Santo Amaro do Maranhão Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Santo Amaro do Maranhão with this comprehensive travel guide, featuring top attractions, dining options, accommodations, and transportation tips.


Introduction to Santo Amaro do Maranhão

Located in the northeastern region of Brazil, Santo Amaro do Maranhão welcomes visitors with its quaint and charming atmosphere. This small town is surrounded by ecotourism hotspots, including Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and nearby beaches.

The town is known for its preserved colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and friendly locals. Santo Amaro do Maranhão is also famous for its cultural and natural attractions, offering visitors a glimpse into Brazil’s rich history and diverse landscapes.

In this travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey through Santo Amaro do Maranhão’s top attractions, food and drink scene, accommodations, transportation options, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Santo Amaro do Maranhão

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Municipal History Museum: This museum showcases the town’s history, including its role in the Brazilian revolution and colonial era.
  • Igreja Nossa Senhora da Conceição: This church dates back to the 18th century and features neo-classical architecture and ornate details.
  • Fazenda Boa Vista: A colonial mansion that has been restored and turned into a museum, showcasing local history and culture.
  • Casa de Farinha: This museum exhibits the traditional process of making flour from manioc root, an important food source in the region.

Natural Attractions of Santo Amaro do Maranhão: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lençóis Maranhenses National Park: A popular ecotourism destination, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park features beautiful sand dunes, lagoons, and untouched beauty.
  • Tucano’s Ranch: This ranch offers horseback riding tours through the sand dunes and wetlands of the surrounding region.
  • Espigão: This lookout point provides panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscape.
  • Baixa Grande: A quiet fishing village located near Santo Amaro do Maranhão, Baixa Grande offers a peaceful retreat by the sea.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Santo Amaro do Maranhão

  • Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses: The park offers hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, with stunning views throughout.
  • Praia do Atins: This beach is accessible on foot or by mountain bike, providing a scenic route to explore the surrounding area.
  • Deserto do Meio: A popular destination for hikers and bikers alike, Deserto do Meio offers views of the vast sand dunes and lagoons.

Best Things to Do in Santo Amaro do Maranhão: Activities and Tours

  • Sandboarding: A popular activity in the region, sandboarding provides a unique way to explore the sand dunes and lagoons.
  • Boat Tours: These tours offer a chance to explore the nearby wetlands and lagoons, providing opportunities to spot local flora and fauna.
  • Kite Surfing: Santo Amaro do Maranhão is known for its excellent kite surfing conditions, making it a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Santo Amaro do Maranhão

Day Activity
1 Visit the Municipal History Museum and explore the town’s architectural landmarks
2 Take a day trip to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and enjoy the natural beauty of the region
3 Explore the Casa de Farinha museum and experience the traditional food-making process
4 Enjoy a horseback riding tour through Tucano’s Ranch and explore the wetlands and sand dunes
5 Take a boat tour to nearby wetlands and lagoons, and spot local wildlife
6 Experience the local food scene and try traditional dishes
7 Relax on Baixa Grande beach, taking in the sea, sun, and fresh air

Food and Drink Scene of Santo Amaro do Maranhão

Must-Try Dishes

  • Arroz de Cuxá: A traditional dish made with rice, cuxá herb, shrimp, and other local ingredients.
  • Peixe na Telha: Fish cooked on a bed of ceramic tiles, seasoned with herbs and spices.
  • Leite de Castanha: A refreshing drink made from cashew nuts, perfect for hot days.
  • Tapioca: A crepe made with manioc starch and filled with cheese, coconut, and other local ingredients.

Local Beverages

  • Cachaça da Maranhão: A local type of rum distilled from sugarcane.
  • Guaraná Jesus: A sweet, pink soda made in Maranhão that is popular throughout Brazil.
  • Coconut Water: Freshly sliced coconut water is readily available in the region and is a perfect way to cool down after a day out in the sun.

Where to Stay in Santo Amaro do Maranhão: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Pousada Lagoa Azul: This guesthouse is located in the center of town and offers comfortable accommodations at affordable prices.
  • Casa do Zezinho: This hostel offers budget-friendly lodging options and is popular with backpackers and solo travelers.
  • Hotel Lençóis Maranhenses: This hotel offers comfortable rooms and amenities, including a swimming pool and restaurant.

What to Buy in Santo Amaro do Maranhão: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Embroidered Linens: Santo Amaro do Maranhão is known for its rich embroidery tradition, with many shops selling handcrafted linens and textiles.
  • Local Art: Many local artists sell their work in galleries and craft shops throughout town, showcasing the vibrant colors and cultural traditions of the region.
  • Cachaça da Maranhão: This local rum makes for a great souvenir, especially for those who love rum and spirits.

Local Culture and Customs of Santo Amaro do Maranhão

Santo Amaro do Maranhão is known for its rich cultural and artistic traditions, with festivals and events held throughout the year. The town also has a strong Afro-indigenous influence, with local cuisine, music, and dance traditions showcasing the diversity of the region.

Best Time to Visit Santo Amaro do Maranhão

The best time to visit Santo Amaro do Maranhão is during the dry season from June to September, when the weather is mild and the skies are clear. This is also the best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, as the lagoons are full and the sand dunes are at their most beautiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Santo Amaro do Maranhão

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions, including religious practices and cultural traditions.
  • Use insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites, especially during the rainy season.
  • Try local cuisine and participate in community events and festivals.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment, including sand dunes and wetlands.
  • Disrespect local residents or their property.
  • Ignore safety precautions while participating in outdoor activities and tours.

Safety and Health

Safety in Santo Amaro do Maranhão

Santo Amaro do Maranhão is a generally safe town, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, it is recommended to take precautions while participating in outdoor activities and tours, including wearing appropriate safety gear and following tour guide instructions.

Health in Santo Amaro do Maranhão

Visitors should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, especially during the rainy season, to prevent the transmission of diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus. Travelers should also bring and administer any necessary medications, and stay hydrated during hot and humid weather.

Getting to Santo Amaro do Maranhão: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Santo Amaro do Maranhão

The nearest airport is the Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport in São Luís, approximately a 4-hour drive from Santo Amaro do Maranhão.

Bus Stations Near Santo Amaro do Maranhão

Bus stations are located in São Luís and Barreirinhas, with daily bus services connecting the two cities.

Other Options

Private transportation options are available, including taxi services and pre-arranged transfers.

How to Get Around in Santo Amaro do Maranhão

Exploring Santo Amaro do Maranhão and the surrounding region is best done on foot, by bicycle, or via guided tours. Rental car services are also available, although many of the roads in the region are unpaved and challenging to navigate.

Where to Go Next from Santo Amaro do Maranhão: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Barreirinhas: This town is the gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and offers many tourism services, accommodations, and dining options.
  • São Luís: The capital of Maranhão state, São Luís is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colonial architecture and rich cultural traditions.
  • Alcântara: A charming colonial town located near São Luís, Alcântara is known for its historic architecture and cultural landmarks.

Conclusion

Santo Amaro do Maranhão offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that is unmatched in the region. Whether you’re interested in exploring the sand dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park or immersing yourself in the local cultural traditions, Santo Amaro do Maranhão has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and discover the magic of this hidden gem in northeastern Brazil.