Travel: Lencois Maranhenses National Park

Lencois Maranhenses National Park

Thursday 26 March 2015 06:36 Posted by TRAVEL

If you ever travel to Brazil make sure to visit Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in the Maranhao state of Brazil, especially between the months of January and May. The rainy season, when the lakes are still around when they're formed by rain water and transform into an amazing natural phenomenon. Fresh water collects in the valleys between the sand dunes, creating thousands of aqua-colored lagoons, Obligatory stops for anyone who walks in the dunes. Some ponds will even have fish and the Lencois Maranhenses seems a great desert, the rain drops 300 times more than the Sahara Africa. The most famous lagoons are called Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) and Lagoa Bonita(Beauty Lagoon), famous for its charm and excellent swimming conditions. Hiking between the dunes and swimming in different lakes is unforgettable and the views from above are breath taking. There are no buildings here so all you can see are the white dunes and clear blue lakes. The winds constantly shift the sand so you can walk barefoot without the fear of getting burned. There is no such thing about fees or permits to get there; we can explore the nature freely.

The simple way to get to Lencois Maranhenses Park is to go by plane to Sao Luis, capital of Maranhao. From there you can take the bus to the city of Barreirinhas, which is a small town that serves as the entrance to the Park. You can stay in Gran Solare Lençois Resort and also there are several inns near the park that offer very cheap and simple accommodation. If possible avoid, not go to a region so remote and beautiful to stay only and do a rush and running. Enjoy! . Besides, how long u can stay is there are dozens of trips in the Park, to know all you need to stay 7 days in Barreirinhas. Do not limit yourself to the main lagoons, if you really want to enjoy the place, do all the trips, look for tour agencies and enjoy! But if you have little time, 2 days are enough to know the basics, like the two main lagoons, Azul and Bonita. Do not bring heavy clothes. Only shorts, shirts, shoes, hat / cap and bathing suit, Sunglasses and sunscreen because it is the best stuff for holiday in Lencois marenhenses. For those with sensitive skin, you need an extra care; after all, there are no shadows in the dunes. It is recommended that you replace the sun protector frequently.

Things that you can do there is go for a swim in the clear blue pools of tepid water. Listen to the silence of the whispering sand. Bring a good camera and capture a memory that you can have forever. Take a jeep tour and let the guides talk about the place, it is also worth to take the 20 minute flight to see the lagoon from the top and the real way to enjoy the park is to have a 3 days trek through the dunes! It is an unbelievable experience, walking only 2/3hours per day, staying with the locals, sleeping in hammock; it is unique, and also very relaxing! Then stop at a small lodge for a beverage and you can also eat lunch with the locals who live close by as they love to share their grilled fish specialties with visitors and they are also several restaurants near the park. You can also go for a shopping at barreirinha, a small town near the park where you can buys things in affordable price.It would be the best to hire a private boat and do a tour on the river, through the mangrove and stop for fishing. You can also do camping’s because there are no restriction so far.

Lencois Maranhenses National Park is amazing. It's a perfect place for people who love the contact with nature. The combination of white sand and bright blue sky is so incredible that you think you are walking in paradise. You will be amazed at this endless landscape of a sea of shifting sand folded around azure lakes. It is stunning and seems hard to believe. You can look at the pictures and be amazed by what you see but they are nothing compared to being surrounded by soft white sand and a crystal clear lagoon in front of you! About 60,000 people visit the incredible destination each year. So plan ahead to enjoy the beauty of nature in Lencois Maranhenses national park! It is a must see in your life time.