Region in Maranhão, Brazil
Lençóis Maranhenses
A national park of white dunes and blue rainwater lagoons, reached from the riverside town of Barreirinhas. Best Jun–Sep when lagoons are full; remote, with long transfers and hot sun.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,050–1,630Comfortable, one person · R$5,500–8,500Details
- Value for money77/100Better value than 76% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJun–SepWarmest: Sep, 31°CDetails
- Internet242 MbpsFixed broadband, Brazil medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: rareDetails
- Doctor's visit$29–67Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting around4x4 tour (Lagoa Azul / Bonita)Walkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and Pix work in Barreirinhas hotels and agencies; carry cash for Atins, village restaurants, boat tips and small stalls.Details
Where to stay in Lençóis Maranhenses
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Barreirinhas | Main base: hotels, tour agencies, river boat trips |
| Atins | Quiet, rustic village at the dunes' edge; kitesurfing |
| Santo Amaro do Maranhão | Remote, quiet entrance from the east with fewer tours |
Apps that work in Lençóis Maranhenses
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- ClickBus: Book intercity bus tickets
- Waze: Driving directions; most locals use it
- Taxis: No ride apps. Local taxis and mototaxis serve Barreirinhas; the park needs a guided 4x4 or boat tour.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Brazil.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and Pix work in Barreirinhas hotels and agencies; carry cash for Atins, village restaurants, boat tips and small stalls.
- Currency: Real (BRL). US$1 ≈ R$5.22 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Banco24Horas, Bradesco and Banco do Brasil ATMs take foreign cards; expect a fee and low night-time limits.
- Tipping: Restaurants and bars add an optional 10% service charge; nothing more is expected. Tipping taxi and ride-app drivers isn't customary.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at card terminals; Pix needs a Brazilian account or a Pix-enabled foreign wallet.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa since April 2025 (US$80.90), applied for online about 10 working days ahead.
- No arrival card or entry fee. Extensions beyond the first stay are requested from the Federal Police before it ends.
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many regions, including the Amazon, but is not required for entry.
Emergency numbers
Police 190 · Ambulance 192 · Fire 193
Plugs
Type C, N · 127 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Regular prepaid chips usually need a CPF to register; carrier visitor plans and eSIMs accept a passport. International eSIM apps are simplest. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Brazil
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.