Betânia lagoons
Away from crowds.
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Santo Amaro do Maranhão is a small town of about 14,000 people and one of the three municipalities that share Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, with its white dunes and clear lagoons. It is a quieter gateway than Barreirinhas, and the dunes begin almost at the edge of town. From here 4x4 tours head to some of the park's most beautiful and least crowded lagoons, such as the Betânia circuit and Lagoa da Gaivota, with stops to walk and swim. Only operators accredited with ICMBio and the town's tourism office may drive vehicles in the park, so book through a licensed agency. The town is about 240 km from São Luís, the last 36 km of road paved since 2021, a trip of about four hours. The lagoons fill after the rainy season and are best roughly from June to September. There is no park entry fee, but tours are paid.
Away from crowds.
Swim among dunes.
Sunset walks.
Western edge of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão
By road from São Luís, about 240 km in around four hours, with the last 36 km paved since 2021; agencies offer 4x4 transfers.