Barreirinhas travel guide
Barreirinhas is the gateway to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, in the state of Maranhão: a landscape of white dunes that, after the rainy season, fill with freshwater lagoons. UNESCO inscribed the park as a natural World Heritage site in 2024. The town stands on the banks of the Preguiças river, and from it depart the excursions to the park and to the river villages. In a programme it works as a nature and gentle-adventure base following São Luís.
Season by month
When to travel- Peak season
- High season
- Shoulder season
- Low season
What to do in Barreirinhas
- The Lençóis Maranhenses in four days A four-day, three-night programme centred on the park, to see the dunes at an easy pace.
- The Azul and Bonita lagoons approx. 4 h The best-known lagoons of the Barreirinhas sector, reached by 4x4 and a walk across the dunes.
- The Preguiças river descent approx. 6 h By launch to Mandacaru and Caburé, among mangroves, dunes and small villages.
- Mandacaru and its lighthouse approx. 1 h A river village with a lighthouse from which the park can be seen.
- Lagoa da Gaivota approx. 4 h The largest in the park and one that never dries; reached via Santo Amaro do Maranhão.
- Sunset on the dunes approx. 2 h Outings are scheduled towards the afternoon, when the sun is lower and the light kinder.
Beaches in Barreirinhas
- Caburé, between sea and river approx. 3 h A village where sea swimming, fresh water and food come together, suitable for an overnight stay.
Who to offer it to
When to go
The lagoons form with the rains of the first half of the year and are full roughly from June to September, with July the busiest month; from May the scenery is already good and the weather more settled. From October to December the lagoons recede and the landscape changes, although the perennial ones keep water. It is hot all year.
How many days
Two nights with a full day in the park are the norm; with three, a descent of the Preguiças river or a visit to Santo Amaro do Maranhão, another gateway to the park, can be added. Outings are made by 4x4 and on foot across the dunes, many of them in the afternoon, when the sun is lower.
What not to miss
The Azul and Bonita lagoons, the descent of the Preguiças river to the villages of Mandacaru and Caburé, sunset on the dunes and the Lagoa da Gaivota, in Santo Amaro, which never dries. The contrast of dunes, river and mangroves adds variety to a programme for small groups.
What to offer and why
Two to three nights as a nature core in the Northeast, with a full day in the park, following São Luís or within a longer coastal route. It appeals to nature, gentle-adventure and photography clients.
When to book
Demand concentrates in July, the busiest period, and lodging in the area is small in scale. Always check availability in advance; in that period, as far ahead as possible. It is wise to fix the nights near the park first and then the rest of the coastal route.
Practical and operational
Access is by road from São Luís, between three and four hours; local air service must be checked by season. Access to the dunes and river villages depends on the state of the tracks and the river. Always with local guides, because there is no signage on the dunes. Comfortable shoes, sun protection, light clothing and water; the outings call for good fitness.
How we arrange it
We arrange the road transfer from São Luís, between three and four hours, with contracted local operators and establishments. Local air service is limited and seasonal, so we check it before committing an itinerary; on the dunes and the river we always work with local guides.
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Booking & policies
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What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations are governed by the conditions stated in each quotation. The standard conditions are: more than 30 days before arrival, the deposit is non-refundable; 30 to 15 days before arrival, 50% of the total price is charged; less than 15 days before arrival or a no-show, 100%. They may vary on peak dates and depend on the policy of each hotel and service. Certain destinations — Patagonia, the Amazon region and high-demand dates in peak season — apply stricter terms, stated in the quotation. Conditions stated in the quotation and accepted by the agency at booking take precedence over the general schedule in Clause 7.1 of the Terms.
Can dates or passenger names be changed after booking?
Amendment requests must reach RUMBO LIBRE at least 72 business hours before the service begins. Changes are managed subject to availability, and any resulting rate difference applies. For private services, a name change may require re-issuing the booking at the current rate.
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