Far From The Crowds, Close To What Matters: PlanetaEXO’s mini-doc showcases the impact of ecotourism in Lençóis Maranhenses

“Far From The Crowds, Close To What Matters” highlights how a low-volume tourism model is transforming the lives of traditional communities inside the newly designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

PlanetaEXO has officially released its new short film, “Lençóis Maranhenses: Far From The Crowds, Close To What Matters.” Premiering on September 23 on YouTube, the documentary explores the profound socioeconomic impact of a low-volume, multi-day trekking model in Brazil’s Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, contrasting the reality of remote communities with the growing wave of mass tourism in the region.

The national park is currently facing a moment of unprecedented tourist exposure. In 2025, propelled by its new title as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the destination welcomed 656,388 visitors, a 41% leap from the previous year, according to the ICMBio.

Understanding the best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses has become crucial for travelers aiming to avoid massive crowds, but the mini-doc shifts the focus even further away from the easily accessible lagoons. Instead, it highlights the communities located in and around the reserve that bet on overnight stays in local homes as a source of income.

“We intentionally keep the smallest share,” explains Lucas Ribeiro, founder of PlanetaEXO and director of the short film. “If the majority of the money doesn’t stay with the people who host the traveler, cook for them, and walk alongside them, it’s not community-based tourism; it’s just a pretty landscape being sold.”

Hard Data Backing the Narrative

The operational data from PlanetaEXO, which connects travelers directly with native partners, proves the viability of the format showcased in the mini-doc. Over the last two seasons, the company facilitated the dune crossing for a restricted group of just 583 travelers.

By retaining 80% of gross earnings within the destination, the operation funneled more than R$ 1.4 million (approximately U$ 250,000) straight into the local economy. These funds were distributed directly to host families, drivers, and guides without middleman fees.

Trading Fishing Nets for Hospitality

“Far From The Crowds, Close To What Matters” illustrates these figures through the daily lives of residents in the Baixa Grande oasis, located hours away from the nearest road.

After dedicating himself to subsistence fishing, Seu Moacir saw his income transform. “Twenty years in fishing. We used to catch fish to sell, and it yielded almost nothing. Tourism provides a bit more,” he shares in the film.

“Everything used to be very difficult,” adds Dona Dete, his wife and co-host. “Then tourism came and things improved, thank God. Our place was smaller; we had few little houses. Now it’s better. I have the means to host more people.”

For travelers seeking authentic Lençóis Maranhenses tours, stepping away from mass tourism is a key factor. “We wanted to visit in a non-touristy way. We didn’t want to be in huge groups,” explains French traveler Morgane Meyer in a testimonial captured during the trek.

Portuguese tourist Diogo Melo agrees. “The positive impact it has on the communities is very obvious. When we stay [in their homes], you can tell that this helps families achieve a more stable standard of living.”

The film is part of PlanetaEXO’s efforts to prove that tourism in Brazil’s natural areas must decentralize income, transforming conservation and local development into a profitable business model for local partners.

Technical Sheet | “Lençóis Maranhenses: Far From The Crowds, Close To What Matters”

• Format: Short Documentary
• Duration: 5 min 30 sec
• Director: Lucas Ribeiro
• Director of Photography: Isadora Sá and Marcelo Bonifácio
• Editing: Marcelo Bonifácio
• Interviews: Lucas Ribeiro and Isadora Sá
• Cast: Seu Moacir and Dona Dete (Baixa Grande – Lençóis Maranhenses), Bruno Lamas (Brazil), Carol Costa (Brazil), Diogo Melo (Portugal), Franck Nicolas (France), Guillaume Poupin (France), Magali Liprandi (France), Marcelo Zelarayán (Barreirinhas – Brazil), and Morgane Meyer (France).
• Special Thanks: Paraíso do Caju Team