2-day Lençóis Maranhenses Trip – Desert in Brazil
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2-day Lençóis Maranhenses Trip – Desert in Brazil

Lençóis Maranhenses
1 Night·2 Days
Lençóis MaranhensesHiking & TrekkingCommunity-Based Travel

Overview

Join an unforgettable Lençóis Maranhenses trip, designed as the ideal package for those with limited time who still want a deep connection with nature. This 2-day expedition offers an immersive experience in the dunes, guiding you through breathtaking landscapes to explore crystal-clear lagoons. Every step across this desert-like wonderland reveals the untouched beauty of the region, ensuring an adventure that maximizes your short stay.

Be prepared for a demanding trek of approximately 30 km across the dunes, making it a thrilling journey for active travelers. After a full day of hiking, you will enjoy an overnight stay at the homes of local residents in the Baixa Grande community, nestled deep inside the national park.

  • Full itinerary: 2-day trip across Lençóis Maranhenses National Park between Rio Negro and Lagoa Bonita (~30 km).
  • Overnight in Baixa Grande at a local family’s home (hammocks, oasis access).
  • Sunset over the dunes, uncrowded spots, and total immersion in local culture.
  • Multiple lagoons along the way, including the iconic Lagoa Bonita.
  • Activities led by highly qualified guides.
  • All-inclusive experience: homestay, transfer, meals, and local guides.

  • Please note: the daily schedule is a suggested plan, confirmed on arrival and adapted to weather, water levels, and the group’s pace. The 4×4 transfers depend on vehicle availability and seasonal rains.

Itinerary

Day 1

Barreirinhas / Rio Negro / Baixa Grande Oasis

  • 4x4 transferBarreirinhas → Rio Negro · ~2 hrs · 35–45 km by 4x4
  • HikingRio Negro → Baixa Grande · 6 km · 2–3 hrs · soft sand
  • SwimmingLagoon stops along the trail · ~1 hr total
  • SunsetDunes around Baixa Grande Oasis

PlanetaEXO’s local partner will pick you up at your accommodation in Barreirinhas at 04h30. The 4×4 ride to the Rio Negro section of the park takes about 2 hours on off-road trails. A stop is made along the way to watch sunrise over the surrounding landscape.

During the rainy season (February–May), the Rio Negro carries dark, tannin-stained water, the result of organic decomposition in the surrounding vegetation. This is the seasonal signature of the area.

From the river, the trek covers 6 km of sand dunes toward Baixa Grande Oasis. The walk takes 2–3 hours, including lagoon stops. Expected arrival at the oasis is around 10:30 AM.

Lunch is served at the host family’s home inside the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. The afternoon is yours: rest in a hammock, swim in the lagoons, explore the dunes on foot, or chat with the family. In the late afternoon, the group walks to a high dune for sunset.

Meals included: Lunch / Dinner / Trail snacks

Two 4x4 vehicles crossing a vast wet sandy flat under a wide blue sky on a Lençóis Maranhenses trip, with shallow puddles reflecting light across the trackless terrain
Four backpackers climbing a vast white sand dune single-file on a Lençóis Maranhenses trip, leaving a trail of barefoot footprints under a clear blue sky
Aerial view of a crystal-clear turquoise lagoon nestled between sweeping white sand dunes under a deep blue sky on a Lençóis Maranhenses trip
Aerial view of the Lençóis Maranhenses trip landscape, showing endless white sand dunes interspersed with dark-green and turquoise freshwater lagoons stretching to the horizon, with tiny human figures visible in the middle distance
Silhouettes of a group of travelers walking across open dunes during a Lençóis Maranhenses trip, set against a vivid amber and orange sunset sky
Close-up of a sinuous green translucent glass sculpture with organic curves against a white wall, displayed at a Lençóis Maranhenses trip venue

Day 2

Baixa Grande / Lagoa Bonita / Barreirinhas

  • HikingBaixa Grande → Lagoa Bonita · 24 km · 7–9 hrs · soft sand
  • SunriseFrom inside the dunes (~5:00–6:00 AM)
  • SwimmingMultiple lagoon stops along the route
  • 4x4 transferLagoa Bonita → Barreirinhas · ~2 hrs · ~15 km · 45 min–1 h by 4x4 (15–20 km)

An early breakfast at 2:30 AM gets the group ready for the long Day 2 push. Departure on foot at 3 AM. The first stretch covers ground in the cool of night and brings the group to a vantage point in time for sunrise over the dunes.

The 24 km route is broken into segments by frequent lagoon stops, a chance to swim, refill water, and rest. Expected arrival at the village of Lagoa Bonita is around 11 AM, with lunch served at a local restaurant.

After lunch and a short rest, a 4×4 vehicle takes the group back to Barreirinhas (~2 hours), marking the end of this Lençóis Maranhenses trip. Expected arrival is around 2 PM.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Trail snacks

Three travelers silhouetted against a golden sunset sky on a vast white sand dune during a Lençóis Maranhenses trip, footprints trailing behind them
Five hikers and their footprints crossing an expanse of rippled white sand dunes on a Lençóis Maranhenses trip, under a pale morning sky
A group of backpackers wading knee-deep through a clear shallow lagoon on a Lençóis Maranhenses trip, with vast white sand dunes stretching across the horizon under a blue sky
Aerial view of white sand dunes and dark blue lagoons glowing pink under a dusky sky on a Lençóis Maranhenses trip
A traveler standing waist-deep in a crystal-clear turquoise lagoon on a Lençóis Maranhenses trip, arms raised wide, with sweeping white sand dunes stretching into the distance under a bright blue sky
Aerial view of the Lençóis Maranhenses trip landscape showing vast white sand dunes interspersed with turquoise-green freshwater lagoons stretching to a dark green tree line on the horizon
Sun setting on the horizon over a shallow lagoon nestled between dark sand dunes on a Lençóis Maranhenses trip, with birds silhouetted on the glassy water

What is Included

  • Private 4x4 Barreirinhas ⇄ trailhead (Rio Negro / Lagoa Bonita)
  • 1 night in a local family home in Baixa Grande (hammocks)
  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and trail snacks)
  • Guided trek across the dunes and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
  • Certified local guide
  • Personal accident insurance (Porto Seguro)
  • Luggage transfer (1 piece per traveler) and a welcome gift (custom bag and cap)

Not included

  • Flight tickets
  • Accommodation and meals before/after the trek
  • Meals: dinner on the last day
  • Drinks (water, soft drinks, beer)
  • available to buy from the host families
  • Personal equipment (trekking poles, backpack, headlamp)
  • Bilingual-guide upgrade (see Optional Extras)
  • Extra luggage transfer (see Optional Extras)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc.) and tips
  • Any services not previously mentioned

FAQ

Reviews

“Incredible experience. We did the two-day trip and it couldn't have gone smoother! The booking process was simple and the team was there to answer any questions with no delay. Loro is an amazing tour guide, very experienced and always helpful and friendly. Once in a lifetime opportunity!”

— Yusuf Cetin

“One of the best experiences ever It has been an amazing experience. Trekking around the lencois with remain in our hearts forever. We had a guide that has been fantastic, always smiling and English speaking, and on top of that, a wonderful photographer! I recommend this experience to everyone, you will remember it forever!”

— Gabriele Giorgio

“Our guide, Louro, was extremely attentive, careful and kind to us. We will definitely always recommend you.”

— Evanise

“Excellent travel experience! 10/10!!! 👏🏻👍🏻”

— Eduardo

“Fantastic experience and incredible organization, I highly recommend it!”

— Dan Cenovic

“Amazing experience. Especially Giovane and Patricio as tour guides were extremely helpful, kind and had clear knowledge and experience to give our group the best experience possible.”

— Klaas Prakke

“I did the Lençóis crossing with the PC folks and it was sensational! Extremely professional and experienced. I recommend it!”

— Jessica T

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$ 350/ per person