trail · Santo Amaro do Maranhão, MA
Lagoa das Emendadas
A set of interconnected lagoons that can only be reached by walking across the dunes. It's the option if you want to feel the scale of the park away from the bigger groups.
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 das Emendadas
Lagoa das Emendadas is a set of lagoons that connect to one another among the dunes, near Santo Amaro do Maranhão, inside the Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses. That's exactly where the name comes from: in the wet season, the lagoons join up (emendar means to join) and form a path of water in the middle of the sand.
The tour, called the Circuito das Emendadas, starts in a 4x4 vehicle that leaves Santo Amaro and goes to the point where parking on the dunes is allowed. From there on, it's on foot only. The walk passes smaller lagoons, where you can stop for a swim, until you reach the stretch of interconnected lagoons, surrounded by tall dunes.
The walking distance changes with the water level: the drier it is, the closer the vehicle can get. The lagoons also change from one year to the next, so the scenery is never exactly the same.
It's a tour for those who can walk a few hours on soft sand, up and down dunes, under a strong sun. There's no shade or facilities along the way. In return, it passes through areas where vehicles don't go and gives you a good sense of the park's size.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Set aside half a day: the full circuit, with the 4x4 stretch and the walk, usually takes five to six hours.
Best time
From June to September, when the rains have passed and the lagoons are full and linked to one another; the afternoon departure has the advantage of ending with the sunset over the dunes.
How to get there
The circuit leaves from Santo Amaro do Maranhão, with local agencies and guides. The first stretch is done in a 4x4 vehicle across the dunes and the rest is a walk to the lagoons.
Tip
Go with a licensed guide and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat and light clothing; the stops at the lagoons along the way are your chance to cool off.
A look at the place
Lagoa das Emendadas 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 das Emendadas
Can I drive to Lagoa das Emendadas?
Not all the way to the lagoon. The 4x4 takes you to the authorized point on the dunes and the rest is a walk.
How long does the trip take?
Usually five to six hours in total, counting the 4x4 and the walk, which typically takes about three hours round trip.
Do I need a guide?
Yes. The tour is done with local agencies and guides leaving from Santo Amaro.
Is the hike hard?
It requires moderate fitness: hours of soft sand, dune climbs and strong sun, with no shade.
When is the best time to see the lagoons full?
From June to September, after the rainy season.