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Which is better: Lençóis Maranhenses or Rio de Janeiro?

Short answer

Lençóis Maranhenses is in the state of Maranhão (MA), while Rio de Janeiro is in the state of the same name (RJ): different regions of Brazil. Lençóis Maranhenses: a desert that fills with water; Rio de Janeiro: mountains, sea and rainforest inside the same city. For this month's weather, Lençóis Maranhenses has the edge.

Sources: INMET (updated 2026) · ANP · OpenStreetMap
Most reviewed activity in Lençóis MaranhensesBonita Lagoon Off-Roading Tour★ 9.3 · 33 reviews · from US$ 24 · via CivitatisSee dates and price →
Most reviewed activity in Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro Full-Day Tour + Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain by Minibus★ 8.6 · 338 reviews · from US$ 103 · via CivitatisSee dates and price →
Lençóis Maranhenses Rio de Janeiro
Best time to visit Aug → Dec May → Sep
Weather this month 33° · 0 days of rain 26° · 11 days of rain
By car R$ 144 · from São Luís R$ 334 · from São Paulo
Ideal stay 3–4 days 4–5 days
Best for Adventure, Relax Romantic, Adventure, Family, Food
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
Choose Rio de Janeiro if

you want a trip for couples and adventure seekers: from Christ the Redeemer to the sand of Ipanema.

See guide
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Where to stay

Where to stay: Lençóis Maranhenses or Rio de Janeiro

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 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

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

Linx Galeao by Wish in Rio de Janeiro 8.8 ★★★ · 399 reviews Linx Galeao by Wish See on Booking → Americas Granada Hotel in Rio de Janeiro 8.5 ★★★★ · 589 reviews Americas Granada Hotel See on Booking →
See all hotels in Rio de Janeiro

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

Frequently asked questions

Lençóis Maranhenses or Rio de Janeiro: which is better?
Lençóis Maranhenses is in the state of Maranhão (MA), while Rio de Janeiro is in the state of the same name (RJ): different regions of Brazil. Lençóis Maranhenses: a desert that fills with water; Rio de Janeiro: mountains, sea and rainforest inside the same city. For this month's weather, Lençóis Maranhenses has the edge.
What is the best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses and Rio de Janeiro?
The best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses is from August to December; for Rio de Janeiro, it is from May to September, 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 Luís, Lençóis Maranhenses is 255 km (158 mi) and costs about R$ 144 each way (fuel plus tolls); leaving from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro is 430 km (267 mi) and costs about R$ 334 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, Lençóis Maranhenses or Rio de Janeiro?
Averaged over the year, Lençóis Maranhenses has 10 rainy days a month and Rio de Janeiro has 10. The two are practically tied over the year, but what decides the trip is the month: the rainiest month in Lençóis Maranhenses is March and in Rio de Janeiro, January. For temperature, Lençóis Maranhenses is the warmer one (average high of 32° versus 27°).
How many days should you spend in Lençóis Maranhenses and in Rio de Janeiro?
To see the main sights without rushing, Lençóis Maranhenses calls for 3–4 days and Rio de Janeiro, 4–5 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.
Lençóis Maranhenses or Rio de Janeiro with kids?
Rio de Janeiro (urban beach, trails in Tijuca, and iconic viewpoints) 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.
What should you not miss in each?
In Lençóis Maranhenses: Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Bonita, Circuito das Lagoas. In Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Ipanema Beach. These are the sights that show up most in first-trip itineraries for each destination; the full guide to each has the whole list.