleeping in hammocks, eating rich local food, swimming naked in lagoons, and experiencing life in a different way. This guide is your best friend for the most iconic trek in Lencois Maranhenses, Brazil!

The closest cities are Atins for starting multiple-day trekking and Santa Amaro for only day trips, as I opted for the 3-day 2-night trek that leaves from Atins and ends in Santo Amaro. June and July are the best months because it's after the rainy season providing the lagoons with enough water and minimal wind.

Recommended amount of time in Atins: 1-2 days (taking around a day to arrive and one full day to relax before starting the trek)

Recommended amount of time in Santa Amaro: I recommend once arriving in Santo Amaro to take the van at 13hs (which I will link below) to Sao Luis. There is nothing in Santo Amaro once completing this trek. If you want one night to relax in Santo Amaro after the trek, that works too.

1. The Best Tour Company

2. How to get to Atins

   1. Where to stay in Atins

   2. Things to do in Atins

3. Options once the trek has ended
   

The Best Tour Company:

TREKKING COMPANY/GUIDE: Nonato Maranhao +55 98 9189-3770

• Amazing human, fun energy despite the language barrier. Nobody in the north speaks English so be aware.

• PRO-TOP: You will get significantly scammed by any guide if you do not speak Portuguese.

• You can book once you get to Atins but that will be EVEN more expensive or you can gather a group together and message Nonato!

How to get to Atins:

READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

If you want to start the trek you must start from Atins. To get to Atins requires multiple bookings:

FROM SAO LUIS:

1. Fly into Sao Luis

2. Book transportation from Sao Luis to Barreirinhas (4 HOURS)

   1. Tigri Tur: +55 98 9125-8692

3. From Barreirinhas, take a boat or car to Atins (the boat is better, 1-2 HOURS)

   1. CAR - Renato: +55 98 9112-9803

   2. BOAT - Satur +55 98 9232-8780

   3. BOAT - K-BEÇA: +55 98 8827-7715

FROM JERICOACOARA:

1. Book transportation through your hotel or Hostel to get to Barreirinhas (5-7 HOURS)

2. From Barreirinhas, take a boat or car to Atins (1-2 HOURS)

   1. CAR - Renato: +55 98 9112-9803

   2. BOAT - Satur +55 98 9232-8780

   3. BOAT - K-BEÇA: +55 98 8827-7715

If you only want day trips, there is easy transportation from Sao Luis to Santo Amaro & reverse ways (3-4 HOURS)

• Jerielviagenens: +55 9898533-2317 (~R 100-120)

OR

• @transfersantoamaroma

a. Where to stay in Atins:

• POUSADA DO BETA: Feels like a home away from home as the owner ensures top-notch service, accommodation, and included breakfast. A little walk from the beach but worth it because of the hospitality. Sergio will help you book everything making sure you get to Atins safely.

b. Things to do in Atins:

• Kitesurfing

• Vibe at Charme Beach Club

• Eat @ Restaurante do Rico for dinner

2. Options once the trek has ended

• Stay at a hostel/Hotel for one night in Santo Amaro (not necessary though as the trek ends around 10-11ish)

  • Ville Portal das Dunas Suites

• Take the van at 13hs from Santo Amaro to Sao Luis as you will arrive in Santo Amaro around 10 am

  • Transportation to/from Santo Amaro to Sao Luis: Jerielviagenens: +55 9898533-2317 (~R 100-120) OR @transfersantoamaroma

• Take an ATV with Nonato (the tour company) back to Atins to then go further east towards Jericoacoara (will cost extra)
  

The best trek of my life - without a doubt! MUST DO WHILE IN BRASIL!

Xoxo,

Chelsey