If you’ve ever dreamed of walking on what seems like endless sheets of sand, with dreamy turquoise lagoons reflecting the sky, then the sand dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil are calling your name. But how exactly do you get there? Let’s break it down.
For international travelers, the journey typically begins with a flight to São Luís International Airport (SLZ). Whether you arrive in Brazil through São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, you can catch a connecting flight to SLZ to kickstart your adventure.
Once you touch down in São Luís, your next step is to head to one of the two towns that serve as gateways to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park: Barreirinhas or Santo Amaro do Maranhão.
Buses: If you’re traveling on a budget, hopping on a bus is your best bet. Several bus companies offer regular service from São Luís to both Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro. Expect a journey of around 4-5 hours, but keep in mind that the views along the way are part of the experience.
Car rental: For those craving flexibility and independence, renting a car from São Luís Airport is the way to go. Just be prepared for the challenges of driving in Brazil, especially if you’re visiting during the rainy season when roads can get muddy and unpaved.
Private vans: If comfort and convenience are your priorities, consider booking a private van transfer from São Luís Airport to either Barreirinhas or Santo Amaro. Many guesthouses and tour operators offer this service, making it an excellent option, especially for groups.
Once you’ve arrived in Barreirinhas or Santo Amaro, you’re a step away from to the majestic sand dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. But there’s still one more leg of the journey: getting to the park entrance.
Regular vehicles simply can’t handle the sandy terrain of the park, so your best bet is to hop aboard a 4×4 vehicle for the final stretch of the journey. These rugged rides are not only practical but also add an extra layer of excitement to your adventure.
With transportation logistics sorted, all that’s left to do is immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Day tours from both Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro offer the perfect introduction to this natural wonder, complete with knowledgeable guides who can enhance your experience with insights into the park’s history and ecology.
So whether you’re marveling at the otherworldly landscapes or taking a refreshing dip in one of the park’s crystal-clear lagoons, getting to the sand dunes in Brazil is an adventure worth embarking on. If you want to see the best of Lençóis while counting with the support of experts through every step, SouthQuest is your golden ticket to this surreal masterpiece of nature.
Co-founder, Naturalist Guide & Tour Leader
Ricardo Casarin has been leading tours in Brazil since 1998 and is one of Brazil’s most respected naturalist guides. Specializing in Natural History, Birdwatching, and Nature Photography tours, his expertise covers biomes such as the Pantanal, the Amazon, the Atlantic Rainforest, the Caatinga, and the Cerrado (the Brazilian Savanna). Ricardo also coordinates and leads tours through Chilean and Argentine Patagonia. He is co-author of the book “Tourism Guide in Natural Areas.”
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