lagoon · Barreirinhas, MA
Lagoa Bonita
You reach it by climbing a steep dune about 30 meters high, and the reward is a view of the whole dune field. It's the favorite spot for watching the sunset.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Lagoa Bonita
Lagoa Bonita gives its name to the other classic circuit from Barreirinhas, in the Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses. Its fame comes as much from the lagoon as from the view: it lies at the foot of one of the tallest dunes in the area, and from up there you grasp the size of the park, with white dunes and lagoons repeating to the horizon. The park covers about 156,000 hectares and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2024.
The route leaves town by 4x4, crosses the Rio Preguiças on the bridge opened in 2025 and follows sand tracks and restinga (coastal scrub) to the base of the dune, about 15 km from downtown. The climb is short but steep and takes some effort. At the top, the group walks between Lagoa Bonita itself and other smaller lagoons along the way, with stops for swimming.
It's the favorite tour for the sunset. From the top of the dune the horizon is wide open, and groups usually come down only after the sun disappears. In high season, day trips from São Luís join the groups from Barreirinhas and the place gets crowded. ICMBio is studying a daily visitor limit for the park, with no start date yet.
Compared with the Lagoa Azul circuit, this one calls for a bit more fitness because of the climb. If steps or soft sand are hard for you, Lagoa Azul is usually a better fit. In both cases, there are no shops or facilities inside the park. ICMBio charges no entrance fee; the requirement is to go with a licensed vehicle and driver.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Four to five hours, including the 4x4 ride.
Best time
From June to August, when the lagoons are full. The afternoon tour is the most popular, to watch the sunset from the top of the dune.
How to get there
Only on a tour in a 4x4 licensed by ICMBio, leaving from Barreirinhas. Private cars can't enter the park.
Tip
Climb with your hands free and only a small backpack. Bring water and food: there are no restaurants or shops on site.
Official website
A look at the place
Lagoa Bonita in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lagoa Bonita
Is the dune climb hard?
It's short but steep. It takes some physical effort, more than the Lagoa Azul circuit.
Do I need a guide?
Yes. The tour is done with a 4x4 and driver licensed by ICMBio, leaving from Barreirinhas.
Can I see the sunset?
Yes. The afternoon tour is the most popular precisely to watch the sunset from the top of the dune.
Is there an entrance fee for the park?
ICMBio charges no entrance fee for the Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses. You pay only for the tour.