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Which is better: Ilha Grande or Lençóis Maranhenses?

Short answer

Ilha Grande is in Rio de Janeiro and its surroundings (RJ), while Lençóis Maranhenses is in the state of Maranhão (MA): different regions of Brazil. Ilha Grande: Atlantic Forest, trails and green water without a single car; 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 Ilha GrandeAcaiá Cave & Ilha Grande Lagoons Boat Tour★ 8 · 1 review · from US$ 46 · 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 →
Ilha Grande Lençóis Maranhenses
Best time to visit May → Aug Aug → Dec
Weather this month 28° · 13 days of rain 33° · 0 days of rain
By car R$ 312 · from São Paulo R$ 144 · from São Luís
Ideal stay 3–4 days 3–4 days
Best for Adventure, Relax, Romantic, Family Adventure, Relax
Choose Ilha Grande if

you want a trip for adventure seekers and relaxation: the wildest island on the Costa Verde, with Lopes Mendes at the end of the path.

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: Ilha Grande 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 Ilha Grande on Booking.com, with up-to-date prices and availability, before you book.

See all hotels in Ilha Grande

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

Ilha Grande or Lençóis Maranhenses: which is better?
Ilha Grande is in Rio de Janeiro and its surroundings (RJ), while Lençóis Maranhenses is in the state of Maranhão (MA): different regions of Brazil. Ilha Grande: Atlantic Forest, trails and green water without a single car; 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 Ilha Grande and Lençóis Maranhenses?
The best time to visit Ilha Grande 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 São Paulo, Ilha Grande is 404 km (251 mi) and costs about R$ 312 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, Ilha Grande or Lençóis Maranhenses?
Averaged over the year, Ilha Grande has 12 rainy days a month and Lençóis Maranhenses has 10. Lençóis Maranhenses is the drier of the two over the year as a whole, but what decides the trip is the month: the rainiest month in Ilha Grande is January and in Lençóis Maranhenses, March. For temperature, Lençóis Maranhenses is the warmer one (average high of 32° versus 29°).
How many days should you spend in Ilha Grande and in Lençóis Maranhenses?
To see the main sights without rushing, Ilha Grande calls for 3–4 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.
Ilha Grande or Lençóis Maranhenses with kids?
Ilha Grande (car-free village, forest trails, and paradise beaches) is the better pick of the two for families. Lençóis Maranhenses (dunes and lagoons; desert with water; 4x4 jeep) is geared more toward adults or couples. With small children, weather matters: Lençóis Maranhenses has fewer rainy days over the year.
What should you not miss in each?
In Ilha Grande: Lopes Mendes Beach, Vila do Abraão, Pico do Papagaio. 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.