Lençóis Maranhenses Photography Tour (with Flights)
Six days of dawn light, lagoons, and night skies in Brazil's ever-shifting dune field — sunrise and sunset sessions among the dunes, a staggered scenic-flight rotation, the Rio Grande's abstract patterns, and a night inside the park under the Milky Way.
The journey at a glance
Following the route
The journey moves gradually through 3 chapters.
Route shown schematically for orientation.
Detailed Itinerary
São Luís - Barreirinhas - Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
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Gateway to the Dunes
A private road transfer of roughly four to five hours linking São Luís to Barreirinhas, the gateway town for Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
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Tour Orientation
First meeting to get acquainted. Tristan will cover the key points of the itinerary and give you some initial tips on how to make the most of your trip. -
Hotel Check-In
Upon arrival, check in and get settled in your rooms. Take a short break to relax before we move on to the next activity. -
Sunset Photography at Lagoa Bonita
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Porto Preguiça Resort
Resort | $$$$A serene escape in Barreirinhas, Porto Preguiça Resort offers stunning riverfront views, easy access to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, and luxurious amenities amidst Brazil’s natural beauty. Perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Barreirinhas - Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
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Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel, included each morning of the stay. -
Dune and Lagoon Photography near Barreirinhas
While the flight rotation runs, the ground program works the white sand dunes and lagoons near Barreirinhas. Gentle curves of sand, water sitting between them, wind moving the surface - this is where the group learns how light behaves on the dunes before the deeper in-park days. It is photography at a walking pace.
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Lunch
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Panoramic Scenic Flight over Lençóis Maranhenses PM
A panoramic flight gives the full scale of the dune field and its blue-green lagoons. The group flies two at a time in a small Cessna-type aircraft, staggered across the days so every participant sees the park from the air. The flight is an optional extra; guests on the ground photograph the dunes and lagoons nearby.
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Sunset Photo Activity in Lagoa Azul
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Porto Preguiça Resort
Resort | $$$$A serene escape in Barreirinhas, Porto Preguiça Resort offers stunning riverfront views, easy access to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, and luxurious amenities amidst Brazil’s natural beauty. Perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Barreirinhas - Lençóis Maranhenses National Park - Santo Amaro do Maranhão
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Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel, included each morning of the stay. -
Panoramic Scenic Flight over Lençóis Maranhenses PM
A panoramic flight gives the full scale of the dune field and its blue-green lagoons. The group flies two at a time in a small Cessna-type aircraft, staggered across the days so every participant sees the park from the air. The flight is an optional extra; guests on the ground photograph the dunes and lagoons nearby.
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Lunch
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Transfer Barreirinhas –> Santo Amaro do Maranhão
After the morning flight the group drives about two hours to Santo Amaro, a small village on the far side of the park that becomes the base for the in-park photographic days. Two hours of road, and the group settles into village life for the heart of the tour.
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Dinner
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Hotel in Santo Amaro do Maranhão (TBD)
The group's hotel in Santo Amaro is the base for the nights around the in-park photography days - a bed, a breakfast table, and a departure point for the park sessions. It keeps the in-park days close to the dunes while holding on to village comforts.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
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Sunrise Photography over Dunes and Crystal-Clear Lagoons
The in-park days open before dawn, with first light arriving over white dunes and crystal-clear lagoons. Wind redraws the sand overnight, so each sunrise lands on a slightly different surface. The session is unhurried, with time to find compositions before the sun clears the horizon.
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Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel, included each morning of the stay. -
Afternoon and Evening Dune and Lagoon Photography
The afternoon and evening belong to the dunes again. As the sun drops, the sand takes on texture and shadow, and the lagoons hold the sky's colour. The session runs until the light is gone, at the group's own pace.
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Astrophotography and the Milky Way from an In-Park Village
As the day closes, the group travels to a small village inside the park, well away from town lights. Under a clear night sky the Milky Way arcs over the dune field - a night spent inside the park, camera up, with the whole sky to work with.
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In-Park Village Lodging, Lençóis Maranhenses (TBD)
The night is spent in the small village inside the park, between the dunes, with the whole sky overhead. Falling asleep inside Lençóis Maranhenses is part of what sets these in-park days apart.
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Sunrise Session in Soft Morning Light over the Dunes
The second morning in the park starts the same way: early light over the dunes and lagoons, soft and low across the sand. The group greets the day with cameras out, working the morning session before returning to the village for breakfast.
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Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel, included each morning of the stay. -
Black River Photography: Abstract Shapes and Infinite Patterns
Late morning belongs to the Black River, renowned for its abstract shapes, colours, and infinite patterns. Dark water winding between the dunes makes compositions closer to painting than postcard - a slower, more graphic register than the open dune field.
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Lunch in a local market
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Sunset Photography over Dunes and Lagoons
In the evening the dunes and lagoons become the canvas once more. The low sun pulls long shadows out of the ripples and turns the lagoons to glass, and the group works the sunset session until the colour drops out of the sky.
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Additional Astrophotography under Clear Night Skies
When night falls there is a second chance at the stars. The park's clear, pristine skies hold the Milky Way overhead, and an extra session under the night sky makes the most of the darkness between the dunes.
Santo Amaro do Maranhão - São Luís
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Final Sunrise over the Dunes and Serene Lagoons
The last morning opens with one more sunrise over the dunes and the serene lagoons - a final session to close the journey and carry the essence of the park home. Afterwards the group returns to Santo Amaro and begins the road back to São Luís.
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Transfer Santo Amaro –> São Luís
The return road transfer from Santo Amaro do Maranhão towards São Luís, on the final day of a Lençóis Maranhenses journey and timed to reach São Luís airport by mid-afternoon.
Hotels
Porto Preguiça Resort
Resort | $$$$
Nestled along the pristine shores of Barreirinhas, Porto Preguiça Resort offers a breathtaking escape into Brazil’s natural beauty, where golden dunes meet the tranquil Preguiças River. Guests are treated to luxurious bungalow-style accommodations, a stunning infinity pool overlooking the water, and direct access to the region’s iconic sandscapes. The resort boasts a gourmet restaurant serving local flavors, a rejuvenating spa, and guided excursions to the nearby Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, ensuring an unforgettable blend of relaxation and adventure. With its serene ambiance and world-class amenities, it’s the perfect retreat for travelers seeking both comfort and exploration.
Hotel in Santo Amaro do Maranhão (TBD)
In-Park Village Lodging, Lençóis Maranhenses (TBD)
Price Details
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. more guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure.
Price Base
- Price for 2 people: 3.995 USD (666 USD / day)
- Price for 3 to 4 people: 3.495 USD (583 USD / day)
- Price for 5 to 6 people: 2.795 USD (466 USD / day)
- Price for 7 to 8 people: 2.395 USD (399 USD / day)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Included
- Hotels mentioned in the program
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Hotels mentioned in the program- Porto Preguiça Resort — 2 nights · Resort
- Hotel in Santo Amaro do Maranhão (TBD) — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
- In-Park Village Lodging, Lençóis Maranhenses (TBD) — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles (Car / Van)
- Meals indicated in the program: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunchs, 1 dinner
- 1 cocktail before dinner
- Water is included
- Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
- 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
- Restaurant gratuities / tips
- Pre-trip planning assistance
- Detailed trip notes with practical information and cultural insights
- Access to Remote Expeditions custom travel app
Not Included
- Breakfast on Departure day, Lunch on Arrival day, day 4 and Departure day, Dinner on Arrival day, day 2, day 4 and day 5
- Tips
- International flights
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Camera Equipment
Deposit
- 30% (839 USD approx)
Payment Options
- Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
- Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.
Booking Conditions
- Deposit: 30% to secure your booking
- Final payment: Due 90 days before departure
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: Deposit retained as a 4-year travel credit
- Read the full Terms & Conditions ↗
Services to Expect
Flights, 4×4 Access and Village Stays
The journey combines internal flights, river and road transfers, 4×4 vehicles and local routes through the park. Some nights are in small communities, where hammock accommodation is simple and closely connected to the crossing.
Local drivers and hosts are essential to navigating sand, water and changing access. Their knowledge keeps the route practical and responsive.
Practical Information
Heat, Sand and Water in the Dunes
The dunes are exposed, bright and often hot, while the seasonal lagoons bring welcome changes of colour and temperature. Wind can reshape the sand and affect visibility, walking and photography.
Start early when possible, drink regularly and protect yourself from sun. Local timing matters because water, heat and light change quickly across the park.
Walking and Photography in Lençóis
Walking on soft sand asks more of the legs than a similar distance on a firm trail. The crossing is paced around the group, the heat and the photographic opportunities, with pauses for lagoons, patterns, sunset and night skies.
Carry only what you can manage comfortably and let the landscape set the rhythm. The quieter moments between viewpoints are part of the experience.
Leave No Trace in the Dune Field
The lagoons and dunes are fragile seasonal environments. Stay with the guide, avoid disturbing wildlife and vegetation, carry out all waste and use only established access routes and camp arrangements.
In village communities, ask before photographing people and respect the pace and privacy of local hosts. A careful visit helps preserve both the landscape and the welcome.
What to Pack for the Maranhenses
Bring lightweight quick-drying clothing, a hat, strong sun protection, sandals or footwear suitable for wet sand, and a small waterproof daypack. A refillable water bottle, personal medication and insect protection are important.
Protect cameras, phones and batteries from sand and water with sealed pouches or dry bags. Keep luggage light for 4×4 transfers and village stays.
Detailed Trip Notes, including practical tips, cultural insights, and a complete packing list will be sent to you 60 days before departure.
Booking this tour means you agree to our full Terms and Conditions. Below is a summary of the key points. As life is unpredictable, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.
- Deposit: A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking. This deposit is refundable for 7 days (less transaction fees), after which it becomes a non-refundable credit, transferable to a future tour offered by Remote Expeditions within 4 years of the cancellation date, less any non-recoverable costs already paid on your behalf.
- Final Payment: The remaining balance is due 90 days before the tour begins.
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: You will receive a full refund of any payments made, except for the 30% deposit. Your deposit will be converted into a travel credit valid for 4 years on a future tour Remote Expeditions.
- Cancellation within 90 days of departure: 100% of the tour price is forfeited. There are no refunds or credits.
* This is a summary only. Please read our complete
Terms and Conditions
for full details before booking.
** We strongly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events.
A few kind words
Colombia Photography Tour 2026
Top notch photographic experience for enthusiasts of nature, culture, and portraits. Tristan is well connected to the area and the local communities with a specialty in indigenous tribes and less-visited areas. Additionally, he is an excellent teacher and will provide incredibly helpful instruction on exposure, lighting, and composition. Our tour was incredibly well organized and ran on time, with full days of photography. I fully recommend Remote Expeditions for your photographic travels!
You are in good hands with Tristan!
Tristan does an amazing job at putting together a culturally rich experience. He also does a great job at adapting to his clients needs and interests. He responds well to feedback. He is both professional and personable. I feel as though I had the opportunity not only to photograph many different elements of Colombia, but that I truly experienced the country and its culture. Our adventure took us from birding in the mountains outside of Cali, to visiting remote indigenous tribes, to visiting active fishing villages, to learning about local and historical musicians and customs, to beautiful settings in the mountains and along the seashore.
I give Tristan the highest recommendation as a guide for Colombia.
Colombia Birding Tour
I visited Colombia with Tristan of Remote Expeditions and would highly recommend him. He put together a wonderful itinerary with great knowledge of the areas and attention to details to give us a wonderful sampling of the country. He is personally very gentle and fun by nature and you will return home feeling very happy and satisfied. Whatever your special interest is, I’m sure he can make an itinerary to exceed your goals.
The difference is in the details
Journeys shaped by experience
Every route is built from time spent in the field: knowing when to linger, when to move on, and which small details are worth noticing.
Room for the unexpected
The best moments are not always on the itinerary. We leave enough flexibility to follow a good conversation, an unusual sighting, or a changing landscape.
Local relationships that open doors
Our journeys are grounded in long-term relationships with people who know their home intimately and are proud to share it in their own way.
A small group, properly looked after
With only a few travellers, decisions remain personal. We can adapt the pace, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.
Extend your journey
Optional extensions and add-ons you may consider for your trip. Each can be added to your itinerary on request — just let me know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Remote Expeditions journeys are arranged privately, so the pace and rhythm can be shaped around the people travelling together. When a scheduled group departure is offered, it is typically limited to four or five travellers.
No. Photography is one of the ways we observe and connect with a place, but it is not a requirement. Our journeys also welcome travellers drawn to slow travel, wildlife, culture, trekking, landscapes, and genuine encounters. You can join with professional equipment, a simple camera, or just your curiosity.
Every itinerary has its own rhythm. Some journeys are gently paced, while others include long walks, trekking, uneven terrain, altitude, or substantial travel days. The practical details on each tour page explain the expected walking, terrain, altitude, distances, and overall physical level so you can decide whether the journey suits you.
Tristan designs the itineraries and personally leads many Remote Expeditions journeys. Depending on the destination and the character of the trip, trusted local guides, drivers, cultural hosts, or specialist leaders may also join part of the route. This combination gives you direct personal support alongside local knowledge.
Often, yes. Private journeys can usually be shaped around your interests, pace, and available time. Fixed group departures have a defined route and dates, but it may still be possible to arrange additional nights, private extensions, or other travel before or after the main journey. Tell us what you have in mind and we will explain what is practical.
