Lagoa Bonita Trail: Lençóis Maranhenses dunes and lagoons tour

Climb the dunes, then walk among the lagoons where the white sand meets freshwater pools.

The Lagoa Bonita Trail is a guided tour of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park departing from Barreirinhas, with a morning or afternoon option. You cross the Preguiças River by ferry, drive through vegetation on a 4x4, climb approximately 85 meters up the dunes for a panoramic view, then walk among the lagoons including Lagoa Bonita itself. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a live guide in English or Spanish, and hotel pickup. Morning departures return by midday, while afternoon tours run until after sunset.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

• Cross Preguiças River by 4x4 ferry
• Follow trail through vegetation
• Climb dune for panoramic view
• Walk and visit lagoons including Lagoa Bonita
• Return to Barreirinhas

The experience

The route starts with a ferry crossing of the Preguiças River, then a roughly one-hour drive through vegetation in an air-conditioned 4x4 to reach the entrance of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. From there, you climb the dunes, a rise of about 85 meters, to reach a vantage point where the white sand dunes and freshwater lagoons spread out below. The panoramic view includes Lagoa Bonita itself, the centerpiece of the trail.

Once at the top, you walk among the lagoons on foot, moving through the landscape at your own pace with your guide. The morning departure leaves at 8:30 am and returns around 12:30 pm. The afternoon option departs at 2:30 pm and runs until after sunset, so you can choose based on whether you prefer the light and crowds of midday or the quieter, golden-hour end of the day. Both tours include pickup from your hotel in Barreirinhas, the 4x4 transport, the river ferry, and a guide who speaks English or Spanish.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle.
• ferry crossing of the Preguiças River.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup in Barreirinhas.

Options for this experience

2 options

Beautiful Lagoon TrailGuide in English or Spanish · Available from 9 Oct 2027Includes pickup

Private TourGuide in English or Spanish · 09:00Mineral water and soft drinks are provided; private Hilux transport with pickup included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 66 years) · Senior (67 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Receptivo Trilhatour

Is this one for you?Choose the morning departure if you want to be back by early afternoon, or the sunset option if you prefer fewer people on the trail and softer light for photos. The climb and the walk demand moderate fitness, so this suits travelers comfortable with physical activity on sand and dunes.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Lagoa Bonita and why is it part of this tour?

Lagoa Bonita is one of the freshwater lagoons within Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, visible from the dune ridge you climb to during the trail. It is the named highlight of this route and the spot where you walk among the pools after reaching the panoramic viewpoint.

Do I climb the dunes or walk on flat ground?

You climb the dunes, a rise of approximately 85 meters, to reach the panoramic overlook. Once there, you walk on foot among the lagoons themselves, which is the main part of the experience after the climb.

What is the difference between the morning and afternoon departures?

The morning tour leaves at 8:30 am and returns around 12:30 pm, giving you the middle of the day at the lagoons. The afternoon tour departs at 2:30 pm and runs until after sunset, so you see the landscape in golden light and have fewer crowds on the trail.

Is the 4x4 ride bumpy or uncomfortable?

The vehicle is air-conditioned and travels through vegetation for roughly one hour before you reach the park entrance. The itinerary notes that the tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, so the ride and the climb do involve physical demand.

Can I book this as a private tour or only as a group?

You can choose between the shared Lagoa Bonita Trail or a private tour option at checkout. Both follow the same route and include the same guide, transport and inclusions. The private option means you travel with your own group instead of joining other visitors.