Before you go
Your trip to Paulino Neves.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Paulino Neves – MA Destination Lençóis Maranhenses about 289 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 Barreirinhas
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Paulino Neves is 289 km from São Luís and about 38 km from Barreirinhas, on the paved MA-315. There are buses from Barreirinhas, about an hour's ride. Tutóia is about 30 km away. The nearest airport with scheduled flights is São Luís; if you're coming along the Rota das Emoções, you can use Parnaíba airport, in Piauí.
How many days
One day: the tour of the Pequenos Lençóis, the Rio Novo and the sunset at Morro da Mendanha. One more if you want to visit Praia do Barro Vermelho (beach), about 15 km from town.
When to go
From June to September, when the lagoons of the Pequenos Lençóis are full. The rains run from January to May, and by the end of the year many lagoons dry up.
Do you need a car?
A regular car is fine for getting there. The Pequenos Lençóis are outside the national park and are explored by 4x4 or ATV, on tours booked in town.
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 Paulino Neves
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Morning
Pequenos Lençóis Maranhenses
Half-day 4x4 tour through the dunes and lagoons, with more yellowish sand and more vegetation than in the national park.
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Afternoon
Rio Novo
Calm water and mangroves, for swimming or kayaking, running through town.
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Late afternoon
Morro da Mendanha
The tall dune that serves as a viewpoint. It's the place for the sunset.
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
How is it different from the Lençóis in Barreirinhas?
The Pequenos Lençóis are protected by a state conservation area, outside the national park. The scenery is similar, with dunes and rainwater lagoons, but the sand is more yellowish, there is more vegetation and far fewer visitors.
Is there an ATM and cell signal?
Don't count on an ATM: bring cash. Cell signal is weak.
Can I do a day trip from Barreirinhas?
Yes. It's about 38 km on paved road, an hour by bus. The town is also a stop on the Rota das Emoções, between the Lençóis, the Delta do Parnaíba and Jericoacoara.