Choosing Your Base in Lençóis Maranhenses: Santo Amaro, Atins or Barreirinhas
NATURAL BEAUTY MAKES UP FOR THE CHALLENGE OF CHOOSING YOUR BASE IN LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES
The adventure of exploring Lençóis Maranhenses can begin long before you step into the dunes — it starts with choosing where to stay and from where your tours will depart. One thing is certain: whichever base you pick, you’ll be close to a natural paradise.
There are three main towns surrounding the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park where travelers can stay. Your decision depends on priorities: being as close as possible to the lagoons, enjoying a laid-back spot with nightlife and a cool vibe, or choosing a more structured area with plenty of shops and services.
Santo Amaro
Santo Amaro is the most secluded of the three main bases, offering direct access to some of the park’s most dazzling lagoons. Here, nature comes first — expect sandy streets, peaceful surroundings, and an authentic connection with the landscape, far from the crowds.
Getting there can be an adventure, often involving stretches of unpaved road and 4×4 transfers. Yet travelers seeking tranquility and unspoiled scenery will find the effort worthwhile, with shorter travel times to postcard-perfect pools and fewer people at sunrise and sunset.
Atins
Atins is the “cool” corner of Lençóis — a beachy outpost where the park meets the sea. Backpackers, kite surfers, and slow-travel fans gather for steady winds, wide horizons, and sunset rituals that blend dunes, ocean, and an easygoing, bohemian atmosphere.
The village feels delightfully rustic, with sand-lane paths, small lodges, beach bars, and friendly cafés. It’s ideal for disconnecting, riding the tides, and mixing active days with chilled nights — especially if you want a touch of surf-town energy without losing the park’s magic.
Barreirinhas
Barreirinhas is the largest and most developed gateway, with the widest selection of hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. It’s the most convenient base for first-timers, families, and anyone who values variety, paved access, and straightforward logistics for daily excursions.
From here, arranging classic trips to Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita is simple, as are boat tours along the scenic Preguiças River to postcard villages. Barreirinhas balances accessibility and adventure, serving as the park’s main tourism hub without abandoning its riverside charm.