'''Lencois Maranhenses''' is in Maranhao of Brazil.
Understand
Mostly about birdlife, shifting dunes and fresh water lakes, the latter in their best between May and September.
History
Landscape
The shifting dunes with the lakes in between are most spectacular at low sun, when a range of shadows come into play. Just after sunrise is probably thev very best beacause of lower temperatures.
Flora and fauna
Dry sands don't cater for much. Some tiny fish in the lakes, the occasional bird and some bushes along the rim of the dunes.
Climate
Best time to visit is May - September, after the rains, and before the lakes dry out. The almost constant breeze may fool you into thinking the sun is not getting at you. Think again!
Get in
Either from Sao Luis( from where the access is easiest), via Barreirinhas (which has the best structure) in the west, or Parnaiba via Tutoia and Paulino Neves in the east.
Fees/Permits
No such thing.
Get around
No motor transport inside the park, but plenty around the perimeter. No real roads though, so you need a good 4x4. Horses and donkeys are alternatives.
See
Do
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Lodging
Most people sleep in Barreirinhas and do daytrips. However, the dunes are far more accessible if you stay in Atins, or even better in Canto de Atins. Mandacaru and Cabure are less convenient alternatives. Paulino Neves offers proximity to similar sights (Pequenos Lencois), although not inside the actual national park. There is also the little explored town of Santo Amaro on the park_Ls western rim.
Camping
No restrictions so far, but there is some talking, due to garbage left behind. Do your part!
Backcountry
Stay safe
Get out