MARANHÃO (06)
Lençóis Maranhenses In and Out, By 4X4
(Click here for the complete coverage of ‘Maranhão’)
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Destination São Luís, capital of the state of Maranhão.
The dune landscape of Lençóis Maranhenses is accessible by a 4×4, over secondary roads and by using a ferry.
Click here to view general information about SÃO LUÍS
One of my favorite pictures of this travel:
A gently waving horseman in Lençóis
4×4
The small city of Barreirinhas may indeed be considered as the gateway to Lençóis, but that does not mean you can enter the park by a short walk. A 4×4 is needed, such a powerful monster that is able to drive on loose sand and wade through puddles. Such vehicles are for rent in Barreirinhas. It is strongly recommended to negotiate about the price. The boys and men who offer these 4×4 vehicles, are experienced enough to increase the fare for foreign tourists. It is best not to accept the first offer, and to ask around a bit more. Try to make them clear that they are not the only option of you. Talk a little with them, and show them that you are not very interested in their offer. Less than fifteen minutes later, when you are about to order your second beer, they come back and offer you a lower fare. Keep on insisting to accept a low price only. These men are keen enough to ask more, just before the start of the ride. Do not give in, insist with agreement you already had made with them.
The Preguiças River had to be crossed.
Tough ride
Such a journey is quite an adventure. The 4×4 is comfortable on paved road, but your body will become a bit hurt when the car is riding on loose sand and through deep puddles. Sometimes the driver has to use all horsepower available to move the car on. Sometimes the driver has to make sharp moves to the left or to the right; you are hurled back and forth. And it also happens that you jump a few decimeters from the seat. These seats are not covered with plush, but they are simple benches. It is not difficult to imagine that some passengers will have some bruised spots on their bodies as a vivid memory of this rough and tough ride. Just for free…
One may imagine that the ride with a 4×4
may be very tough here
This trajectory is quite smooth and comfortable.
Fortunately, the 4×4 has high seats,
so you will not get wet
Crossing the puddles is good for
some interesting shots
The cars are waiting patiently upon the
return of the passengers
The Lençóis national park has its own
inhabitants, as shown here
Just readable: Please visit Atins
Beach! And we already were
planning to go there….
By Dr. Adriano Antoine Robbesom
Original text in Dutch, translation with help of Google Translator
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