THE TREASURES OF MARANHÃO

BY TAMARA ALMEIDA

LOCATED IN NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL, THE STATE OF MARANHÃO HAS BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES AND A DAZZLING CULTURE. ITS CAPITAL, SÃO LUIS IS CONSIDERED THE BRAZILIAN EQUIVALENT OF LISBON. ITS POPULATION CREATED ITS OWN VERSION OF REGGAE, AND ITS NATIONAL PARK IS A UNIQUE, DUNE SWEPT LANDSCAPE.

LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES NATIONAL PARK, DUNES AND RAINWATER LAKES LANDSCAPE, BARREIRINHAS, MA, BRAZIL.

AERIAL VIEW OF LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES AND ATINS IN THE CITY OF BARREIRINHA IN MARANHÃO T his destination is spectacular! Maranhão, a state in northeastern Brazil, is formed in part by the Amazon Forest and the beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. But the big natural attraction is Lençóis Maranhenses which form one of the most beautiful and extraordinary landscapes in Brazil. Near the city of Barreirinhas, vast white sand dunes, which resemble a middle-eastern desert, undulate across the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Visitors can also swim in the lagoons of fresh, crystalclear water which form during the rainy season. But for all visitors the first point of arrival in the state is the capital, São Luís. The capital of Maranhão is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to the colonial architecture preserved within the mansions located in its Historic Center.

HISTORIC CENTER. This central location is home to more than 4,000 colonial houses, built centuries ago during the economic heyday of São Luís do Maranhão. Many of the building’s façades incorporate tiles from Portugal (for this reason, the nickname “City of Tiles”) to separate the relatively cooler interior from the heat outside. The historic center can be thought of as an open-air museum and remains a place of great cultural value to Brazil.

LIONS PALACE. The site of the ancient fort of São Luís, originally built by the French, was later transformed into a governmental palace by the Portuguese. It is an obligatory stop during a tour through the capital of Maranhão. Much more than the sumptuousness of its front structure, watched over by two imposing lions representing the Executive Branch, the Palácio dos Leões has three thousand square meters of interior space which is divided into three wings - residential, administrative and visitation. The palace houses a rich cultural collection of furniture, paintings, porcelain sculptures, crystal and silverware. CATHEDRAL OF SÃO LUÍS (IGREJA DA SÉ). Considered one of the oldest and most important historical monuments in São Luís, the Igreja da Sé was inaugurated in 1622. It is located in the Plaza Pedro II in the center of São Luís and has been lovingly preserved. With a gilded altar and a colorful baroque ceiling, the cathedral is one of those places that deserves to be on the list of things to do while visiting in São Luís. THE LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES NATIONAL PARK. Beautiful and unique. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is the most original ecosystem in Brazil with no other comparative setting. The park focuses on environmental conservation with an area of over 1,500 square kilometers spread out amongst the municipalities of Barreirinhas, Atins Village and Santo Amaro. It is located 230 km from the capital of Sao Luís. It is a desert of immense white sand dunes that bear a striking resemblance to billowing lençóis (sheets). Some of the dunes are 50 meters (165 feet) high. Every year when the rains come (December-May), their valleys fill with water, forming a series of jade lagoons

HISTORIC CENTER OF SÃO LUIS DO MARANHÃO

whose mirrorlike surfaces reflect the piercing blue sky filled with drifting clouds and gliding egrets. The majesty of the landscape is impossible to express. The park was created with the purpose of “protecting the flora, fauna and natural beauty existing in the place.” Exploring the park can only be done by foot with guides or hiring specially accredited jeep or boat excursions. No cars are allowed in the park.

Allowed activities. While in the park, popular activities include observing the local fauna and flora, experiencing the glorious sunset and night sky, cycling, long-course hikes, stand up paddling along the waterways, kitesurfing and sandboarding. Its great scenic beauty combined with walks through the dune fields and the possibility of bathing in the lakes, attract tourists from all over the world. When to go to Lençóis Maranhenses. The Lençóis Maranhenses high season happens during and right after the rainy season, especially between the months of April and August. At the height of the drought, from October to December, almost all of the lakes disappear and the majestic landscape, full of countless patches of water, turns into an immense desert. The truth, however, is that Lençóis Maranhenses is beautiful all year-round, whether or not the full lakes are available to see and visit.

What to do in Lençóis Maranhenses. The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park covers an area of 156,584,000 hectares and is considered the largest dune park in Brazil. The protected area is huge, but the Lençóis Maranhenses region is even bigger than the National Park. Among

LOCAL NUTS, CRAFTS AND NATURAL HEALING REMEDIES

OUTSIDE OF THE LIONS PALACE OF SÃO LUÍS DO MARANHÃO

the most popular tours within the overall region are visits to the Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Bonita, and Lagoa das Esmeraldas. When visiting the Lençóis Maranhenses region, you also have an opportunity to spend some time at Caburé beach in Atins, on tours along the Rio Preguiças and Rio Formiga and even try kite surfing which has exploded in popularity. All tours are conducted with 4x4 vehicles that are allowed to travel to the beautiful landscapes, transparent waters and the gorgeous white sand. And as if that wasn’t enough, it’s still possible to appreciate the immensity of Lençóis Maranhenses in a flyover. It’s an unforgettable experience!

How to get to Lençóis Maranhenses. Getting to Lençóis Maranhenses may not be the simplest of tasks, but it is certainly worth ev-

INSIDE THE LIONS PALACE OF SÃO LUÍS DO MARANHÃO*

ery second of the trip! Those who visit Lençóis Maranhenses have a choice of three municipalities to tour the region: Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro and Atins. The ideal situation in case you wanted see most of what Lençóis Maranhenses National Park has to offer is to visit all three places. The sole airport in the region is Barreirinhas airport, which only receives private flights or aero taxis. The nearest full-service airport is in the capital of São Luís - São Luís International Airport (SLZ). To reach the three main municipalities, different routes and means of transport are available. The easiest place to reach by public transport or direct private transfer from São Luís is Barreirinhas. To Santo Amaro, it is possible to hire private transport from the capital city airport or from Barreirinhas. For those going to Atins, it’s worth taking a boat or a 4x4 from Barreirinhas.

HISTORIC CENTER OF SÃO LUIS DO MARANHÃO

Where to stay in Lençóis Maranhenses Barreirinhas is the main municipality, which has more infrastructure, greater variety of restaurants and where most of the hotels and inns are located. It is also from here that most tours depart from. The available tours include: a flight over Lençóis Maranhenses, Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Bonita, boat or bike rides to Caburé (with Vassouras and Mandacaru), tube floating on the River Formiga, trips to Atins and Santo Amaro. It is the best option for those who only have a few days to travel.

Atins is the most rustic and coolest fishing village in Lençóis Maranhenses. Located between the sea and the lagoons of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Atins attracts many kite surfers, as well as a younger more adventurous crowd. The village, which still preserves sandy streets, is a rustic paradise full of charm. Atins is especially interesting for having lagoons and beaches in the same place. Although it is not simple to travel to Atins, once ensconced there visitors will have quick and ready access to all of the gorgeous locale.

INTERIOR OF THE SÉ CATHEDRAL, SÃO LUÍS, MARANHÃO

Santo Amaro is a smaller municipality where permanent residents and tourists intermingle and conduct daily living. The small city although focused on tourism still retains genuine characteristics of an interior colonial city and is very calm and quiet. Life proceeds at a much slower pace in Santo Amaro.

How long to stay in Lençóis Maranhenses. Stay as long as you can. A 4-5-day trip will permit you to see the major attractions of Barreirinhas. If you have 7 days, then you will have time to stay at another municipality and get to know either Santo Amaro or Atins. Now, if the idea is to get to know everything and still relax, ten days is a great option to get to know Lençóis Maranhenses.

MUST-SEE – NOT TO BE LEFT OUT OF THE TRIP Try to balance yourself on a kite board in the lagoons or at praia de Atins. During the high season of kite surfing – from August to December – the colorful kites take over the beaches and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses and offer a visual spectacle amidst the dunes. Athletes use their kiteboards to jump from one lagoon or lake to another using the wind and fun is guaranteed amidst this idyllic setting. For those who want to learn the sport, the easiest way is to stay in Atins, where there are kite surfing schools by the sea. What could be more delightful than to learn a new sport with a sensational trip to the Lençóis Maranhenses.

Watch the sunset in Lençóis Maranhenses as often as you can. If there is a time of day that Lençóis Maranhenses is the most beautiful, it is certainly at sunset. If there is any choice between a trip with or without experiencing the sunset, always choose the one that offers watching the sunset amidst the dunes or on the beach. Watching the sun go down in front of the lakes is amongst the most visually rewarding activities in the region. WHERE TO STAY - SÃO LUÍS Brisamar Hotel and Spa. The Brisamar Hotel and Spa offers its guests an optimal location, with easy access to the historic center, shopping, beaches, and airport, minimizing the cost/time factor for traveling to any point in the city. The hotel is also a great site for small and medium-sized events, with air-conditioned rooms, audiovisual equipment and food/ beverage services. For leisure travelers, in addition to the excellent service and quality, the Brisamar Hotel also offers an extensive entertainment area, so that guests can enjoy the outdoors with adult and children’s swimming pools, showers, sauna, bar with cocktails and special snacks, as well as, of course, a beautiful view of the sea.Excellent cuisine attracts people from Maranhão to the intimate Coquille Restaurant. Located on the seafront of Ponta D’areia beach, at the Brisamar Hotel and Spa, it is the spot for those looking for good cuisine and a cozy place to have a drink. The

BUMBA MEU BOI FESTIVAL IN SÃO LUÍS DO MARANHÃO, NORTHEAST OF BRAZIL.

HISTORIC CENTER OF SÃO LUIS DO MARANHÃO*

A HAMMOCK IN A LAGOON IN PEQUENOS LENÇOIS, LENÇOIS MARANHENSES. BETWEEN BARREIRINHAS AND CABURE.

POUSADA VILA VENTO

BRISAMAR HOTEL AND SPA PININGA RESTAURANT

BLUE LAGOON* CHARME CHALÉS

hotel also offers massage and therapy services within its own spa called Serena. Serena offers massages, baths and exclusive packages that provide unique sensory experiences for the most demanding clients.

BRISAMAR.COM.BR | +55 98 3212 1171 | RESERVAS@BRISAMAR.COM.BR AV. SÃO MARCOS, Nº 12, PONTA D’AREIA – SÃO LUÍS, MA – BRAZIL

WHERE TO STAY - BARREIRINHAS Pousada Encantes do Nordeste. Pousada Encantes do Nordeste is located at the gateway to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and other attractions in the region. The pousada maintains a lovely bar, restaurant, children’s playground, and its own pier for boarding and disembarking for tours. The pousada is a great place to stay in comfort while taking your eco-tours. The Bar and Restaurant Bambaê offers a varied menu with regional dishes, traditional Brazilian cuisine, and imaginative delicious drinks made in an extremely pleasant environment. The pousada has individual chalets measuring 20 square meters with the following: air conditioning, balcony with a hammock, minibar, TV, electric showers providing hot water and other amenities. Also included in each standard room are all the typical chalet equipment, solar energy for the shower, large bathrooms and 100% cotton linen for bed and bath. The pousada provides a unique stay with its emphasis on privacy, greater comfort, and the beautiful gardens.

ENCANTESDONORDESTE.COM.BR | +55 98 98857 4425 BOA VISTA ROAD, 950 – BAIRRO BOA VISTA – BARREIRINHAS, MA - BRAZIL

Pousada Village. Pousada Village in Barreirinhas offers the best value for money and is an excellent location for your arrival in Lençóis. They offer individual apartments, all with air conditioning, minibar, and a delicious breakfast in a common lounge with panoramic views of the Preguiças River. Centrally located next to the river, where guests can embark on boat tours to Atins, Caburé and Vassouras as well as the tour to the Lençóis. The location and value make this accommodation perfect for short or long-term guests.

POUSADAVILLAGE82@GMAIL.COM | +55 98 97007-4903 AVENIDA BEIRA RIO – BARREIRINHAS, MA – BRAZIL

WHERE TO STAY - ATINS

POUSADA ENCANTES DO NORDESTE

SAMKHYA SPARSHA MASSAGE BY MONICA DA TERRA*

KITEPOINT ATINS KITESURFING LESSONS RESTAURANTE DO RICO

Vila Jurará. Vila Jurará is a relatively new annex to the Pousada Jurará and was first opened in 2016. Each apartment is spacious and airy with its own bathroom. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning and a separate fan. Vila Jurará is located about 500 meters from the port of Atins, where boats arrive from Barreirinhas. Sitting on the main street of the village, Vila Jurará has delightful landscaping with trees and hammocks waiting for guests to take a nap or quietly think. Vila Jurará also has a lovely common living room perfect for reading, resting or a simple chat between guests.

POUSADAJURARA.COM.BR | +55 98 98857-4425 RUA PRINCIPAL, S/N – PRAIA DO ATINS – BARREIRINHAS, MA – BRAZIL

Charme Chalés. Located along one of the main entrances to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Atins, Charme Chalés was built a little over a year ago. In the beginning, there were 9 chalets built to accommodate up to two adults and two children. In the future, they will expand with 10 more suites for couples. Chalets have a queen bed and two single beds. All accommodations are equipped with air conditioning, minibar, safe, fan, TV, private bathroom with electric shower, and hairdryer. All chalets have a balcony with a hammock and there is a common garden that provides privacy and warmth for the property. Charme Chalés maintains the following: two swimming pools, restaurant, bar, gazebo and a boutique. The inn also offers a shuttle service to and from the beach by quad bike or private car.

ATINSCHARMECHALES.COM | +55 13 99767-5277 RUA DA ALEGRIA - BARREIRINHAS, MA – BRAZIL

Vila Vento. There are many ways to discover Atins and a private home is one of them. Built in 2015 for a French family who fell in love with Atins, the house offers peace and tranquility. Located outside the center of the village but close enough to the beach or main street to be convenient. Guests wake up to breathtaking views of the surrounding fields with birds flying into the mangrove swamp. Perfect for families or small groups of friends. For additional sleeping flexibility the Vila Vento also offers a garden bungalow suite. Located near the beachfront in Atins, Vila Vento has a common lounge, free Wi-Fi, barbecue facilities and on-site parking. Breakfast is a treat on its

own, the food has a French touch mixed with the flavors of Maranhão, it’s a must-see!

INFO@VILAVENTO.COM | +55 98 99163-8795 @VILLAGE_WIND

RESTAURANTS IN ATINS Pininga Restaurant. Pininga started out as a dream for its three founders that discovered a place to call home in the lush nature of Atins. It is a family restaurant that provides artisanal and creative cuisine cooked with care. At Pininga, you can enjoy the freshness and quality of available local ingredients which make each dish a unique gastronomic experience. The restaurant creatively brings the flavors of the surrounding land to the dining table with a seasonal menu. What defines the day’s menu will always be the chef’s inspiration that day and whatever seasonal ingredients are available. Consequently, dining choices change every day, with a tasting menu served in three courses. The night starts with the chef’s surprise first course which typically combines a mix of colors, textures and flavors. Then a main course is served with seafood or vegetarian options, and finally a dessert to round off the night. The rustic atmosphere and sustainable architecture are in line with the way locals treat and protect the local environment. Pininga uses earth tones to integrate with the beauty of its natural surroundings and bring an unpretentious and cozy style to the restaurant.

+55 98 99182-0471 | @PININGA_RESTAURANT MAIN STREET, BARREIRINHAS (MA) – BRAZIL

Rico’s Restaurant. Rico’s is located on Atins beach, right on the sand where you can enjoy true Maranhense cuisine, which includes fresh seafood and refreshing drinks. The place is ideal to see the spectacle of kitesurfers jumping on the sand or waters. The hospitality of the owner and his family adds a special charm to the restaurant experience.

+55 98 99240-4054 | @RESTAURANTEDORICO ATINS BEACH, ATINS (MA) – BRAZIL

TAMARA’S PICKS Lençóis Maranhenses with Brazil Routes. Brazil Routes is a flexible and creative tourist agency which offers exclusive and tailor-made itineraries for tours, sports activities in all regions of Brazil, with audio visual productions and documentaries for advertising. Brazil Routes tries to provide the best options for activities, entertainment, and travel scenarios.

BRAZILROUTES.COM | @BRAZILROUTES CONTACT@BRAZILROUTES.COM

Tourism and Adventure. Lençóis Maranhenses with Lotus Turismo: Lotus Turismo was born from an ideal: to provide quality professional service with a focus on environmental responsibility and local sustainability. This agency relies on its experience in the adventure tourism market (17 years) and making beautiful places increasingly accessible.

LOTUSTURISMO.COM.BR | @LOTUSTURISMO_ RECEPTIVOLOTUSTURISMO@HOTMAIL.COM

Kitepoint Atins Kitesurfing Lessons. IKO-affiliated Kitesurf and Windsurf School has a small team of experienced instructors with courses taught in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French. The school consistently introduces new equipment and uses radio communication within its helmets to allow contact with the instructor at all times. Atins Kiteboarding offers private and semi-private Kitesurf and Windsurf lessons, equipment rental, guided downwind tours, and kite tours in Lençóis Maranhenses lagoons.

ATINSKITEBOARDING.COM | @KITEPOINTATINS

Samkhya Sparsha Massage reorganizes the physical, emotional, and energetic attributes of your body. It is a journey that allows you time to focus within yourself, an integration with your very essence. This massage provides balance for anyone from children to older adults. This experience combined with the natural beauty of the region is undoubtedly something special and unique.

THERAPIST MONICA DA TERRA | +55 11 9 7393.1603