Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses

The name of this 598 sq mile (1550 sq km) national park refers to its immense expanses of dunes, which look like lençóis (bedsheets) strewn across the landscape; they stretch 43.4 miles (70km) along the coast and up to 31 miles (50km) inland. Located halfway between São Luís and the Piauí border, it's a spectacular place, especially from about May to September when rain filtered through the sand forms thousands of crystal-clear pools and lakes between the dunes. The lagoons are at their best in June, July and August. The park also includes beaches, mangroves and some interesting fauna, especially turtles and migratory birds.

The main base for visiting the park is the not particularly charming town of Barreirinhas on the picturesque Rio Preguiças near the southeast corner of the park. Other access points – well worth the effort of getting to if you have at least two nights to spend in the area – are the remote villages of Atins and Santo Amaro.

Explore Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses.

  • Restaurants

  • Seafood

    Restaurante do Antônio

    Get yourself here by foot, horseback, car, boat, on a tour or any way you can to experience the wonderful grilled shrimp at this rustic culinary destination 7km west of Atins. The location, isolated between the dunes (600m away) and the sea (1.5km at low tide), is travel-memory fodder at its finest.

  • Brazilian

    Restaurante Bela Vista

    Pull up a table on the breezy wooden deck overlooking the river at this excellent local restaurant and choose from a variety of fantastic typical plates. It's all good but the fish dishes are especially tasty. Portions are generous and prices are reasonable for the quality involved. Also a fine choice for an evening drink.

  • International

    O Jacaré

    The French owners of this riverfront pub-restaurant are trying to raise the bar in Barreirinhas. Several pages of the menu are devoted to cocktails and craft beer (Devassa on draft, Eisenbahn and Baden Baden in bottles – impressive for these parts!) and there's a variety previously unseen here.

  • Brazilian

    Restaurante Ceu Aberto

    Tucked away between the main road and the sea, this breezy open-air restaurant on an elevated deck surrounded by greenery hits the mark both in terms of ambience and meals. It's fairly elegant for Atins and the seafood plates are particularly good.

  • Brazilian

    Restaurante Parque Nacional

    Right on the plaza, this simple place is one of the few restaurants in town that's reliably open. It serves good homestyle Brazilian plates – take your pick of chicken, beef or fish served with rice, beans, salad and pasta.

  • Brazilian

    A Canoa

    For grilled fish, steaks, pizza, river breezes and live music nightly, head to this open-air terrace on the pedestrianized riverside strip. It's a pleasant spot but the food and service are just okay. A cover charge will be added to your bill for the entertainment.

  • Seafood

    Cabana do Peixe

    The best and most atmospheric of Caburé's restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood stews to incoming day-trippers. We especially like the individual thatch-roofed tables that sit in the sands in front of the main dining area.

  • Pizza

    Pizzeria Dona Maroca

    If you want a change from rice, beans and meat, this simple place a block from the church serves up a variety of pies.

  • Brazilian

    Barraca da Ana

    A friendly little restaurant right by the river's edge serving up traditional local dishes.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses.

  • Activities

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