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Which is better: Chapada Diamantina or Lençóis Maranhenses?

Short answer

Chapada Diamantina is in the state of Bahia (BA), while Lençóis Maranhenses is in the state of Maranhão (MA): different regions of Brazil. Chapada Diamantina: flat-topped hills, tall waterfalls and blue-water caves in central Bahia, with Lençóis as the main base; Lençóis Maranhenses: a desert that fills with water. For this month's weather, Lençóis Maranhenses has the edge.

Sources: INMET (updated 2026) · ANP · OpenStreetMap
Most reviewed activity in Chapada DiamantinaChapada Diamantina Caves Tour + Morro do Pai Inácio★ 9.3 · 3 reviews · from US$ 118 · via CivitatisSee dates and price →
Most reviewed activity in Lençóis MaranhensesBonita Lagoon Off-Roading Tour★ 9.3 · 33 reviews · from US$ 24 · via CivitatisSee dates and price →
Chapada Diamantina Lençóis Maranhenses
Best time to visit Jun → Sep Aug → Dec
Weather this month 32° · 9 days of rain 33° · 0 days of rain
By car R$ 231 · from Salvador R$ 144 · from São Luís
Ideal stay 4–5 days 3–4 days
Best for Adventure, Relax Adventure, Relax
Choose Chapada Diamantina if

you want a trip for adventure seekers and relaxation: flat-topped hills, tall waterfalls and blue-water caves in central Bahia, with Lençóis as the main base.

See guide
Choose Lençóis Maranhenses if

you want a trip for adventure seekers and relaxation: white dunes as far as the eye can see, dotted with blue and green lagoons that exist only after the rains.

See guide
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Where to stay

Where to stay: Chapada Diamantina or Lençóis Maranhenses

What usually tips the balance for your wallet is the rate on your travel dates. Check current prices for each city before deciding.

Compare hotels and places to stay in Chapada Diamantina on Booking.com, with up-to-date prices and availability, before you book.

Pousada Alto do Cajueiro in Chapada Diamantina 8.4 ★★★ · 2 reviews Pousada Alto do Cajueiro See on Booking → Pousada Casa de Jorge in Chapada Diamantina 7.2 ★★★ · 1 review Pousada Casa de Jorge See on Booking →
See all hotels in Chapada Diamantina

Compare hotels and places to stay in Lençóis Maranhenses on Booking.com, with up-to-date prices and availability, before you book.

Porto Preguicas Resort in Lençóis Maranhenses 8.9 ★★★★★ · 19 reviews Porto Preguicas Resort See on Booking → VILA ATY LODGE in Lençóis Maranhenses 4.8 ★★★★★ · 1 review VILA ATY LODGE See on Booking →
See all hotels in Lençóis Maranhenses

Rates change with the dates: confirm the price on Booking.com.

Frequently asked questions

Chapada Diamantina or Lençóis Maranhenses: which is better?
Chapada Diamantina is in the state of Bahia (BA), while Lençóis Maranhenses is in the state of Maranhão (MA): different regions of Brazil. Chapada Diamantina: flat-topped hills, tall waterfalls and blue-water caves in central Bahia, with Lençóis as the main base; Lençóis Maranhenses: a desert that fills with water. For this month's weather, Lençóis Maranhenses has the edge.
What is the best time to visit Chapada Diamantina and Lençóis Maranhenses?
The best time to visit Chapada Diamantina is from June to September; for Lençóis Maranhenses, it is from August to December, based on INMET's climate normals (temperature and rainfall for each month). If your trip already has a date, check each destination's page for your month.
Which of the two is cheaper to get to?
By car, leaving from Salvador, Chapada Diamantina is 410 km (255 mi) and costs about R$ 231 each way (fuel plus tolls); leaving from São Luís, Lençóis Maranhenses is 255 km (158 mi) and costs about R$ 144 each way (fuel plus tolls). The calculation assumes a car that gets 11 km/L. Lodging and activities vary with each place's season.
Where does it rain less, Chapada Diamantina or Lençóis Maranhenses?
Averaged over the year, Chapada Diamantina has 10 rainy days a month and Lençóis Maranhenses has 10. The two are practically tied over the year, but what decides the trip is the month: the rainiest month in Chapada Diamantina is March and in Lençóis Maranhenses, March. For temperature, Lençóis Maranhenses is the warmer one (average high of 32° versus 30°).
How many days should you spend in Chapada Diamantina and in Lençóis Maranhenses?
To see the main sights without rushing, Chapada Diamantina calls for 4–5 days and Lençóis Maranhenses, 3–4 days. These are distant regions: with a week or less, it is usually better to pick one of the two and make the most of it.
Chapada Diamantina or Lençóis Maranhenses with kids?
Neither is a typical family destination: Chapada Diamantina (flat-topped hills, tall waterfalls, and blue-water caves) and Lençóis Maranhenses (dunes and lagoons; desert with water; 4x4 jeep). You can go with kids, but the plans there do not revolve around them.
What should you not miss in each?
In Chapada Diamantina: Poço Azul, Poço Encantado, Cachoeira da Fumaça. In Lençóis Maranhenses: Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Bonita, Circuito das Lagoas. These are the sights that show up most in first-trip itineraries for each destination; the full guide to each has the whole list.