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Which is better: Chapada dos Veadeiros or Lençóis Maranhenses?

Short answer

Chapada dos Veadeiros is in the state of Goiás (GO), while Lençóis Maranhenses is in the state of Maranhão (MA): different regions of Brazil. Chapada dos Veadeiros: on the highest plateau in the Center-West, the Cerrado opens into quartz canyons, icy waterfalls and a night sky that becomes one of the most star-filled in the country; 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 dos VeadeirosZiplining in Chapada dos Veadeiros★ 10 · 2 reviews · from US$ 49 · 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 dos Veadeiros Lençóis Maranhenses
Best time to visit May → Aug Aug → Dec
Weather this month 32° · 8 days of rain 33° · 0 days of rain
By car R$ 130 · from Brasília R$ 144 · from São Luís
Ideal stay 4–6 days 3–4 days
Best for Adventure, Relax Adventure, Relax
Choose Chapada dos Veadeiros if

you want a trip for adventure seekers and relaxation: on the highest plateau in the Center-West, the Cerrado opens into quartz canyons, icy waterfalls and a night sky that becomes one of the most star-filled in the country.

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 dos Veadeiros 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 dos Veadeiros on Booking.com, with up-to-date prices and availability, before you book.

See all hotels in Chapada dos Veadeiros

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 dos Veadeiros or Lençóis Maranhenses: which is better?
Chapada dos Veadeiros is in the state of Goiás (GO), while Lençóis Maranhenses is in the state of Maranhão (MA): different regions of Brazil. Chapada dos Veadeiros: on the highest plateau in the Center-West, the Cerrado opens into quartz canyons, icy waterfalls and a night sky that becomes one of the most star-filled in the country; 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 dos Veadeiros and Lençóis Maranhenses?
The best time to visit Chapada dos Veadeiros is from May to August; 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 Brasília, Chapada dos Veadeiros is 230 km (143 mi) and costs about R$ 130 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 dos Veadeiros or Lençóis Maranhenses?
Averaged over the year, Chapada dos Veadeiros has 8 rainy days a month and Lençóis Maranhenses has 10. Chapada dos Veadeiros is the drier of the two over the year as a whole, but what decides the trip is the month: the rainiest month in Chapada dos Veadeiros is December 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 dos Veadeiros and in Lençóis Maranhenses?
To see the main sights without rushing, Chapada dos Veadeiros calls for 4–6 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 dos Veadeiros or Lençóis Maranhenses with kids?
Neither is a typical family destination: Chapada dos Veadeiros (high-altitude Cerrado; waterfalls and canyons; starry sky) 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. With small children, weather matters: Chapada dos Veadeiros has fewer rainy days over the year.
What should you not miss in each?
In Chapada dos Veadeiros: Vale da Lua, Saltos do Rio Preto, Cataratas dos Couros. 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.