Lençóis Maranhenses trek in Barreirinhas: 20km walk through dunes and lagoons

Walk through restinga forest and across 13km of dunes to reach Lagoa Bonita at sunset

This full-day trek covers 20km on foot through Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, starting with a 7km walk through restinga forest before crossing into the dune field to visit Lagoa Azul, Lagoa da Prata and exclusive lagoons, ending at Lagoa Bonita. A Portuguese-speaking guide leads the route. Trail snacks, lunch at a local house and 4x4 transport back to Barreirinhas are included. The day runs 14 hours, departing early and returning by 7pm.

The experience

The trek starts inside the restinga forest that rings the dune field of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. The first 7km moves through this coastal woodland before opening onto the dunes themselves, where the landscape shifts to open sand and shallow lagoons. From there, you walk another 13km across the dune field, passing through the Lagoa Azul region and the Lagoa da Prata area, visiting smaller lagoons along the way before reaching Lagoa Bonita.

Lunch happens at a local house in the Lagoa Bonita region, and you'll be there to watch the sunset over the water. The return to Barreirinhas uses 4x4 transport, and the scheduled arrival time is 7pm. A Portuguese-speaking guide leads the entire route and carries the navigation. Trail snacks, cereal bars and fruit sustain you through the day. Individual travel insurance is included.

What’s included

• Portuguese-speaking guide for the full day.
• trail snacks, cereal bars and fruit throughout the trek.
• lunch at a local house in the Lagoa Bonita region.
• 4x4 transport from Lagoa Bonita back to Barreirinhas.
• individual travel insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 03:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 55 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guidePortuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Costa Leste EcoAventura

Is this one for you?The guide speaks Portuguese, so you'll need comfort following the route in that language or traveling with someone who can translate. The 14-hour day and 20km of walking suit travelers with solid fitness who want a full immersion in the park without splitting the trek across multiple days.

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Top questions

What's the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park like when you're walking through it?

The park's landscape shifts from restinga forest, a coastal woodland, into an open dune field dotted with shallow lagoons. The dunes themselves are the dominant feature of the second half of the trek, and the lagoons (Lagoa Azul, Lagoa da Prata, and smaller unnamed ones) appear as you cross them.

How much of the day is actually spent walking?

The trek covers 20km total: 7km through the restinga forest and 13km across the dunes and lagoon areas. The full day runs 14 hours from departure to return to Barreirinhas at 7pm, which includes walking time, lunch, and the 4x4 transport back.

Is the guide Portuguese-speaking only?

Yes, the guide speaks Portuguese. If you're comfortable following commentary in Portuguese or traveling with a translator, this works. Otherwise, language may be a consideration before booking.

What happens at Lagoa Bonita?

Lagoa Bonita is the final destination of the trek. You have lunch at a local house there, rest, and watch the sunset over the lagoon before returning to Barreirinhas by 4x4.