A very common question for our guests is: what to do in Atins? Are there only lakes? Our answer is always: No!!


             Atins is the only town on this side of Lençóis Maranhenses that has, at the same time, a saltwater beach and facilities for you to enjoy it. Restaurants and bars are located along much of the beachfront, from the simplest and most alternative to the most elaborate and sophisticated, that is, catering to all tastes.


             Even in the rainy season, the village provides several leisure options both on and off the water, whether in the river or at sea. Not to mention the natural beauty, biomes and native animals that make up a different scenario, independent of the lagoons.


             Here we show you a brief introduction to what you can do in Atins, besides of course enjoying the beach and that drink just enjoying the view...

Jardineira Tour

 

             The jardineiras are pickup trucks adapted to transport passengers, they have seats and a cover for safe movement on the dunes and trails of the National Park. Depending on the season and the level of rain (or lack thereof), conditions for traveling around the park or even on the route from Barreirinhas to Atins become very difficult with flooded trails and passages or sand that is too soft due to the lack of water, Hence the need for robust cars adapted for this role.

             Tours generally take place half-day (which can be in the morning or afternoon) or full day. In the morning, departure takes place at 9:00 a.m., with a stop to swim in two lagoons and then go to a local restaurant for lunch, returning to the village of Atins generally at 2:00 p.m. In the afternoon, departure takes place at 3:00 p.m. with a stop at two lagoons, at the second lagoon to wait for the sunset and return to the Inn at around 6:30 pm.

            The full day tour is a combination of these two periods, leaving at 9:00 am and returning at 6:30 p.m. Note that the full day tour includes two circuits: Ponta do Mangue and Canto do Atins; while part-time, only one of the two circuits (to be agreed in advance with the responsible agency).

             A tour that has gained more and more fans is the sunrise on the dunes, an explosion of energy as they say here, total renewal. In general, departure times are around 4:00 a.m., 4:30 a.m. and return at 6:30 a.m. Depending on the agency you hire, you can even have breakfast there.

Ponta do Mangue Route
 

             On this circuit, the most commonly visited lagoons are Lagoa da Esmeralda, Lagoa da Gorjeta and Lagoa Tropical. During the period immediately after the rains, it is possible to see Poço Verde, a natural pool amidst rocks with waterfalls, where this water comes from the overflow of the nearest lagoons.

 
Canto do Atins Route
 

             Here you will probably visit Maria Vitória lagoon, Kite lagoon, Três Marias lagoon and Sete Mulheres lagoon, the latter chosen by visitors last year as the most beautiful sunset in Atins. With the overflow of lagoons, you can also see on this circuit (only in the post-rainy period) Cachoeira do Bonzinho, a formation similar to Poço Verde.

Pequenos Lençóis
 

             The tour on this circuit is done using a quadricycle, (a motorized vehicle that looks like a motorcycle, but with 4 wheels) as some sections cannot be reached with 4x4 cars, which makes it even more special. Not to mention that with the quad bike the adrenaline is guaranteed, because you are the pilot here!

             Passing through villages located along the Preguiças River, such as the Caburé peninsula with a passage along the coast, a tour among the wind farm towers and some dunes, until arriving in Vassouras where the famous little monkeys are located (Attention! We love it, but it's It is forbidden to feed them, ok!?) and, finally, the village of Mandacaru (with a stop to see the Preguiças Lighthouse) and return to the Inn.         

            This tour can only be done as a full day due to its long duration, it is done with registered guides and certified agencies. It is necessary to pay for the guide's quadricycle in addition to the client's quadricycle. If there is just one person, they have the option of taking a ride on the guide's quad bike without any major problems.

             It is very important to obey the National Park's safety regulations (including with regard to the presence of the visitor driver) as the dunes are environments that change according to the wind and this can cause accidents, even fatal, if these are ignored. safety items and the need for a certified native guide.

Plankton
 

             A separate attraction in Atins is the "plankton visit", that is, it is possible to witness the phenomenon of bioluminescence from microscopic marine organisms (plankton include algae, animals and bacteria) that emit light. It is a natural phenomenon more common in warm, nutrient-rich waters, and more visible in areas with little or no artificial light, which is why this tour takes place at night.

            Here in Atins it is more visible on new moon nights, or darker nights, so here's a tip. The tour is done by boat or canoe and lasts around 2 hours, generally starting between 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm.

Flight of Guarás
 

            The guará (Eudocimus ruber), also known as the scarlet ibis, red ibis, red guará and pitanga guará, is a bird typical of the Atlantic coast of South America, breeding mainly in mangrove regions. Their diet is based, among other crustaceans and insects, on crabs, whose beta-carotene concentration is responsible for the dyeing of their feathers.

             A visit by speedboat or canoe to the large mangroves that surround the Preguiças River to witness the moment when the guarás, with their vibrant red plumage, endemic to our region, return to their nesting colonies in large flocks, roosting at sunset. A spectacle of pure beauty and unforgettable connection with nature.

             The duration of this tour is, in general, one and a half hours, starting at 4:30 pm and ending at 6:00 pm.

Horses Tour
 

             The horseback ride in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park lasts an average of 3 hours. It is a unique experience of connection with nature, without the noise of motor vehicles and provides an unparalleled feeling of freedom.

 

             Departures generally take place at 8:30 am after breakfast, or at 3:30 pm to enjoy the sunset. However, you can choose other times, such as sunrise for example. All of this can be arranged with the agency responsible for organizing the tour. It is also necessary to pay for the horse for the tour guide, taking into account the Park's safety rules.

 

            It is important to emphasize that this particular tour should really be booked in advance, as the animals need time to prepare before the tour, which includes a break after feeding, for example. Not to mention the time for saddling the horses, outfitting and move to the Inn. So here’s another tip!

Kitesurfing and water sports
 

             The periods from August to November (sometimes until December) are known worldwide as the months with the highest incidence of winds in our region, receiving tourists and sportspeople from all over the world to try out kitesurfing and sailing, contemplating the most beautiful landscapes, whether at the mouth near the beach or with downwind practice. Atins has kitesurfing schools and professionals qualified to teach this art sport.

             Water sports activities don't stop there. For those who are not fans of such extreme sports, there is also the possibility of practicing standup paddleboarding and kayaking along the Igarapé that runs through the town of Atins or even paddling in one of the lagoons in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.

             It is important to note that the material provided here for you is a summary of what there is to do in the village of Atins and all tours need to be planned and agreed with the responsible agencies. The schedules and itineraries provided here may also change according to seasonality, availability and weather changes.

            More than interesting detail: in some lakes in the Park, water sports are allowed, such as kitesurfing, for example. An agency in Atins can take you and your equipment to have another unforgettable experience. It is important to note that this practice is permitted in only two or three lagoons in the National Park due to the volume of water, size and the fact that the fauna, flora and physical structure of the lagoon will not be affected.

             As with other tours within the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park area, you will only have to travel with a registered agency and under the supervision of a certified visitor guide.

Trekking

 

 

 

For more details and information about safety and good practices within the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, visit the Visitor Guide, available on the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Protection page, ICMBio, so you can stay up to date with how to proceed and the rules of use of the Park.

https://www.icmbio.gov.br/parnalencoismaranhenses/visitant-guide.html