Do I need a visa to visit Maranhão?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check with the Brazilian embassy or consulate. Many tourists can enter Brazil visa-free for up to 90 days.

Is it safe to swim in the lagoons at Lençóis Maranhenses?

Yes, the freshwater lagoons are generally safe and a highlight of the visit. Always follow your guide's advice regarding specific lagoons and currents.

What is the local cuisine like?

Maranhão's cuisine features seafood, rice dishes, and unique flavors. Try 'arroz de cuxá' (rice with a sour leaf sauce), fresh shrimp, and 'torta de camarão' (shrimp pie).

How do I get to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park?

Fly to São Luís (SLZ), then take a 4-5 hour bus or private transfer to Barreirinhas. From there, access the park via licensed 4x4 tours.

What is the currency, and are credit cards widely accepted?

The Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in São Luís and tourist areas, but carry cash for smaller establishments, markets, and rural areas.

Varies by nationality. Many countries get 90-day visa-free stays. Check with the Brazilian consulate.

What is the currency?

Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for small towns.

Is it safe to travel alone?

Yes, but take standard precautions. Solo female travelers should avoid isolated areas at night.

What language is spoken?

Portuguese. English is not common; a translation app helps.

Can I drink tap water?

No, stick to bottled or filtered water.

What is the best way to get to Lençóis Maranhenses?

From São Luís, take a bus or shared van to Barreirinhas (4-5 hours). Then hire a 4x4 tour.

Are credit cards accepted?

Yes, in cities and tourist areas. Cash is needed in remote villages.

Light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. A light jacket for evenings.

Is there a dress code for churches?

Modest attire covering shoulders and knees is required.

Maranhão

StateBrazil, South America

Maranhão is a STATE in Brazil, South America.

Maranhão is a captivating northeastern Brazilian state where dramatic landscapes meet vibrant cultural traditions. The crown jewel is Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, a surreal expanse of white sand dunes dotted with thousands of crystal-clear freshwater lagoons, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle best visited from June to September. The state capital, São Luís, a UNESCO World Heritage site, enchants visitors with its historic center featuring over 3,500 colonial-era buildings adorned with distinctive Portuguese azulejo tiles. Maranhão's cultural heartbeat is Bumba Meu Boi, a spectacular folk festival blending indigenous, African, and Portuguese influences with elaborate costumes, music, and dance, celebrated throughout June. The state also boasts the stunning Alcântara, a well-preserved colonial town accessible by boat from São Luís, and the Preguiças River Delta with its mangroves and towering dunes. From the rhythms of reggae that fill São Luís's streets to the otherworldly beauty of its natural parks, Maranhão offers an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and raw, stunning nature.

Best time to visit Maranhão

June to September is the ideal time. This is the dry season when the lagoons in Lençóis Maranhenses are fullest and most stunning. It also coincides with the vibrant Bumba Meu Boi festivals throughout June. The weather is sunny with less rain, making exploration of natural and urban areas more comfortable. Avoid the heavy rainy season (January to May) when some areas may be inaccessible.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Hot 28-34°C, dry

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

Lagoons start to dry up.

Know before you go

Getting there

SLZ

Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport

International

15 km away

PHB

Parnaíba Airport

Domestic

180 km away

IMP

Imperatriz Airport

Domestic

500 km away

Getting around

"In São Luís, use ride-hailing apps (99, Uber) or registered taxis for safety and convenience. Public buses are extensive but can be crowded and confusing for non-Portuguese speakers. For exploring beyond the capital, renting a car is an option, but driving in cities is chaotic; consider hiring a local driver for day trips. To reach Lençóis Maranhenses, most visitors fly or take a bus to Barreirinhas, the main gateway town, and then join 4x4 tours into the park. Boats are used for river tours on the Preguiças River. For Alcântara, take a passenger ferry or speedboat from São Luís."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

20 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in cities and hotels

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Calling code

+55

Stay safe

Overall

7/10

Petty crime is the main concern. Avoid flashing valuables.

Night safety

6/10

Petty crime is the main concern. Avoid flashing valuables.

Transport

8/10

Scam risk

5/10

"Exercise increased caution in urban areas. In São Luís, be vigilant in the historic center, especially at night, and avoid isolated areas. Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps (99, Uber). Do not display valuables. When visiting Lençóis Maranhenses, always go with a licensed guide; do not wander off marked trails. Be wary of common scams like overcharging taxis, fake tour operators, and distraction thefts. Keep copies of your passport separately. Coastal areas are generally safer for tourists, but always stay aware of your surroundings."

Police

190

Ambulance

192

Fire

193

Tourist Police

Entry and health

Health information

"Consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before travel. Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for all travelers aged 9 months and older and may be required for entry if arriving from a country with risk. Routine vaccinations should be up-to-date, and Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine boosters are advised. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for travel to rural areas, including Lençóis Maranhenses. Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya are present; use insect repellent and wear long sleeves/pants. Drink only bottled or purified water. Public hospitals (SUS) offer free care but can be overcrowded; private hospitals in São Luís (e.g., Hospital São Domingos, UDI Hospital) offer higher standards. Ensure comprehensive travel health insurance."

Culture

Local customs

"Maranhenses are known for their warm hospitality. Greet people with a handshake or, among friends, a kiss on the cheek. Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites. The Bumba Meu Boi festival is deeply sacred and cultural; be respectful of ceremonies and performances. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included on the bill; you can add extra for excellent service. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is common. Casual, lightweight clothing is suitable due to the heat, but smart-casual attire is expected in nicer restaurants."

Portuguese

Costs and practicals

Currency

Brazilian Real (BRL) · R$

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$5-10 | a cheap local meal costs around $5-10

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Prices are lower than Rio or São Paulo. Luxury options exist in São Luís and resort areas.

Timezone

America/Fortaleza -03:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

7,100,000

Area

331,983 km²

Government

State government with an elected Governor and Legislative Assembly

ISO code

BR-13

Type

State

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Maranjao, BR-MA, Маранян, Maraņauna, มารันเยา, Maranyan, मरान्याव, Maranhão, 마라냥, مارانیائو, 马拉尼昂州, Marañón, מרניאו, Maranjo, მარანიანი, Maranjanas, マラニョン, मरान्हाओ, Մարանյան, Марањао, Мараньян, مارانهاو, Maragnanum, MA, Мараняо, Марањаоps a, Maranhao, Maranham, SLZ, San Luis, San Luisas, San-Luis, Sao Louis, Sao Luis, Sao Luis do Maranhao, Sao Luiz, Sao Luiz de Maranhao, Sao Luiz do Maranhao, Saun Luis, Saun Luís, São Luis, São Luiz, São Luiz de Maranhão, São Luiz do Maranhão, São Luís, São Luís do Maranhão, cavo luyicu, sa'o lu'isa, san-luisi, sanglu-iseu, saw lwys, saw lwyys, saw lwyz, sayw lwyys maranhaw, saʿo luʿisi, sheng lu yi si, Σάο Λουίς, Сан-Луис, Сан-Луіс, Сан-Луїс, Сао Луис, סאו לואיס, ساؤ لوئیس, ساؤ لوئیس، مارانہاؤ, سائو لوئیس، مارانهاو, ساو لويز, ساو لويس, साओ लुइस, साओ लुईस, সাও লুইস, ਸਾਓ ਲੁਈਸ, சாவோ லூயிசு, სან-ლუისი, ሳኦ ሉኢስ, サン・ルイス, 圣路易斯, 상루이스

Capital CityMajor HubBeachHistoric CityNational ParkAdventureCulturalEcotourism