Beyond the Dunes: Adventurous Activities in Brazil's Stunning Lençóis Maranhenses

Let me be straight with you – reaching Lençóis Maranhenses is part of the adventure. Most travelers fly into São Luís (the capital of Maranhão state) and then make the bumpy 4-hour drive to Barreirinhas, the main gateway town. I've done this trip multiple times, both solo and with friends, and I always recommend hiring a private 4x4 transfer or joining an organized tour rather than attempting to navigate public transportation.

On my last visit with my motorcycle buddies from Rio, we opted for a more adventurous route. We flew to São Luís, rented sturdy dual-sport motorcycles and rode the coastal route, camping along the way. If you're an experienced rider looking for an unforgettable approach, this is it – just be prepared for some challenging terrain and bring proper gear.

For most visitors, though, I suggest booking accommodation in Barreirinhas and using it as your base. The town has evolved considerably in recent years, with options ranging from basic pousadas to more comfortable mid-range hotels that won't break the bank.

While the dunes themselves are a year-round attraction, the famous lagoons that make Lençóis truly magical only appear from roughly June to September, after the rainy season fills thousands of depressions between the dunes. My first tip? Plan your visit during this sweet spot for the full experience.

The park is massive – over 1,500 square kilometers – but most visitors focus on the more accessible areas like the Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) and Lagoa do Peixe (Fish Lagoon). These are stunning, no doubt, but they can get crowded during high season.

On my third visit, I splurged on a full-day tour with a local guide who took us to more remote sections where we had entire lagoons to ourselves. Worth. Every. Penny. If you're traveling with a group of 4-6 friends, negotiating a private tour becomes much more affordable per person.

Pro tip: pack a sand-resistant beach blanket for those moments between swims when you want to relax without getting completely covered in sand. The fine white sand gets everywhere, and having a designated sand-free zone makes all the difference for comfort.

While most visitors stick to the standard 4x4 tours and lagoon swims, Lençóis offers so much more for adventure seekers. One of my favorite experiences was an overnight camping excursion deep in the dunes. There's something magical about watching the stars appear over this otherworldly landscape with zero light pollution.

If you're planning this overnight adventure, invest in a quality headlamp with a red light option to preserve night vision while navigating the dunes after dark. Trust me, you don't want to rely on your phone flashlight when you're trying to find your way back to camp from a midnight swim.

For the truly adventurous, kitesurfing has gained popularity in the region, particularly in Atins – a small village on the eastern edge of the park where the Preguiças River meets the ocean. The consistent winds make it ideal for both beginners and experienced kiters. Several schools offer multi-day packages that include accommodation, meals, and daily lessons.

On my last visit, I tried my hand at sandboarding down the steeper dunes. You can rent boards in Barreirinhas for a reasonable price, though be prepared for a workout – unlike snow, you'll be hiking up each dune you slide down! For better control and a more enjoyable experience, I recommend bringing a board wax to reduce friction on the sand.

While the dunes get all the glory, some of my most memorable experiences in Lençóis involved exploring the river systems that border the park. The Preguiças River offers a completely different ecosystem to discover, with mangroves, riverside communities, and abundant wildlife.

From Barreirinhas, you can arrange boat tours that take you downstream to villages like Mandacaru, home to a lighthouse with panoramic views, and Caburé, a narrow sand strip between the river and ocean. These slower-paced excursions provide a welcome contrast to the adrenaline of dune adventures.

On my second visit, we hired a local fisherman to take us on an early morning expedition up smaller tributaries where we spotted countless bird species and even river otters. For wildlife viewing, a quality pair of compact waterproof binoculars makes all the difference – I never travel to natural areas without mine.

For photography enthusiasts, these river journeys offer incredible opportunities. The contrast between the lush riverbanks and the stark dunes creates dramatic compositions, especially during the golden hours. Just be sure to protect your gear from water and sand with appropriate cases or a waterproof camera backpack that can handle the elements.

As a restaurant manager with a passion for authentic food experiences, I can't write about any destination without highlighting the culinary scene. The coastal Maranhão cuisine is a delicious fusion of Portuguese, African, and indigenous influences that remains largely undiscovered by international visitors.

In Barreirinhas, seek out restaurants serving traditional dishes like arroz de cuxá (rice with a sauce made from vinegar, dried shrimp, and a local herb called vinagreira) and the fresh seafood stews that incorporate local coconut milk and palm oil. My personal favorite spot is a small family-run restaurant near the central market that serves the best camarão na moranga (shrimp in pumpkin) I've ever tasted.

During my motorcycle trip through the region, I discovered that many local families offer home-cooked meals to visitors by arrangement. These intimate dining experiences provide not only incredible food but also valuable cultural exchange. Ask your accommodation host to help arrange this – it's worth the extra effort.

If you're a coffee enthusiast like me, bring along a portable espresso maker to enjoy quality coffee during early morning dune excursions. The sunrise over the dunes paired with a fresh espresso is one of life's great pleasures.