Brazil has so many undiscovered and delightful locations, listed here are a couple of of them within the state of Maranhao (MA), within the northeast.
I nonetheless have a ton of household in that space, and I miss them dearly. After I was there a couple of years in the past, B.C. (Earlier than Youngster) we went on an in a single day eco-tour tour to Lençóis Maranhenses Nationwide Park that left me amazed, replenished and prepared for extra.
Right here is an summary:
It could sound absurd, however there may be really a desert within the largest tropical rainforest on the planet.
Brazil is pleased with the spectacular dune space known as Lencois Maranhenses within the north of the nation. Trying on the photos, you’d by no means guess that these stunning shifting sand dunes, with their shimmering blue lagoons, are present in Brazil.
In any case, the nation receives huge quantities of rainfall every year from the Amazon River and the equator. Nonetheless, the dune panorama extends about 40 meters inland and winds alongside the north coast for about 80 kilometers – a lot of it pure desert.
A Information to Lençóis Maranhenses Nationwide Park
What
Lençóis Maranhenses Nationwide Park – loosely translated to the Maranhenses Bedsheets, referring to the graceful sand dunes! The panorama consists of spectacular dunes that appear to be fluttering white sheets stored in movement by the fixed wind. The peak of a few of these sand mountains reaches as much as 40 meters.
However what makes Lençóis Maranhenses actually distinctive in comparison with standard deserts are its quite a few crystal-clear lagoons and rivers – as many as 300,000 have been counted to date.
These waters are characterised by the truth that they’re freshwater lagoons, providing very best circumstances for swimming.
In the course of the wet season, between January and June, these lagoons type because of heavy rainfall. Throughout this time, quite a lot of natural world blooms within the space.
In the course of the subsequent dry season between July and December, the lakes regularly dry up and disappear below a layer of shifting sand dunes – like magical mattress sheets.
Amazingly, even fish have discovered methods to deal with these inhospitable circumstances: They lay their eggs within the heat sand in time for a brand new era to develop within the lagoons at the beginning of the following wet season.
Whereas a lot of the lagoons dry up utterly throughout the dry season, the 2 lagoons Lagoa do Peixe and Lagoa Bonita are blessed with a continuing good water degree. This harmonious interaction of dunes, clear water and luxurious vegetation alongside the seashores completes the image.
In accordance with the Nationwide Park web site, the park covers 155,000 acres of untouched nature, dunes, lagoons, and 43 miles (70 km) of seaside.
The locals of the Lençóis Maranhenses Pure Park encourage 1000’s of holiday makers not solely with their stunning surroundings, but in addition with their heat hospitality. The mixture of spectacular environment and pleasant folks is solely fascinating.
This extraordinary place is undoubtedly one of many nation’s most fascinating points of interest.
The place is Lençóis Maranhenses Nationwide Park
Lençóis Maranhenses, the most important Nationwide Park in Northeastern Brazil, stretches about 280 kilometers alongside the coast and reaches as much as 50 kilometers inland.
The park covers the cities of Barreirinhas, Humberto de Campos and Primeira Cruz.
To get to know this piece of paradise, the town of Barreirinhas is the best place to begin. Town is positioned about 270 km from the capital São Luís.
We drove for about 4 hours from the capital, Sao Luis, however there are chartered buses, vans, and single/double engine planes that may additionally get you there. The park entrance is 1.2 miles (2 km) from Barreirinhas, throughout the Rio Preguicas, which we crossed by ferry.
When to go to Lençóis Maranhenses Nationwide Park
The park is open year-round, however the pure lagoons are shaped by rainwater accumulation, and should you go throughout the dry months, as we did, you may need to stroll longer to seek out the few surviving ponds.
It rains all through the primary half of the 12 months, from December to June, and the rains often finish simply earlier than the beginning of the June festivals (begin of the excessive season in Maranhão).
Ideally, go proper after the wet season.
From Could to September, when the lagoons are full of water and the white of the dunes breaks by, is the perfect time to go to Lençóis Maranhenses Nationwide Park. At the moment, the vegetation is in full bloom and migratory birds are resting.
From October, the lagoons proceed to shrink and lose their spectacular character till January, once they slowly start to replenish once more. The months between December and February, throughout the peak of summer season, are additionally extraordinarily scorching, so this era is much less advisable.
One other plus is the nice evening temperatures within the park, which fluctuate little all year long. Even on cooler nights, the temperature is often a continuing 23°C.
In distinction, the Sahara – the most important arid desert on earth – is an ocean of stone, sand and rock. It’s scorching scorching throughout the day and bitterly chilly at evening.
What to take
For the tour, carry and put on as little as potential: a lightweight pack with snacks, water and a digicam; put on shorts, t-shirts, sandals, a washing go well with and DEFINITELY a hat, sun shades and biodegradable sunscreen. Biodegradable insect repellent can also be good to have.
It’s the desert and there aren’t any shaded areas to cover from the solar.
Good to know
When exploring the Lençóis Maranhenses Nationwide Park, it is very important all the time carry biodegradable sunscreen, a hat and loads of water. There’s a strict ban on unannounced climbing and tenting actions.
The spectacular dune panorama of Lençóis Maranhenses can also be house to small scorpions. Though they’re not often seen, you have to be cautious, particularly when digging within the sand. The sting of a scorpion could also be innocent to people, nevertheless it causes extraordinarily painful reactions.
Final word
By no means go to the Lençóis Maranhenses with no information, whether or not by 4×4, quad bike or boat; these guides are of us who grew up within the space and comprehend it just like the again of their arms. The park is rustic, the character untouched and the dunes go so far as the attention can see. It’s harmful to discover alone!
And clearly, I emphasize the significance of preserving nature. – The Lençóis Maranhenses Nationwide Park is protected by the Brazilian Institute of Surroundings and Renewable Pure Sources (IBAMA).
Excursions to the Lencois Maranhenses Nationwide Park
Guests to the Lençóis Maranhenses Nationwide Park face a tough resolution. There are a number of excursions to select from, with completely different beginning factors and durations: from a leisurely stroll to a lagoon to a multi-day desert trek with in a single day stays in oases, it’s all there.
What varieties of excursions are provided within the Nationwide Park?
Most guests take day journeys into the park and return to their resorts in Barreirinhas or Atins within the afternoon, relying on which location they select. Barreirinhas is the vacationer heart of the area and provides many lodging in addition to tour operators. Most excursions begin from right here.
Atins, then again, is much less busy and tougher to succeed in. The day journeys take you by pickup truck over sandy roads to the park’s borders, after which on foot to varied locations contained in the park.
You’ll be taken by pickup truck as shut as potential to the lagoons on the fringe of the nationwide park after which need to stroll the remainder of the way in which over the dunes. In the course of the week it’s often a lot quieter than on weekends.
The most well-liked excursions from Barreirinhas take you to the freshwater lagoons of Lagoa Azul and Lagoa do Peixe. These journeys could be carried out both within the morning or within the afternoon, however the sundown at Lagoa do Peixe is especially spectacular.
There are additionally excursions to the much less frequented Lagoa Esperança, about an hour’s drive from Barreirinhas. One other lagoon typically visited by tour operators is the enchanting Lagoa Bonita.
For adventurous vacationers preferring an extended trekking tour, there are businesses primarily based in Santo Amaro; nevertheless, such desert treks are additionally provided from Atins.
In addition to the usual excursions by the Nationwide Park, some businesses additionally provide spectacular panoramic flights over the Rio Preguiças and the dunes.
4 hour Bonita Lagoon circuit and sundown expertise
This half day tour to Lençóis provides an unforgettable sundown expertise.
You’ll be picked up out of your resort in Barreirinhas round 2 pm and drive about an hour to the vacationer heart of Bonita Lagoon.
An enthralling little village awaits us with native outlets, akin to handmade memento outlets and household run snack stands. There may be additionally the well-known stairway to Bonita Lagoon. From the highest of the steps you’ll have a panoramic view of the fantastic thing about the park!
Then it’s time to discover the lagoons!
Your information will take you thru the realm to 2 or 3 completely different lagoons the place you may swim (about 40 minutes every).
After exploring, you’ll climb the very best dune within the space to benefit from the spectacular sundown over Lençois earlier than heading again to city.
Worth: €30
Length: 4 hours
Free cancelation as much as 24 hours earlier than.
Reserve now and pay later.
It’s so stunning that you just rapidly neglect the hour-long 4×4 drive alongside the sandy monitor. It may possibly get crowded on the high of the dune, however a ten minute stroll and also you’re alone on one other planet.
Full Day – Santo Amaro Lençóis
Expertise a singular full day tour and uncover the hidden treasures of Lençóis Maranhenses. Include us on a journey by the paradise of Santo Amaro and discover the perfect sights of the area!
The tour begins at 7:45 a.m. in Barreirinhas, from the place we depart to Santo Amaro. Relying on the situation of your resort, the journey will final till roughly 8:45 am. As soon as in Santo Amaro, we are going to make a brief off-road drive over the gorgeous dunes, which can take about 10 to fifteen minutes, earlier than arriving on the first lagoons (Lagoa do Peixe, Lagoa da Andorinha and Lagoa da Gaivota – relying on the season, these lagoons might change).
Round 13:00 we may have a lunch break (meal not included) and calm down a bit earlier than persevering with to the opposite stunning lagoons (this tour lasts all day and consists of stops for spectacular views). After the tour, we are going to return to Barreirinhas, arriving round 19:30.
Worth: €52
Length: 10 hours
Free cancelation as much as 24 hours earlier than.
Reserve now and pay later.
Included within the tour is:
- Switch from Barreirinhas to Santo Amaro (pick-up between 7:30 am – 8:40 am)
- Tour Information
- Stroll within the lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses Nationwide Park
Multiday trek
If you’re adventurous, it’s best to undoubtedly hike by the Nationwide Park. The hikes from the small city of Santo Amaro to Atins are particularly thrilling.
In the course of the trek you’ll go two small oasis settlements the place you may take a break. You’ll spend the evening in hammocks in these charming oases, which have been inhabited by cattle ranchers and fishermen for a lot of generations. It’s as fascinating as it’s spectacular to take part within the life of those folks.
The primary cease in your journey would be the Queimada dos Britos Oasis. There is no such thing as a electrical energy right here, solely batteries powered by photo voltaic cells that present vitality for a couple of hours. So go to mattress early or lie in a hammock.
That is vital as a result of the trekking begins at three or 4 o’clock within the morning, so that you’ll arrive on the oases not lengthy after dawn. There you’ll spend the day in consolation and leisure.
On the second day you’ll attain the attractive Baixa Grande Oasis. As a result of scorching warmth of Lençóis Maranhenses, nobody needs to spend an excessive amount of time below the burning solar. Due to this fact, you’ll take a while to get to know the native folks and study extra about their tradition and every day life.
Throughout your keep within the oases, you can be in direct contact with the native folks and find out about their lifestyle – far-off from any civilization, they stay right here in isolation. They are going to put together scrumptious meals for you, often consisting of rice, beans, fish or goat meat and salad comprised of home-grown tomatoes.
Crossing the Lençóis Maranhenses, swimming within the many clear lagoons in the midst of a sandy panorama and visiting oases are fascinating experiences – distinctive in Brazil.
Between Could and September is the perfect time to swim within the picturesque blue-green lagoons, so should you can, plan your go to throughout this time! It is going to be an unforgettable expertise!
Different advisable excursions within the area
São Luís
If you wish to go to the Lençóis Maranhenses, you may’t miss São Luís.
The capital of Brazil’s “humblest” state will pleasantly shock you with its authenticity. Its skillful mixture of previous and current, in addition to its heat folks, characterize a various Brazil that’s laborious to think about.
The capital of the state of Maranhão is positioned on an island and is likely one of the most fascinating coastal cities – maybe as a result of it has not been “found” by many vacationers.
The historic heart of São Luís, a World Heritage Web site, is a captivating neighborhood of smoking cobblestone streets and pastel-colored colonial homes. A few of these homes have been restored, whereas others are in a state of disrepair.
This charming space has a singular environment and is house to among the finest collections of museums, galleries and craft outlets within the Northeast.
São Luís is house to a powerful assortment of colonial buildings. Some 4,000 constructions protect the imposing architectural influences of the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries in all their glory. The well-preserved previous city with its colonial structure has even been declared a World Heritage Web site.
Most well-known are the “azulejos”, Portuguese tiles that shield the facades from the nice and cozy, humid local weather – with out them, regular partitions would rapidly turn out to be unpleasant.
Sadly, the streets could be tough to navigate after darkish.
Come and go to some of the genuine historic facilities of Brazil.
Enjoyable Truth São Luís
São Luís, the Reggae capital of Brazil, has created a singular interpretation of this tradition and permits its followers to bounce collectively. It’s actually spectacular to see these {couples} embracing one another whereas sustaining a sublime and respectful angle. It’s undoubtedly price going to one of many stylish nightclubs the place this dance is practiced!
Alcântara
Alcântara charms instantly and presents itself to the customer as stunning and welcoming. A visit to this metropolis is nicely price it, because it provides a glimpse into the historical past of all the area.
Though Alcântara is just not very well-known amongst vacationers, this stopover leaves nobody untouched.
The charming city of Alcântara will take you again to colonial instances – a real jewel of the period! This small city, frozen in time, impresses vacationers because it tells its extremely tangible story.
Marvel on the magnificent colonial homes and pattern scrumptious coconut cookies. Immerse your self within the native gastronomy whereas watching majestic birds such because the Scarlet Ibis which have made their house within the surrounding mangroves. The brilliant pink shade of their plumage makes for an unforgettable, virtually surreal sight as they flutter over the deep inexperienced mangrove waters.
This heritage of days passed by is positioned on the opposite aspect of the Baía de São Marcos, reverse São Luis.
Solely 53 km from São Luís by boat or 408 km by land, this architectural ensemble of cobbled streets, church buildings, palaces and colonial stays has been a protected monument since 1948.
This complicated remembers an period of prosperity and splendor of the aristocracy of Maranhão.
Atins
Tucked away within the delta of the Preguiças River lies the idyllic fishing village of Atins, surrounded by intensive shallow water lagoons that emerge at low tide.
Nestled in an countless sea of sand, surrounded by the Lençóis to the east, the ocean to the north and the estuary to the west, lies this picturesque city. Regardless of these limiting influences, the homes right here nonetheless handle to take root within the skinny sandy soil that precedes the water desk.
Nonetheless, the plush vegetation gives a nice coolness and means that you can absolutely get pleasure from this distinctive place. On this village you should have the chance to take part within the “all Brazilian” every day life, an expertise typical of those distant areas.
Because of the fixed wind, Atins could be very well-liked with the kitesurfing group, who discover a superb infrastructure right here. Most guests to Atins are enthusiastic kitesurfers.
Along with the improbable circumstances for kitesurfers of all ranges, this place additionally provides all different guests an genuine cultural expertise on its quiet and sandy roads.
Alongside the estuary there are stunning spots with charming picket eating places the place you may calm down with a caipirinha overlooking the water.
On this charming little fishing village you may calm down between the majestic dunes of the park, the estuary of the Rio Preguiças and the Atlantic coast.
Make sure you go to the charming sand village of Atins on the “finish of the world” – an insider’s tip within the Lençóis Maranhenses Nationwide Park.
