Lencois Maranhenses beach
Lencois Maranhenses Beach is a unique picturesque coast in the north-east of Brazil, invariably included in the TOP lists of the most romantic beaches of not only this country, but the whole planet. Located on the territory of the reserve of the same name in the state of Maranhão, the kingdom of majestic snow-white dunes and turquoise lagoons is an incredible sight that clearly confirms the glory of this picturesque corner of Brazil as one of the most romantic places for a beach holiday.
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Beach description
The territory of this unique reserve of sand dunes, the height of which in some places exceeds 40 m, covers about 155 thousand hectares and about 70 km of the coastal line, as well as the inner part of the changing sand and water landscapes. Looking at the majestic sandy expanses, you can easily understand why the name of this protected area translates as “Maranyan sheets”.
Numerous picturesque lakes and lagoons with turquoise waters among the kingdom of snow-white sands are formed exclusively in the rainy season, because all these natural pools are filled with rainwater. The waters here are very clean and safe, and their turquoise-azure charm attracts you to plunge into these paradise pools created by nature.
- In the rainy season, lakes are formed here up to 100 m long and up to 3 m deep, with a total area of 41% of the entire reserve.
- The water temperature in the lagoons is usually between 27 and 32 ° C. In the dry season, lagoons evaporate at a speed of up to 1 m depth per month.
- This place is most picturesque in January, when the peak of the rainy season is here and a maximum of full-flowing lagoons and artificial lakes is formed.
- Some lagoons are so large and full of water that they do not disappear even during the dry summer days. But the ideal beach season here is still considered the period from May to the end of September. The least crowded in July.
The Lencois-Maranjensis protected area itself is considered one of the most unique deserts in the world, and its formation lasted several millennia. Despite the recognition of these vast dunes as desert, about 1200 mm of precipitation falls annually here (70% of them fall from January to May), although the norm for standard desert territories does not exceed 250 mm. This place is also made unique by the winds that constantly blow here, which constantly modify the local landscapes.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to visit Brazil – is in spring and autumn. During this period, mild and dry weather reigns here. In winter, there is heat and heavy rains. And in the summer (from June to August) the lowest temperatures are recorded in the country.
Video: Beach Lencois Maranhenses
Infrastructure
You can stay in any of the following three cities - Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro and Atins, which are located closest to the national park.
- Barreirinhas is the best option for a day trip to the park and a great place in terms of a wide selection of hotels, cafes and restaurants. You can stay in the hotel Pousada Paraíso das Águas. It is approximately 3 kilometres away from the national park.
- Santo Amaro is a small village located closest to the national park. Accommodation in it is possible in the families of local residents.
- Atins is another village in which you can find traditional Brazilian housing - a pousada (from a simple to the most elite one), as well as a kitesurfing school, since this area is a kind of Mecca for lovers of this water sport. You can stay in Pousada Cajueiro Atins. It is approximately 300 kilometres away from the national park.
Taking into account the status of a protected area with desert open spaces and lagoons, one should not rely on the availability of infrastructure as such. Food and water reserves should be provided on their own in case of a travel to the dunes and lagoons even as part of a guided tour.
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- The amazing desert beach is located east of Bahia de San Jose. The easiest way to get here is from San Luis (about 4-5 hours) - the center of Maranhão, from which you can book an excursion tour to the reserve or take a bus to Barreirinhas, near which the protected area of the dunes begins. Tourists to them from the city are usually brought in jeeps.
- Since the park is huge, you should travel along it only in groups led by a guide. It is best to set aside at least 2 days to visit its largest and most picturesque oases and lagoons.
- For lovers of extreme sports, this coast of Brazil is a true paradise. Sunbathing can be complemented by extreme surfing on the sand dunes. It is also possible to book a helicopter tour and enjoy these vast and incredibly picturesque dunes from a height of flight - a sight unforgettable and worthy of the cost of finance to make this happen. Jeep safaris and horseback riding are also available.
- The most full-flowing oases (Azul and Bonita) with an area of 1,100 and 850 ha are located in the center part of the reserve. Nearby, you can often admire the scarlet ibis, one of the four endangered representatives of the fauna that lives in the reserve. There are wolf fish in the lagoons, which in the dry season dig deep into the sand.