Before you go
Your trip to Santo Amaro do Maranhão.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Santo Amaro do Maranhão – MA Destination Lençóis Maranhenses about 235 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 · 96 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Santo Amaro is 235 km from São Luís, about four hours by car on the BR-135, MA-402 and MA-320, paved all the way to town. There is no scheduled bus from São Luís: go by car or transfer. The nearest airport is São Luís.
How many days
Two days: one for Betânia and another for Lagoa das Emendadas, with Lagoa da Andorinha in the late afternoon. It's the base if you want big lagoons with fewer people than in Barreirinhas.
When to go
From June to August, when the lagoons are full; in very rainy years, the water lasts until October. The rains run from January to May. July is the busiest month in the region.
Do you need a car?
A regular car is fine to get there, on paved roads. Inside the park, no: the lagoon tours are done only in licensed 4x4s, on routes authorized by ICMBio (the park authority).
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 Santo Amaro do Maranhão
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Morning
Betânia
The community inside the park, crossed by the Rio Alegre, is the base for the lagoons in the area. You get there by licensed 4x4.
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Late afternoon
Lagoa da Andorinha
Close to town, on the most popular circuit, together with Lagoa do Maçarico. Save it for the end of the day.
2 days in Santo Amaro do Maranhão
Day 1
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Morning
Betânia
By 4x4, to the community and the lagoons around it. Swim in the Rio Alegre.
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Late afternoon
Lagoa da Andorinha
The circuit near town, for the last light of the day.
Day 2
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Morning
Lagoa das Emendadas
Lagoons linked to one another, reached by walking across the dunes. Go early, before the sun gets strong, and bring water.
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
Do I need a 4x4 to get to Santo Amaro?
No. The road is paved all the way to town, and a regular car can make it. The 4x4 is only for tours inside the park, with licensed companies.
Is there a bus from São Luís?
There is no scheduled service. Go by car or book a transfer in São Luís.
Can I still visit Lagoa da Gaivota?
No. The lagoon broke apart a few years ago and its waters spread out. Some agencies still use the name, but the tour goes to other lagoons.
Should I stay in Santo Amaro or Barreirinhas?
Barreirinhas has more infrastructure, more pousadas and the trip along the Rio Preguiças. Santo Amaro sits right next to the dunes and has big lagoons with fewer people. If you have time, it's worth splitting your trip between the two.