Lençóis Maranhenses
Barreirinhas
Regional Hub-2.758, -42.827
You are viewing Barreirinhas, part of the Lençóis Maranhenses ecosystem. Navigate to nearby villages.
About Barreirinhas
Main gateway to Lençóis. Tourism operations hub.
Barreirinhas is the gateway to the Lençóis Maranhenses — departure point for the speedboat down the Rio Preguiças to Atins, and for the 4x4 jeeps that penetrate the park toward blue lagoons atop white dunes. The 2024 UNESCO designation transformed what was already an essential logistics hub into a destination of global weight.
Quick facts
ATM
Available
Cell signal
Moderate
WiFi
Town center
Road type
Paved
Airport
São Luís (SLZ)
Distance
~4h by car
Seasonal highlights
Jul-Dec
Full and clear lagoons — best season for jeep tours inside the park
Jan-Jun
Rainy season — smaller lagoons, fewer tourists, lower prices
When to go
Best: Apr–Aug
28°C
Ideal / ExcellentGood / PossibleAvoid
Places to discover
12 places
Don't miss120 minClassicBeachesNature
Lagoa Azul
The most famous lagoon in Lençóis. Blue-turquoise waters between white dunes.
Don't miss90 minSunriseNatureViewpoints
Lagoa Bonita
Panoramic view of the dunes. The best sunrise in Lençóis.
Don't miss360 minFull DayNatureAdventure
Passeio Rio Preguiças
River cruise with stops at Vassouras, Mandacaru, and Cabure.
45 min360 ViewViewpointsculture
Farol de Mandacaru
160-step climb rewarded with an incredible panoramic view.
Don't miss240 minMain TourAdventureNature
Circuito das Lagoas (4x4)
4x4 tour through the main lagoons of Lençóis. A must-do!
30 minAerial ViewAdventureViewpoints
Voo Panoramico
Plane or helicopter flight over Lençóis. Unique experience.
Live MusicDiningculture
Restaurante O Jacare
Barreirinhas classic. Wooden tables, casual vibe, genuinely good food.
SushiDining
Restaurante O Bambu
One of the best options in Barreirinhas. Natural elements in the decor.
ShrimpDiningViewpoints
Restaurante A Canoa
Must-stop by the river. Focus on Maranhao cuisine.
Don't miss120 minFine DiningDiningViewpoints
Restaurante Bambae
Facing the Rio Preguiças, away from the bustle. Movie-set scenery: beautiful, cozy, rustic beach vibe.
Don't miss5760 min4 Days / 40kmAdventureNature
Trekking Imersão Lençóis
Hiking trek Barreirinhas to Atins via Baixa Grande. 4 days of dunes, lagoons, and oases.
4320 min3 Days / 82kmAdventureNature
Pedale Lençóis (Bike Expedition)
Bike expedition through Lençóis. 82km in 3 days crossing dunes and communities.
Local Services
View all →Guaratour
Agency & Tours
Official PartnerBarreirinhas
Espresso Guilherme
Van (SLZ-Barreirinhas)
VerifiedSão Luís
Tigre Turismo
Van (SLZ-Barreirinhas)
ListedSão Luís
São Paulo Ecoturismo
#1 Agency in Barreirinhas
Official PartnerBarreirinhas
How to get here
Nearest airport
São Luís ➝ Barreirinhas
280 km · ~4h total
Atins ➝ Barreirinhas38 km
🚤 Boat Atins ➝ Barreirinhas · 1h30 (barco) / 2h (jardineira)
Santo Amaro ➝ Barreirinhas96 km
🚐 Transfer Santo Amaro ➝ Barreirinhas · 1h30-2h
Jericoacoara ➝ Barreirinhas (Crossing)389 km
🚐 Direct Transfer Jeri ➝ Barreirinhas · 5-7h (direto) / 2 dias (com pernoite)
Nearby villages
Lençóis MaranhensesAtins
Bohemian village at the mouth of the Preguiças River. Kitesurfing, gastronomy, and rustic charm.
14 places
Lençóis MaranhensesSanto Amaro do Maranhão
Inside the dune field. Access to Emendadas and Betânia lagoons. Rising star 2024-2026.
9 places
Lençóis MaranhensesPaulino Neves
Connection point between Lençóis and Delta. Pequenos Lençóis and Rio Novo.
4 places
Tide forecast
Tide advice
Speedboat tours on Rio Preguiças work at any tide. Crossing to Atins more comfortable at high tide.
Moon
Waxing GibbousWaxing Gibbous
88% illuminated
Moonrise
10:35
Moonset
22:28
Night Photography
Dark sky22:28 – 23:58
Bright moonlight19:00 – 22:28
Wind
Checking the breeze...
Practical intel
Arrive early to secure a spot on the first speedboat departure to Atins (seats fill fast in high season). The best hotels are near the port — choose one with secure parking if driving your own car. Withdraw cash here before heading to Atins: Barreirinhas has banks and ATMs; Atins has none.
Read the full guide for Barreirinhas
Insider tips, restaurants, accommodation, and how to get there