Atins, Brazil and Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
One of nature’s most beautiful off-the-beaten-path surprises!
Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best accommodation in Atins, Brazil, is Pousada Lanea Experience
🛶 How to get there: Fly into São Luís (SLZ), then take a 4–5 hour drive to Barreirinhas. From there, hop on a boat to Atins. Coming from Jericoacoara? Book a private 4×4 transfer it takes about 6 hours.
Need more trip-planning tips? Check out our resource list below!
Experience
This sleepy little village is the absolute best place to start exploring Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, and if you don’t know what or where that is, take it from me, it is the most stunning natural landscape I have ever had the privilege of visiting and photographing.
Is Lençóis Maranhenses worth it?
Yes!! Make sure not to miss the unforgettable experience of visiting Lençóis Maranhenses National Park! Having traveled extensively worldwide, I can affirm that this place is truly one of a kind. The landscape with its white sand dunes and glistening waters is simply mesmerizing. Without a doubt, it is a mesmerizing destination that should be included in everyone’s Brazil travel itinerary.
Atins has a population of 100 people, maybe. It is a sand streets village of fisherman and cattle farmers (limited) and that’s really about it. Tourism is growing steadily and my guess is it will begin to quintuple and whatever comes after that in the upcoming years. It is truly a hidden gem along the backpacker route of South America and the time to visit is now.
The town sits at the far southern border of Lençóis Maranhenses and offers the perfect walking access into the park. It is a quiet, quaint experience and great place to chill in the hammock for an afternoon, reading, sharing laughs and stories of travels past, before or after smashing out an incredible natural trip into one of the most surreal landscapes on earth.
SEE – Photos & Videos
GO – Getting There
This is where things get tricky. From Jericoacoara the best way to reach Atins is by private transfer in a 4×4. Sadly this is incredibly expensive and even split between four it still ended up costing me 200 reais (100usd) for a six hour ride. This can be organized in one day from any accomm in Jeri.
The second way to reach Atins is by boat from Barreirinhas. Barreirinhas is typically the launch point for visiting Lençóis Maranhenses. This is where all of the tourists go. You have 4×4 access to two lagoons and the opportunity to take a half hour flight over the park (highly recommended). The boat can be organized any day from any hostel in the town. The ride is one and a half hours and winds its way through some pretty incredible scenery before finally docking at the beach of Atins. I took the boat from Atins to Barreirinhas after my time spent in Atins. This can be organized by Rita. The coast was 40 reias per person.
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Do – Activities & Attractions
Coming Soon!
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Stay – Accommodation
There are only two places to crash in Atins. Rita’s guest house and a kite surfing guest house of which I cannot remember the name. I stayed at Ritas as per the recommendation of an Australian I met in Jericoacoara. From Ritas it is possible to hire a guide to take you into the park. It was her brother who took us on a five hour walking tour to Lagoa Tropical (see photos), this is really the highlight of the stay and easy enough to organize from the guest house. Ritas also does a community pizza night once every week in her homemade stone pizza oven, amazing!
You can’t miss it, it is on the main street once you get dropped off by the boat. There is a green sign above the door and it is across from the only restaurant in town, also run by one of Ritas family members. From what I gather, she is always there, speaks Spanish, Portuguese, some English and is incredibly friendly. A truly great find.
Pousada Lanea Experience
Pousada Lanea Experience in Barreirinhas offers a luxurious 5-star stay with a sun terrace, lush garden, and a bar. Guests can enjoy a variety of breakfast options, including continental, buffet, and à la carte selections with fresh pastries, pancakes, cheese, fruits, and juice. The hotel is ideally located just a 6-minute walk from Atins Beach and offers easy access to the beautiful Barreirinhas coastline. With a focus on comfort and relaxation, the hotel features family rooms and outdoor seating for guests to unwind. Its prime location makes it the perfect base for exploring the area, with Parnaiba International Airport just a short drive away.
Check Rates and Availability here!
VILA ATY LODGE
VILA ATY LODGE in Atins offers 5-star comfort with family rooms featuring balconies and modern amenities for a relaxing stay. Guests can enjoy a year-round outdoor swimming pool, a terrace, and lush garden surroundings. The lodge’s restaurant and bar serve a variety of American, Asian, Brazilian, and international dishes, with a delicious breakfast that includes juice, cheese, and fruits. Live music and outdoor seating create a lively, enjoyable atmosphere. Located just a 5-minute walk from Atins Beach, VILA ATY LODGE is a perfect base for exploring nearby attractions. Parnaiba International Airport is easily accessible for added convenience.
Check Rates and Availability here!
Maré de Atins Eco Lodge
Maré de Atins Eco Lodge offers a peaceful, nature-focused stay just minutes from Atins Beach. The lodge features air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, garden views, mini bars, and workspaces. Guests can enjoy a daily continental buffet breakfast with fresh pastries, pancakes, fruits, and juice. The on-site restaurant serves pizza along with Latin American and European dishes for lunch and dinner. With its calm atmosphere, garden surroundings, and comfortable amenities, the lodge is a great choice for couples, families, and travelers looking to explore Lençóis Maranhenses while staying close to the beach and river.
Check Rates and Availability here!
Santa Maria Atins
Santa Maria Atins offers a serene beachfront retreat with a private beach area and direct access to the shore. Guests can enjoy stunning sea views, unwind on the sun terrace, or relax in the lush garden with an open-air bath. The guest house features comfortable rooms with balconies, air-conditioning, and private bathrooms, ensuring a peaceful stay. Dining options include a traditional Brazilian restaurant serving lunch, with breakfast offering continental and buffet selections, local specialties, and fresh fruits. Located just a short walk from Atins Beach, guests can enjoy activities like windsurfing and explore nearby landmarks, including the Parnaiba River.
Check Rates and Availability here!
Pousada Vasto Horizonte
Pousada Vasto Horizonte offers a relaxing and comfortable stay just a short walk from Atins Beach. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, outdoor seating areas, and a peaceful garden setting. The pousada provides useful services like shuttle transfers, luggage storage, and daily housekeeping. Breakfast is a highlight, with continental, buffet, and à la carte options including fresh pastries, pancakes, cheese, fruits, and juice. The property is well-suited for couples and families visiting Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Its location also offers easy access to the Barreirinhas coastline and is about 129 miles from Parnaiba International Airport.
Check Rates and Availability here!
Eat – Restaurants
Coming Soon!
Time – Seasonality & Schedules
The best time of year to visit is when the Lençóis Maranhenses Dunes carry the most water. The phenomenon of this location is due to evaporation over the Brazilian Amazon and seasonal rains passing the north east coast. Now as travellers we know that visiting a location as per annual weather patterns is increasingly changing I would say visiting Atins at any time of year is fine, however to ensure the most amount of water in the lagoons the best time of year to visit is probably July to September.
Safety – Possible risks
Atins is incredibly safe and there is no sense of danger what so ever. That being said you should always be mindful of your necessities, passport, camera, etc.
Please Note: Travel inherently comes with an element of risk (just like crossing the road does). You are putting yourself in elements that are unfamiliar and foreign to your usual lifestyle and with that, become more susceptible to fall victim those who try to play off those unfamiliar to their local scams. There are also potential dangers in the environments to which you may not be accustomed to.
Please take extra care in travelling, ensure that you have adequate medical insurance (accidents seem to happen when you least expect them), and have let a trusted colleague, family member or friend know your whereabouts and activities.
Where Sidewalks End travel advises you to travel at your own risk, and to be extra aware of your surroundings (without letting it spoiling your time).
Pay – How much does it cost?
We paid 20 Reais per night, per person. Ritas has 8 rooms, three triples, three doubles, and two mat. She also has space for about 10 hammocks strung in the common area out back by the pizza oven. I believe a hammock accomm goes for 10 Reias per night. She has a few but bringing your own is recommended.
Responsible Travel – Best Practices
Coming Soon!
Reality Check – Be Aware
Getting to and from Atins is not cheap. It is an extremely remote location and any transport in or out will cost you, although super worth it for the walking and camping ops throughout the southern part of the park.
There are not many options for places to crash and activities to do. Really your best bet is three days, two nights maximum. The day tour to Lagoa Tropical is a must do and if you are a keen kite surfer, the winds here are great and the waters shallow.
JOIN US! WSE Travel Packages
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Lencois Maranhenses Travel Resources
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Have you ever come across a landscape that was so vast it never seemed to end? What type of environment was it (desert, forest, ocean, etc)? Did you feel like you owned the planet, or were just a small spec in the middle of a massive mosaic?
While you’re out there, pay a visit to the charming colonial town of Lençóis and Chapada da Diamantina National Park!
Please feel free to share your stories and thoughts in the comment section below!
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