lagoon · Primeira Cruz, MA
Lagoa do Cassó
It's in the village of Cassó, about 207 kilometers from São Luís, with crystal-clear water that forms a natural pool. Hammocks hung in the water invite you to rest, and the lagoon supports local fishermen and farmers.
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 do Cassó
Lagoa do Cassó is in the village of Cassó, in the municipality of Primeira Cruz, about 207 kilometers from São Luís, in the Lençóis Maranhenses region. It's a lagoon of calm, warm, clear water, surrounded by a small community that lives from fishing and farming.
What stands out most are the hammocks hung in the water, near the shore. Because of them, the lagoon earned the nickname "Jericoacoara of Maranhão," a reference to the hammocks at the beach in Ceará. In the rainy season, the lagoon gets much deeper and connects to the Rio Preguiças.
The plan is to swim, rest in the hammocks and enjoy the still water. There's also room for kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddling and windsurfing, and the lagoon has hosted open-water swimming races. Around it there are simple pousadas and restaurants.
The place is still little explored by tourism, and the final sandy stretch requires a 4x4. It's a destination for those looking for peace and quiet who don't mind the long trip.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A full day; many people stay overnight in the village to enjoy it at a slow pace.
Best time
In the rainy season the lagoon fills up and gets deeper, connecting to the Rio Preguiças; check the conditions of the sand road before you go.
How to get there
From São Luís, take the BR-135 to Bacabeira and then go through Rosário and Morros, on the road to Barreirinhas, to the village of Sangue. From there it's about 20 kilometers of unmarked sand road that only 4x4 vehicles can handle.
Tip
The final stretch has no signs and many similar tracks; if you don't know the area, arrange 4x4 transportation with your pousada or a local driver.
A look at the place
Lagoa do Cassó 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 do Cassó
Where is Lagoa do Cassó?
In the village of Cassó, in Primeira Cruz (Maranhão), about 207 kilometers from São Luís, in the Lençóis Maranhenses region.
Can I get there in a regular car?
Not on the final stretch. The last 20 kilometers or so, from the village of Sangue, are on sand and only 4x4 vehicles get through.
Why is it called the Jericoacoara of Maranhão?
Because of the hammocks hung in the water, which recall the hammocks at Jericoacoara beach, in Ceará.
Can I swim there?
Yes. The water is calm, warm and clear, good for swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddling.
Are there places to stay and eat?
Yes, there are pousadas, a campground and simple restaurants in the village.