Hiking Brazil: Dunes & Oases of Lençóis Maranhenses
Experience a little-known region of Brazil on this week-long expedition into the dunes, lagoons and oases of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
Rise early to hike through an incredible landscape of undulating dunes and freshwater lagoons. Then spend your afternoons relaxing in the tranquillity, and shade, of the oases dotted along your route. Along the way, you’ll be staying in the heart of the local communities, with lodgings and meals provided by the people who live in these unique settlements.
Get to know the locals and connect with the natural and cultural beauty of Brazil on this unique tour.
Services
Included:
- 1 night in hotel in São Luís do Maranhão
- 1 night in hotel in Atins village
- 3 nights in community lodgings in the oases
- 1 night in hotel in Santo Amaro
- All tours detailed in itinerary
- 6 x breakfast, 3 x lunch, 3 x dinner
- All transport from hotel in São Luís on day 2 to the airport on day 7
- Team members on hand throughout the itinerary
- Travel insurance for all tour days
Excluded:
- Airfare to & from São Luís
- Transfer from the airport to hotel in São Luís
- Not-specified meals
- Drinks & snacks
- Gifts, gratuities & other unspecified costs
- Any items or activities not described in itinerary
Optional:
- Helicopter flight over the Lençóis Maranhenses (USD 150)
Itinerary at a Glance
Sao Luis
Arrival in São Luis
Barreirinhas - Atins
Journey to the dunes
Oasis Baixa Grande
Walk to Baixa Grande Oasis
Oasis Queimada Dos Britos
Hike to Queimada Dos Britos Oasis
Town Of Betânia
Last day hiking the dunes
Santo Amaro
Kayaking the Alegre River
Return To São Luís
Homeward Bound
Detailed Itinerary
Sao Luis
Day 1: Arrival in São Luis
Arrival day in São Luis. Take the day at your leisure to relax and explore the city. Overnight stay in your hotel in São Luis.
Barreirinhas - Atins
Day 2: Journey to the dunes
After breakfast at the hotel, we set off on our drive. By lunchtime, we’ll arrive in Barreirinhas where we’ll stop for a bite to eat. After lunch we continue our journey to Atins via Rio Preguiça, stopping at the first of the beautiful lagoons on the itinerary. Overnight stay in Atins.
Oasis Baixa Grande
Day 3: Walk to Baixa Grande Oasis
We'll set out at 4 am this morning to begin our trek. On this first day, we'll be walking a distance of 10km, with breaks to enjoy the lagoons before arriving at the Baixa Grande Oasis. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the surroundings and watch the sunset over the dunes. Members of the oasis community will provide dinner and lodging.
Oasis Queimada Dos Britos
Day 4: Hike to Queimada Dos Britos Oasis
We’ll start early again this morning to avoid the full heat of the day. Today’s hike will be 12 km long with refreshing breaks in the lagoons along the way. We reach Queimada dos Britos Oasis and the afternoon is free for you to meet the locals and relax. Sit down to dinner with community members and get a good night’s rest.
Town Of Betânia
Day 5: Last day hiking the dunes
The final day of our trek will be the longest at a distance of 18 km. We’ll be walking to the town of Betânia, with our usual stops to enjoy the lagoons along the way. Spend the afternoon kicking back at your leisure after a long hike in the sun. Dinner and lodging will be with the local community.
Santo Amaro
Day 6: Kayaking the Alegre River
Today we give our feet a rest and travel by kayak. We’ll be paddling 15 km down the calm Alegre (Joy) River from Betânia to Santo Amaro. Upon arrival check in at your hotel and spend the afternoon at your leisure in Santo Amaro.
Return To São Luís
Day 7: Homeward Bound
After breakfast, we will return to São Luís do Maranhão. Arrival at the airport is scheduled for 2 pm so return flights must be booked for departure after 4 pm.
