Before you go
Your trip to Barreirinhas.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Barreirinhas – MA Destination Lençóis Maranhenses about 258 km from São Luís
How to get there
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Aeroporto Internacional de São Luís (SLZ) São Luís
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Rodoviária de Barreirinhas
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Barreirinhas is 258 km from São Luís, about four hours by car on the BR-135 and the MA-402. Buses leave from the São Luís bus station, and vans and transfers pick you up at your hotel or the airport. The nearest airport with scheduled flights is São Luís; the Barreirinhas airport handles only private planes.
How many days
Three days: one for the Lagoa Azul circuit, one for Lagoa Bonita and one for the speedboat trip on the Rio Preguiças. With two, combine both lagoons on the same day. Add a day or two if you want to stay overnight in Atins.
When to go
From June to August the lagoons are full; July is the busiest month. The rains run from January to May. From September the water drops, and by the end of the year only the permanent lagoons hold water. From August to December the wind blows hard, the kitesurfing season in Atins. The town's anniversary is on March 29.
Do you need a car?
No. Private cars can't enter the park: the lagoon tours are done in 4x4s from licensed companies, and the river trip by speedboat. The town is small, so you can get around on foot.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Barreirinhas
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Morning
Lagoa Azul
The 4x4 circuit takes half a day, with a walk among the dunes and a swim in the lagoons.
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Late afternoon
Lagoa Bonita
Another circuit, in the afternoon. You climb a steep dune to see the whole dune field and the sunset.
2 days in Barreirinhas
Day 1
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Morning
Rio Preguiças
The speedboat trip takes the whole day, going down the river between mangroves and dunes, with a stop in the village of Vassouras.
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Morning
Farol de Mandacaru
The climb up the lighthouse shows where the river meets the sea.
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Afternoon
Caburé
The lunch stop, between the sea and the river. Swim on both sides before heading back.
Day 2
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Morning
Lagoa Azul
Morning circuit, in a licensed 4x4.
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Late afternoon
Lagoa Bonita
The afternoon circuit, which ends with the sunset on top of the dunes.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Is there water in the lagoons in December?
In a few. From September the lagoons start drying up, and by the end of the year only the permanent ones hold water. Tours still run, but change their routes to the lagoons that still have water. The volume varies from year to year, depending on the rain.
Can I go and come back from São Luís on the same day?
It's not recommended. It's about four hours by road each way, and each lagoon circuit takes half a day. Spend at least two nights in town.
Can I drive my own car into the park?
No. Private cars, buggies and ATVs are banned in the park. Tours are done only in vehicles with licensed drivers and guides.
How do I get to Atins?
By speedboat along the Rio Preguiças, or by 4x4, from Barreirinhas. Atins has no bank and cell signal is weak: bring cash.