The town of Santo Amaro, home of Villaz, is one of the three main gateways to the magnificent Lençóis Maranhenses. Its privileged location gives quick access to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
To make your trip even more special, I have gathered some of the best tours offered by local agencies. Villaz does not run its own agency, but we are fully at your disposal to help turn your stay into an unforgettable experience.
I am a co-owner of Villaz and, among other things, a photographer. So here I share, in words and pictures, some personal experiences as a frequent visitor to the park. Like any experience, it is a personal account: yours may be different — and I hope it is even better.
Wear light clothing. Protect yourself from the sun: sunscreen, sunglasses and UV-protection shirts. Bring water — agencies usually carry coolers with mineral water in their vehicles. Don't forget your camera or phone; DSLR cameras should be kept in plastic bags to protect them from the sand.
Despite looking like a desert, the Lençóis are full of life: migratory birds, small fish and even turtles in the lagoons. Near the vegetation at the edges you may spot porcupines and monkeys.
Some lagoons can be reached on foot, especially in the municipal park. For the more adventurous, there is a 3-day trek organised by specialised agencies. Either way, a guide is essential.
They are the main way of getting around the Lençóis. The crew has a driver and a guide accredited by ICMBio (the park authority). Tours last from 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on the destination, and can be private or shared.
A motorboat that reaches the Lençóis along the Rio Alegre and the Santo Amaro lake. It leaves near the main square of Santo Amaro: about 25 minutes to Lagoa América or 35 to 40 minutes to Ponta Verde. At certain times of year the lake is too shallow to navigate — although large, it is not deep.
Very popular with couples and for solo rides. A guide always comes along, on another quad or on the same one. It gives close contact with the park and a good dose of adventure. Follow the guide’s instructions and avoid reckless behaviour.
In some high-season months, a company offers helicopter flights (Robinson R44) from Santo Amaro.
Around Santo Amaro, the park is divided into a municipal park area, managed by the town council, and a national park area, managed and patrolled by ICMBio.
It is easier to reach because it is close to town. The nearest lagoons, such as the beautiful and large Lagoa da Andorinha and Lagoa da Gaivota, are in the municipal park — and, being closer, tours there usually cost less.
It covers most of the Lençóis and most of the lagoons. Some areas can only be reached on foot: the 4x4s take visitors to a certain point and the rest of the tour is done walking.
Choose a lagoon to see photos, how to get there and tips for each one:
About 15 minutes by 4x4 from town. Great for swimming and beautiful at night, with or without the moon.
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One of the park’s permanent lagoons, with greenish water and shallow areas for swimming.
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Warm blue water and a shallow little beach that children love.
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One of the most beautiful views in the Lençóis, with tall dunes and deep blue water.
See photos and tips →Lagoa do Junco’s neighbour, with greenish water, excellent for swimming.
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One of the largest lagoons in the park, formed by several lagoons joined together.
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One of the largest lagoons in the Lençóis and one of those with water all year round.
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Reached by speedboat across the Santo Amaro lake. It has a shallow area for children and Lagoa da Carnaúba next door.
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Villaz is a charming guesthouse in Santo Amaro, 4.2 km from the National Park: spacious suites, regional breakfast, restaurant, pool and a 7,000 m² garden with mini golf and leisure area.
★ Book on our website or via WhatsApp for an exclusive discount.
Inside the national park, about 1 hour from Santo Amaro, on a tour that usually takes the whole day. Most of the way is by 4x4, and to reach the village you cross the Rio Espigão by speedboat (about 5 minutes). When the river dries up, the foundations of old Petrobras oil exploration equipment appear: the region is rich in oil and gas, which were left untouched to preserve this natural heritage.
Reached by 4x4 or speedboat. This is home to one of the most beautiful lagoons in the Lençóis, the Lagoa do Reflexo. Because of the distance, it is usually a full-day tour.
Queimada dos Britos and Baixa Grande are oases inside the Lençóis and serve as overnight stops on the 3-day crossing on foot. Several rivers cross the park: Preguiças, Alegre, Espigão, Negro and Grande.
One of the 3 bases for the Lençóis, the most remote and hardest to reach. A rustic, peaceful village, perfect for those seeking nature and tranquillity, with sandy streets and a feel reminiscent of the Jericoacoara of old. It is famous among kitesurfers for its perfect wind and sea conditions. It lies at the mouth of the Rio Preguiças, reached by speedboat from Barreirinhas or by 4x4 via Santo Amaro.
About 30 km from Santo Amaro, the town stands out for its fish and shellfish and for the tour to watch the scarlet ibises (guarás) fly in at the end of the afternoon. These birds, typical of the region, are striking for their bright red plumage. They nest in the mangroves and, around 5 pm, return in flocks — a beautiful natural spectacle.
Sunrise and breakfast. An incredible, exclusive experience. It starts very early, around 4:30 am, to watch the sun rise over the dunes. The trip is by 4x4 and, on arrival, the guides set up a breakfast table right on the dunes. You can walk around and take beautiful photos in the soft morning light.
Sunset on the dunes. One of the most popular tours: the colours of the sky are reflected in the lagoons and the white sand. Afternoon tours usually last until sunset, and the 4x4 ride back at night is easy — guides usually choose high dunes in the municipal park, close to town.
Night tours. Dunes and lagoons lit by the moon and stars: stargazing and the Milky Way, 4x4 rides, a swim under the moon, sensory walks and luaus with music, food and drinks. The silence of the night makes everything special.
A unique experience that combines physical challenge and surreal landscapes. You walk 8 to 15 km a day on sandy terrain, always with guides, stopping for swims in crystal-clear lagoons. You need to be in good physical shape. At night, lodging is usually in redários — thatched huts with hooks for several hammocks — in communities such as Baixa Grande and Queimada dos Britos, where locals share stories and home-cooked meals. The best season is May to September, when the lagoons are full and the weather milder. The trek usually takes 3 days. Some agencies specialise in it; clear up all your questions with them before deciding.
São Luís is the main gateway in and out of the Lençóis, and many visitors spend 1 to 3 days there. A few lines can't do the city justice, but here are some tips.
The Historic Centre is the heart of the old city and an open-air museum. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has Portuguese colonial architecture, mansions covered in colourful tiles, charming alleys and historic squares — any resemblance to Lisbon is no coincidence. Strolling along Rua Portugal and Rua do Giz (named one of the most beautiful streets in Brazil by Casa Vogue), or visiting the Palácio dos Leões, the Casa das Tulhas and the Convento das Mercês, is a journey back in time. A guide makes the visit even more interesting.
On the Península, the seafront promenade and the Quebra-Mar offer the silhouette of the Historic Centre in the distance and one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Northeast. The area is full of bars and restaurants with sea views. For swimming, the most popular beaches are São Marcos and Calhau. To eat well: Cabana do Sol, Casa de Juja, NuMar, Azu and Ferreiro Praia — and the Senac restaurant, which on Fridays serves one of the best seafood buffets in Brazil.
São Luís comes alive in May, June and July with the Festas Juninas: Bumba Meu Boi, Tambor de Crioula and other expressions of Maranhão folklore. In August there are performances at the Convento das Mercês. And on Sunday mornings, the Feirinha São Luís, in Praça João Lisboa, brings together handicrafts and cultural attractions.
We do not book tours or transfers, but we recommend some local services. These recommendations are a courtesy from our team, based on our experience and that of other guests. We have no contract or partnership with them and are not responsible for their services.
Most local services speak Portuguese only; a translation app on WhatsApp helps a lot. If you need more tips or help, just get in touch.
Bookings: +55 98 98815-8585FAQ (Portuguese)
Villaz is a charming guesthouse in Santo Amaro, 4.2 km from the National Park: spacious suites, regional breakfast, restaurant, pool and a 7,000 m² garden with mini golf and leisure area.
★ Book on our website or via WhatsApp for an exclusive discount.