Things to do & places to visit in State of Maranhao, Brazil

State of Maranhao #20 destination in Brazil 2023. The average rating score is 4.35 based on 39.2k traveler reviews, of 208 attractions. Timezone: America/Fortaleza, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 13:44.

Top things to do (29)

Top destinations in State of Maranhao 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses (5.032 reviews)
- Stunning experience when the lagoons appear.
National Parks

What a magical experience. Make sure you visit when the lagoons have appeared after the rains. The colours and contrasts between the white, white dunes and the turquoise lagoons is beautiful. The walk around the dunes, the swims in the lagoons and the crazy drives over the dunes was wonderful. Highly recommend this trip. See more..
5.0 Lagoa Bonita e Lagoa Azul (1.592 reviews)
- Lagoa bonita- jaw dropping
Bodies of Water

Did Lagoa Azul on day 1 and Lagoa Bonita on day 2. Lagoa bonita should’ve and could’ve been done twice- it’s absolutely stunning and surprisingly untouched for the amount of visitors that come each day. AMAZING- simply a must see. See more..
5.0 G.i Conect Viagens e Turismo (309 reviews)
- Nice tours
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Speed Boats Tours

I joined 3 tours, one is Cardosa, another is Lencois, the other is Lancha. I enjoyed each tour very much, Lencois is the best, of course, followed by Cardosa and Lancha. The company helped me to arrange multiple tours so I could complete 3 tours in 2 days as well as transportation from/to Sao Luis & Barreinhas. Hope everyone to enjoy~ See more..
5.0 Lagoa das Andorinhas (231 reviews)
- Natural lagoon
Bodies of Water

The true heart of northern Brazil. It's so impressive that you have to stay overnight to get to see it at all Times of the day. Wonderful. See more..
5.0 Chapada das Mesas Tur (199 reviews)
- Highly recommend!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours

One of the best trips I have ever had. The water from Poço Azul and Encanto Azul is crystal clear and transparent like glass. I highly recommend you to get a Go Pro or an Ip68 phone to record videos underwater. All of the guides have their own SUV to take you to each place. Also, they know the best time to avoid the flow of people. That is very important if you want to take good pictures alone. Everything was excellent - the guide, car, rooms, food, and the group of people. Pro: - Best Overall - Best Budget - Best Package Deals - Best guides I still don't know which place is the most beautiful there. See more..
5.0 Chapada das Mesas (197 reviews)
- Amazing area
Monday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks • Parks

The name comes from its plateaus, that resembles the shape of stone tables (in Portuguese Mesas means tables, hence the name), mainly concentrated in the cities of Carolina and Riachão. Its plateaus are due to the fragile sandstone walls formed millions of years ago, which were eroded by the action of winds and rains. This ecological sanctuary brings countless natural spectacles, unique examples of the Brazilian biomes. Undoubtedly, waterfalls and their natural swimming pools of crystalline water, with mild temperatures around 22° C (72° F) in the midst of the immense rocky walls, are mainly responsible for the charm that surrounds Chapada das Mesas. Twisted trees and multicolored sandstone cliffs hide a paradise that can be outlined in numbers: there are 89 waterfalls and over 400 crystalline water springs inside the Chapada das Mesas National Park - PARNA -, a conservation unit that resides inside the Chapada das Mesas, in one of the country’s most fascinating regions. See more..
5.0 Voar Turismo (126 reviews)
- Amazing, fuc#%]%{^ Amazing.
Monday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Photography Tours

What we call in Brazil, finishing a trip with a "golden key". After a few days in Atins and Lençóis a flyover in the national park was a dream coming true. After a quick booking trough my pousada's concierge. We arrived the next morning at the office, that was really clean and spacious. They quickly drove us to the airport. The single motor was great condition. The 30 something minutes flight is breathtaking... Just check the pictures... Just R$ 360,00... About Usd 100. Just Go See more..
4.5 Rio Preguicas (2.245 reviews)
- not to miss it!
Bodies of Water

awesome boat trip from Barreirinhas to the Atlantic Ocean, stopping at Ilha dos Macacos (Monkey Island) and Mandacaru. See more..
4.5 Palacio dos Leoes (2.057 reviews)
- Extremely beautiful
Monday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

This the official residence of the State Governor. Everything is well kept and the historical furniture fantastic. There are free guided tours everyday but mondays. Check with a local guide. See more..
4.5 Igreja da Se (1.722 reviews)
- Nice church
Churches & Cathedrals

Is a Nice church With a lot of good images from The “Barroco” Period! Near by is locate The museum of “Arte Sacra” good place to visit See more..
4.5 Teatro Arthur Azevedo (1.072 reviews)
- To recommend
Monday: Theaters

Whau. Feel still the past. Listen to your guide and imagina what was going on in this Place. Very interesting. Very well renovated and in good shape. No entry costs for visits during the afternoon ( Morning closed ). Shows in the evening. See more..
4.5 Complexo Turistico de Pedra Caída (669 reviews)
- Pretty new, enjoyed the stay a lot
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Pedra Caida has seen a complete overhaul as I understand it, the old premises are still there. It's new, clean, functional and the staff are always friendly and helpful. The surrounding scenery is marvelous, get up early to catch sunrise! Breakfast had everything you'd expect. We booked some guided tours to the waterfalls around, again with very helpful staff. The resort has a gym, a vast pool w/ waterslides and bar, a "tiroleza" (zip line / flying fox) (which I didn't try due to a tight schedule, but looked very promising). Probably not cheap (I was invited), moreso by Brazilian standards, but I enjoyed the stay. See more..
4.5 Pequenos Lençóis Maranhense (580 reviews)
- Best tour
Monday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

I recommend the tour taken by quadricycle. It lasts all day long and the price is worth it! If you schedule by your hotel you will probably get better prices than scheduling in advance. I made my tour with Paulinho Tur agency. See more..
4.5 Museu Historico e Artistico do Maranhao (447 reviews)
- Beautiful place
Monday: Art Museums

I love to learn about the history of the city that I'm visiting. Besides the bright colors and the view I enjoy going into the different types of museum learning about the history of this beautiful city See more..
4.5 Canto do Atins (401 reviews)
- Best shrimp I've ever had
Beaches

Best of my life! Get the grilled shrimp, or else the trek across the dunes will not be worth it. Comes with complementary hammock naps. (Bathrooms are very clean) See more..
4.5 Lencois Beach (365 reviews)
- So rugged and remote
Beaches

A really incredible beach, so rugged and windy from the Atlantic Ocean. It's a beautiful white sand beach found only here, loved it! See more..
4.5 Shopping da Ilha (313 reviews)
- The largest and best shopping center in São Luís.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Shopping Malls

No other (so far) shopping center in town is so complete and huge. You will find most of the kind of shops, restaurants and services anyone needs in a mall. See more..
4.5 Igreja Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (238 reviews)
- beautiful place and view
Churches & Cathedrals

Beautiful chrch, square and really good view. It is a bit far but worth it. Best time it's week days. Weekends it's desert and not so safe. See more..
4.5 Matriz square (212 reviews)
- Ruins of an Old Church
Historic Walking Areas

Ruins of an old church from Alcantara, Just the huge front of it is still up, the rest is gone. A lot of trash and empty bottles are inside it, the city should clean that periodically. See more..
4.5 Encanto Azul (184 reviews)
- What a place!
Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water • Caverns & Caves

This place will make you cry. Or laugh, or pray, or meditate,or fall in love. The beauty of this special place in touching. A gift for the soul. Try to avoid the high season, so you can really experience this in a very deep way. See more..
4.5 Portal da Chapada das Mesas (173 reviews)
- Definitely worth visiting
Spent < 1 hour Geologic Formations

This is on the road to Carolina from Imperatriz. You get amazing sunrise views from here, but you need to go early. There is an entrance fee. See more..
4.5 Poço Azul (162 reviews)
- Lua de mel
Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water

Orçamento gostaria de saber quanto ficaria em reais para ficar durante três dias aí no poço azul em casal. See more..
4.5 Lagoa Betânia (150 reviews)
- Fabulous, magnificent, spectacular, surreal!!!!
Bodies of Water

One of the most beautiful lagoons in Lencois Maranhenses. The most clear water I've ever seen! Complete privacy, the surroundings were all for ourselves, as far as the eye could see! Why would you go on an island when you can have all this surreal paradise all to yourself?! If there is one place you must see before you die - that's definitely Lencois Maranhenses! See more..
4.5 Igreja de Sao Jose de Ribamar (140 reviews)
- Igreja São José do Ribamar ...protetor dos maranhenses
Churches & Cathedrals

Fomos a passeio à cidade de São Jose do Ribamar, Maranhão... Uma igreja simples, mas com uma conotação bem forte... Uma alegria em ver a igreja tão falada e com uma Praça linda, limpa, com esculturas de diversos santos, e também com o memorial á São Jose de Robamar uma estátua enorme... do lado uma gruta de N.Senhora de Lourdes... foi muito bom o passeio. A praia que banha a cidade é linda.. See more..
4.5 AVA Sobrevoos (139 reviews)
- Amazing and Unforgettable Experience!
Monday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Air Tours

Absolutely amazing and unforgettable experience! I saw sights that were like they were out of dream. Jeff is passionate about what he does and brings the best of the views to the Traveler. As a solo traveler, Jeff was very professional and responsible in organizing my tours and his guides and he made sure I felt very safe and comfortable throughout all my tours with his company. I can’t wait to go back with my husband and show him what I was blessed to see! The whole area is like it is out of a movie! I highly highly recommend Jeff and his crew to make an unforgettable journey for you and your loved ones. See more..
4.5 Museu de Arte Sacra (130 reviews)
- Highly educational
Speciality Museums

I would say this is the first place to visit in Sao Luiz. Your visit to this museum will provide context for everything else you see in the city. The guides are friendly and will even take you to the balcony of the Cathedral. The history of the expulsion of the Jesuits, and the suppression of ethnic-themed religious art, tell you a great deal--not only about Brazil's past, but its present as well. See more..
4.5 Cultural Center Domingos Vieira Filho (127 reviews)
- really good
Points of Interest & Landmarks

museum very well maintained and we were surprised by the quality of the tour. Several important and interesting information about the local culture. It's worth the visit! See more..
4.0 Centro Histórico de São Luís (3.293 reviews)
- just beautiful!!
Historic Sites

one of the most beautiful ancient cities and also the largest in Brazil, have thousands of old houses, many with Portuguese tiles. very charming See more..
4.0 Calhau Beach (1.988 reviews)
- ALWAYS FANTASTIC TO GO TO CALHAU
Beaches

I think Calhau is one of the main beaches of São Luis, this island is amazing with lots of ocean options. Because of Litoranea Avenue, Calhau has many good restaurants, the beach is shallow with nice waves, beautiful people all around and exquisite food. See more..
4.0 Preguicas (Mandacaru) Lighthouse (1.844 reviews)
- Historical point, local shops
Lighthouses

This is on a stop from the boat trip to the Rio Preguiças. The lighthouse is located inside an Army base. The views you get from the light house is amazing. Try also to go under the gigantic cashew trees! A cupuaçu ice cream is a must on your way out! See more..