A four-day programme through the state of Maranhão, pairing the historic centre of São Luís — a town by the ocean with cobblestone streets and 17th-century architecture such as the Palácio dos Leões — with the sand dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses.
From São Luís the route continues to Barreirinhas, on the banks of the Preguiças River and gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. A 4x4 reaches the heart of the dunes at Lago Azul, where between March and September rainwater forms blue lagoons, and stays for the sunset. A motorboat tour on the Preguiças River then leads to Vassouras — 'Little Lençóis' — and the 160-step climb to the Pérgula Lighthouse, before returning to São Luís.
Highlights
Lago Azul and the blue lagoons in the heart of Lençóis Maranhenses, reached by 4x4
Sunset over the dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses
Motorboat tour on the Preguiças River
Vassouras, 'Little Lençóis', and the Pérgula Lighthouse
Historic centre of São Luís
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1
Day 1: Arrival in São Luís
Arrival in São Luís and transfer to the hotel. São Luís is a historic town by the ocean near the Lençóis Maranhenses region; its historic centre is like an open-air museum, with cobblestone streets, narrow alleys and 17th-century French architecture such as the Palácio dos Leões, whose staircase is flanked by carved lion statues. The city is known as the reggae capital of Brazil, and its attractions include museums, a 17th-century church, local markets, regional cuisine and beaches. Accommodation at the Luzeiros Hotel.
Day2
Day 2: São Luís – Barreirinhas and Lençóis Maranhenses
Breakfast at the hotel. At 07:00, departure for Barreirinhas (about a 4-hour drive) along a well-kept road, passing local plantations. Barreirinhas is a quiet town on the banks of the Preguiças River, near Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and its sand dunes, where from March to September rainwater forms blue lagoons. At 14:00, departure by 4x4 into the heart of Lençóis to visit Lago Azul, with the chance to swim in the lagoons, staying until late afternoon for the sunset over the dunes. Return to Barreirinhas in the evening. Accommodation at the Porto Preguiças Resort.
Day3
Day 3: Barreirinhas – Preguiças River – São Luís
Breakfast at the hotel. At 08:30, motorboat tour on the Preguiças River. The first stop is Vassouras, also known as 'Little Lençóis', with coconut water, local monkeys, a small fishing village and a 160-step climb to the Pérgula Lighthouse, which offers views over the dunes, the river and its sources, the ocean and the surrounding vegetation. Afterwards, return to São Luís. Accommodation at the Luzeiros Hotel.
Day4
Day 4: Departure from São Luís
After breakfast, transfer to the airport.
Suggested hotels
Luzeiros Hotel
Standard
São Luís
Accommodation in São Luís (nights 1 and 3).
Porto Preguiças Resort
Standard
Barreirinhas
Accommodation in Barreirinhas (night 2), on the banks of the Preguiças River.
Essential, Premium and Luxury categories available. Final accommodation is confirmed by date and availability.
What's included
Included: Accommodation in the mentioned hotels or similar, with breakfast (3 nights)
Included: Transfers as per the programme, with driver only
Included: Tours as per the programme, private
Included: Meals as per the programme
What's not included
Not included: International and domestic airfare
Not included: Airport and tourism taxes and visa fees
Not included: Meals not mentioned in the programme
Not included: Drinks unless explicitly stated
Not included: Tips and gratuities
Not included: Personal expenses and optional services
Not included: Travel insurance
Not included: Anything not expressly mentioned as included
Optional services
Optional, at extra cost:
São Luís city tour (4h) — A visit to the historic centre of São Luís, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its colourful colonial façades and Portuguese tiles. It takes in the Gonçalves Dias Square, the Palácio dos Leões and the São José de Ribamar Church, the Central Market and the Reviver neighbourhood, known for its preserved old houses, with panoramic views of the city and an introduction to local cuisine such as arroz de cuxá.