Atins
Riding at the gates of Lençóis Maranhenses, between river and dunes.
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The riding
Steady and softer than Ceará — rarely intimidating, and enough to ride every day of the season. The scenery more than compensates for what it lacks in raw power.
The mouth of the Preguiças river creates warm, flat strips that shift with the tide. Inland, the lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses offer riding in a landscape of white sand dunes that exists nowhere else in the kiting world.
Getting there
This is the hardest destination on the list to reach, and that is part of the point. The usual route is a flight to São Luís (SLZ), a van to Barreirinhas (about four hours), then a boat up the Preguiças river or a 4x4 run along the beach. Budget a full day each way.
On the ground in Atins
Schools
Where to stay
- Vila Camurim
- Estrela dos Lencois Pousada
- Pousada Lagoa do Vento Atins
- Pousada Essência de Atins
- Flamboyart
- Jandaia Stay ATINS
Where to eat
- Restaurante Ça Va
- Restaurante do Rico
- Restaurante & Bar - Maria Bonita
- Restaurante Fogo e Lenha
- Cabana do Pescador
- Cabana Maria Restaurante | Atins
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Worth knowing
There are almost no cars in the village — you move on foot, by buggy or by boat.
Book transfers and tours ahead. Capacity is limited and high season fills up.
Bring cash and a basic repair kit. There is no gear shop anywhere near.
Frequently asked
How do I get to Atins?
Fly to São Luís, take a van or car to Barreirinhas (about four hours), then a boat up the Preguiças river or a 4x4 along the beach. Some operators run door-to-door transfers, which is usually worth it when travelling with gear.
Can you ride in the Lençóis Maranhenses lagoons?
Partly. The lagoons fill and dry with the rainy season, and the area is a national park with access rules. In practice this is done with local operators who know which lagoons are full and where riding is allowed.