village · Santo Amaro do Maranhão, MA
Betânia
A community inside the Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses, crossed by the Rio Alegre, with dark water at a pleasant temperature for swimming. It's the support base for the Betânia, Pedra and Cajueirinho lagoons, reached in licensed vehicles.
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 Betânia
Betânia is a small village inside the Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses, in the municipality of Santo Amaro do Maranhão. It sits on the bank of a river, surrounded by dunes, lagoons and patches of native vegetation.
The visit is usually done on the Circuito Betânia, a full-day tour in a 4x4 vehicle that leaves from Santo Amaro. The route crosses dunes and sandy stretches, and reaching the community involves a river crossing.
Along the way, the tour passes several lagoons, with stops for swimming. The best known are Lagoa da Betânia, large and with sandbanks, Lagoa da Pedra, Lagoa do Cajueirinho, Lagoa da Barragem and Lagoa do Espigão. Which lagoons are included depends on the time of year, because the landscape changes from one season to the next.
In the village, visitors have a regional lunch, rest in hammocks and can swim in the river that runs through it. The tour usually ends with the sunset from the top of a dune.
It's a long tour, but with little walking: almost the whole route is done by car. Be ready to spend the day in the sun and on the sand.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
The tour takes the whole day, from morning until sunset.
Best time
Between June and September, after the rainy season, when the lagoons are fullest; save the late afternoon for the sunset over the dunes.
How to get there
It's inside the Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses, in the municipality of Santo Amaro do Maranhão. You get there on a 4x4 tour booked in town, with a boat crossing on the river to reach the village.
Tip
Bring swimwear, a hat, sunscreen and water. Lunch and the boat crossing are usually paid separately: check with the agency what's included.
A look at the place
Betânia 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 Betânia
How do I get to Betânia in the Lençóis Maranhenses?
On a 4x4 tour booked in Santo Amaro do Maranhão, the Circuito Betânia, with a boat crossing on the river to the village.
How long does the Betânia tour take?
It's a full-day tour, which usually ends with the sunset over the dunes.
Which lagoons does the Circuito Betânia visit?
The best known are the Betânia, Pedra, Cajueirinho, Barragem and Espigão lagoons, but the route changes depending on the state of the lagoons at the time.
Can I have lunch in Betânia?
Yes. Lunch with regional food is served in the village and is usually paid separately.
Does the tour involve a lot of walking?
No. Almost the whole route is done by 4x4; the walking is limited to short stretches on the sand.