What to do in Atins
Atins is small — you can walk across it — yet it's surrounded by rare nature: on one side, the dunes and lagoons of the Lençóis Maranhenses; on the other, where the Preguiças River meets the sea. The village is a base for 4x4, boat, kite and long beach walks, and at the same time a place to do nothing at all. Here's what's worth it, from people who live here.
Lagoons and dunes of the Lençóis Maranhenses
The classic tour. By 4x4, with a local guide, you climb the white-sand dunes and swim in the freshwater lagoons that form between them — the landscape that earned the park UNESCO World Heritage status. The lagoons are fullest from June to September, just after the rains; check the month-by-month calendar before you plan. From Atins, the lagoon circuit is about 40 minutes away.
Canto do Atins
A small fishing community at the river mouth, famous for the fresh shrimp served at its beachfront restaurants. You get there by 4x4 along the sand — a trip that pairs empty beach, dunes and lunch by the sea. It's one of the best-loved outings for anyone staying in the village.
A boat trip on the Preguiças River
Downriver, boats run to Mandacaru (climb the Preguiças lighthouse for a view over the Small Lençóis), Vassouras and the hamlet of Caburé, on the spit between river and sea. It's the most relaxed outing — shade, water and scenery — and a fine counterpoint to the 4x4.
Kitesurfing and wind sports
From June to January the wind blows steadily at 15 to 25 knots, and Atins becomes a kitesurf spot: a flat river to learn on and an ocean with waves for the experienced. See our guide to kitesurfing in Atins.
Beach, sunset and walks
No effort required: the Atins beach is wide and almost empty, perfect for walking for miles. At the end of the day, the dunes at the edge of the village are the best place to watch the sunset — a few minutes on foot from the pousada.
How many days to stay
To see the essentials — lagoons, Canto do Atins and a boat trip — plan 3 to 4 nights. Those coming for kitesurfing or real rest usually stay longer. See how to get here and allow time, because the final leg into the village takes a while.
Where to stay
Pousada Buriti Atins is steps from the beach and dunes, with a pool, breakfast included and trusted guides for all of these tours. See our guide to where to stay in Atins or check availability and rates with an exclusive discount.
A 3-day itinerary in Atins
Day 1 — Arriving by river
Leave Barreirinhas by mid-afternoon and go down the Preguiças River by speedboat. If you book the transfer with stops, you can see Vassouras (the Pequenos Lençóis and capuchin monkeys), climb the Mandacaru lighthouse and pass Caburé. Reach Atins in time for sunset.
Day 2 — Lagoons and Canto do Atins
In the morning, a 4x4 with a licensed driver to the lagoons between the dunes, about 40 minutes across the sand. Shrimp lunch at Canto do Atins, feet in the sand. In the afternoon, back to the village, the pool and sunset on the rooftop.
Day 3 — Beach, wind or dunes at dawn
Pick your pace: sunrise on the dunes with a guide, a kitesurfing lesson (June to January), or a long walk along Atins beach. In the afternoon, nothing at all: hammock, pool and dinner in the village.
With a fourth night, you can see the lagoons again at a different time of day or start the hike across the park, only with a licensed guide.