5 (1 Review)
Maranhão, Brazil
From:5.511,00 د.إ 5.125,23 د.إ
5
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Duration

3 Days

Cancellation

Up to 14 days

Group Size

16 people

Languages

English, Español, Português

About this activity

Imagine waking up before dawn, hearing the wind shift the dunes, and knowing that tomorrow will be even more beautiful than today. In the Lençóis Maranhenses, time works differently and this 3-day, 2-night journey exists so you can feel that in your bones, step by step, dune by dune.

The adventure begins in Barreirinhas, with a speedboat ride along the Rio Preguiças to the Environmental Protection Area of the Pequenos Lençóis Maranhenses. Along the way, the villages of Vassouras and Mandacaru reveal the simple, vibrant life of the riverside communities. Arriving in Atins marks the start of the trek towards Oásis Baixa Grande, a territory where six families live in harmony with the restinga, the dunes and the silence of the desert.

Over three days, you cover 32 km on foot through one of the most singular ecosystems on the planet. You cross dunes that shift shape with the wind, wade through lagoons in colours beyond description, and sleep in hammocks at the homes of host families in Oásis Baixa Grande and Oásis Queimada dos Britos, communities that keep local traditions alive and welcome visitors as extensions of their own family. The final leg brings you to Lagoa do Junco at sunrise, with the sense of achievement that only this desert can deliver.

This is a Community-Based Tourism experience where every euro spent goes directly into the hands of those who truly live here. Discover Brasil is a partner of this territory and brings you here with responsibility, respect and care.

Highlights

  • Speedboat tour of the Pequenos Lençóis Maranhenses Environmental Protection Area with stops in Vassouras and Mandacaru.
  • 32 km trek over 3 days through dunes, lagoons and landscapes found nowhere else on earth.
  • Overnight stays in hammocks at the homes of traditional families in Oásis Baixa Grande and Oásis Queimada dos Britos.
  • Privileged view from Ponta do Peadouro, one of the most impressive panoramas in the Maranhão desert.
  • Arrival at sunrise at Lagoa do Junco, closing the trek with an unforgettable view.
  • Experienced local ecological guide, certified by ICMBio, on every stage.
  • Meals prepared by host communities using local ingredients and traditional knowledge.
  • Community-Based Tourism experience that generates direct income for the families of the oases.

Included/Excluded

  • Speedboat tour of the Pequenos Lençóis Maranhenses Environmental Protection Area with stops in Vassouras and Mandacaru.
  • Private 4x4 transport from the port of Atins to the mouth of the Rio Negro.
  • 4x4 transport from Santo Amaro at the end of the trek.
  • 1 dinner and 1 night in a hammock lodge at Oásis Baixa Grande (breakfast included).
  • 1 lunch, 1 dinner and 1 night in a hammock lodge at Oásis Queimada dos Britos (breakfast included).
  • Experienced local ecological guide, certified by ICMBio.
  • Individual travel insurance.
  • Arrival or return transfer between your accommodation or airport and Barreirinhas.
  • Lunch on Day 1 (at Caburé or Bar da Hora, not included).
  • Drinks (paid directly to the families, preferably in small change).
  • Meals outside the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park parameters (Caburé, Bar da Hora, Santo Amaro).
  • Personal expenses.
  • Items not mentioned.

Itinerary

  • 8:30 AM: Board the speedboat in Barreirinhas, along the Rio Preguiças.
  • Stops in the villages of Vassouras and Mandacaru during the tour of the Pequenos Lençóis Maranhenses Environmental Protection Area.
  • Lunch stop (not included) at Caburé beach or Bar da Hora.
  • 2:00 PM: Arrival in Atins.
  • Board a 4x4 vehicle heading to the mouth of the Rio Negro.
  • Start of the trek towards Oásis Baixa Grande (approximately 7 to 8 km, 2 to 3 hours).
  • Arrival at Oásis Baixa Grande, a restinga territory where six families live in harmony with nature.
  • Late afternoon: conversation with the hosts, visit to the backyard and tasting of artisanal tiquira.
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner prepared by the host family.
  • Night: rest in hammocks under the starry skies of the Lençóis.

  • 5:00 AM: Breakfast.
  • 5:30 AM: Start of the trek to catch the sunrise along the way (10 km, 3 to 4 hours).
  • The trail crosses the Rio Negro and reveals the power of the dunes in constant movement.
  • Passage through Ponta do Peadouro, with one of the most impressive views in the desert.
  • 10:30 AM: Arrival at Oásis Queimada dos Britos, a community of around 20 families that keep local traditions alive.
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch prepared by the host community.
  • 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Well-deserved rest.
  • Late afternoon: swim in the lagoons and sunset contemplation.
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner and a peaceful night in hammocks, to the sound of the wind and the animals of the desert.

  • 2:30 AM: Breakfast before dawn to prepare for the last and most intense stage.
  • 3:00 AM: Start of the trek towards Lagoa do Junco, in the region of Santo Amaro (14 km, 6 to 9 hours with stops for swimming and rest).
  • Crossing through Lagoas das Cabras and do Junco, in colours beyond description.
  • 10:00 AM: Arrival at the Lagoa do Junco area, end of the trek.
  • 10:30 AM: Board a 4x4 heading to Santo Amaro.
  • Arrival in Santo Amaro: option to stay 1 or 2 days, or arrange a transfer to continue your journey (São Luís or another destination, not included).

Frequently asked questions

  • 2026
    • 11 September to 13 September
    • 18 September to 20 September
  • Minimum advance booking: 30 days.
  • We also open dates on request throughout the year. If none of the dates above fit your plans, get in touch — we will work to find a solution that suits you.

  • Night 1: hammock lodge at a traditional family home in Oásis Baixa Grande.
  • Sleep in hammocks, with breakfast included.
  • Night 2: hammock lodge at a traditional family home in Oásis Queimada dos Britos.
  • Sleep in hammocks, with breakfast included.
  • Accommodation is simple, authentic and an essential part of the community immersion experience.
  • Private room not available. Sleeping in hammocks is shared and part of the spirit of the trek.
  • Mobile phone signal is generally unavailable. Wi-Fi, where available, is charged separately.

  • Includes speedboat tour from Barreirinhas to Atins, through the Pequenos Lençóis Maranhenses Environmental Protection Area.
  • Includes 4x4 transport from the port of Atins to the mouth of the Rio Negro (starting point of the trek).
  • Includes 4x4 transport from Lagoa do Junco to Santo Amaro at the end of the trek.
  • Does not include arrival or return transfer between your accommodation/airport and Barreirinhas, or onward transport from Santo Amaro.

  • Vegetarian and vegan options available upon request at the time of booking.
  • Included: dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2 (Oásis Baixa Grande).
  • Included: lunch, dinner on Day 2 and breakfast on Day 3 (Oásis Queimada dos Britos).
  • Meals are prepared by the host communities using local ingredients: rice, beans, pasta and animal protein (free-range chicken, goat, pork, fish, duck), varying according to the season and the family's availability on the day.
  • Does not include lunch on Day 1 (Caburé or Bar da Hora), or meals in Santo Amaro or any other point outside the route.
  • Drinks are paid directly to the families, preferably in small change.

  • Cash in local currency. Suggested amount: R$ 100.00 per day (for meals not included and drinks).
  • Bring small change whenever possible.
  • Backpack of 30, 40 or 60L.
  • Sandals, water shoes or flip-flops.
  • Socks.
  • UV-protection trekking clothes.
  • Cap or hat.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Trekking pole.
  • Rain jacket.
  • Head torch.
  • Swimwear.
  • Beach towel.
  • Sleeping clothes.
  • 1.5L water bottle or large hydration pack.
  • Cereal bars, nuts and fruit for trail snacks.
  • Camera.
  • Personal hygiene products.
  • Personal medication.

  • The trek covers 32 km over 3 days, with walking done mostly over dunes and sand plains.
  • Overall classification: Moderate to Moderate-High. Prior physical preparation is recommended. Regular walks before the trip are advised.
    • Day 1 – Mouth of Rio Negro to Oásis Baixa Grande: 7 to 8 km | 2 to 3 hours | Easy to Moderate.
    • Day 2 – Oásis Baixa Grande to Oásis Queimada dos Britos: 10 km | 3 to 4 hours | Moderate.
    • Day 3 – Oásis Queimada dos Britos to Lagoa do Junco: 14 km | 6 to 9 hours | Moderate to Difficult.
  • The constant wind helps ease the heat. Departures are scheduled in the early hours of the morning to avoid the peak sun hours.
  • No prior trekking experience is required, but good physical fitness and a willingness to push your own limits are essential.

  • The activities and attractions included in this itinerary may be subject to changes or cancellations due to adverse weather conditions, access issues or other operational factors, always with the aim of ensuring the safety and well-being of the group.
  • The times indicated are approximate and may be subject to minor adjustments throughout the trip, in keeping with the group's pace and local conditions.
  • The itinerary may be subject to changes in overnight locations and route due to environmental conditions and occupancy levels within the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
  • Groups can have up to 16 people.
  • There is no mobile phone signal for most of the route. Wi-Fi, where available, is charged separately.
  • Money should be carried in cash, preferably in small change.
  • Prices are subject to adjustment throughout the year.
  • Special conditions available for groups. Request more information through our contact form.

Activity's Location

Maranhão, Brazil

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A couple holding hands with backpacks walking through the white dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses, on a trekking experience for two in the heart of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão, Brazil.
Camila Rocha
05/05/2025

A trekking experience that transforms you inside

Hiking through the Lençóis was intense and yet meditative. Every dune, every lagoon, every silence brought me closer to myself. Sleeping under the stars and waking up in that vastness is something I’ll never forget.

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From: 5.511,00 د.إ 5.125,23 د.إ
5 (1 Review)

Owner

Bianca

Member Since 2024

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