How to get to Atins: complete guide to transfers, boats and 4x4s
- Alessandro Labarile
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
Are you planning to visit Atins and don't know how to get there?
In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover all the transportation options—speedboat/boat or 4x4—so you can choose the one that best suits your trip.
It is extremely important to understand the possible logistics to reach the village, as its access is limited by borders with the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park - our paradise - and the Preguiças River, which essentially contributes to its formation.
How to get to Barreirinhas
Currently, passing through Barreirinhas is essential for the cost-benefit of any logistics.
The city is the closest population center to the Park, connected to Atins by the Preguiças River and to the region by road and bridge.
This is where they come from:
🚤 Private or shared boats
🚙 4x4 cars (transfers and vans)
The main airport is São Luís International Airport – Marechal Cunha Machado .
✈️ Daily vans depart from there, which can pick you up at hotels/inns in the capital.
🚙 There are also private 4x4 transfers , direct from the airport to Atins.
⏱️ The average time to Barreirinhas is 3h30 to 4h30 .
Transport options from Barreirinhas to Atins
Shared/private boat
I consider the journey from the Port of Barreirinhas to the village of Atins a boat trip along the Preguiças River. It's where each person's energy undergoes a transformation and the magic of this place, surrounded by its natural riches, is grasped.
The journey with most types of boat lasts around 1 hour and 10 minutes, and the benefit of using private boats over shared ones is the flexibility of schedule - shared boats leave one to three times a day, at fixed times and depending on the time of year - and generally, if you are in a group larger than 6 people, the cost-benefit always tends to compensate for using the private options.
There are also tour boats, which depart in June and conclude in October, that travel the Rio route, passing by places like the Mandacaru Lighthouse or Vassouras, which we'll cover in more detail in another post. Duration: approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
Private: flexible schedule, ideal for groups of 6+ people (best value for money)
Shared: fixed schedules (1 to 3 departures per day, depending on the season)
💡 Tip: During high season, book your boat in advance.
Private 4x4 or in a Jardineira
The Jardineira is the main means of transportation through the park, and tours are conducted in it. Specifically, on the Barreirinhas-Atins route, there are few shared 4x4 options. The route is not pleasant, as it passes through the park, not along the same route used for tours.
The best option if you want to come by car is to hire a transfer directly from the airport, and I can tell you right now that this is not a cost-benefit option, but it is extremely comfortable and convenient.
Route: different from the tours → the route is not the most pleasant.
Direct airport transfer: expensive option, but very comfortable and convenient.
What is the best option for you?
The choice of transportation to Atins depends largely on what you value in your trip: time, cost, or experience.
Shared/private boats → are the most practical and fastest option, and if you are in groups of more than 6 people, it is almost always worth taking a private boat.
4x4 → for people who want a direct and quick option from the airport and don't mind paying a little more for it.
Final tips for organizing your trip to Atins
Best time to travel → Whenever possible, leave Barreirinhas in the morning or early afternoon. This way, you'll arrive in Atins with time to settle in and enjoy the sunset.
Book in advance → especially during high season (June to September), when options fill up quickly.
Trusted contacts → Always choose agencies or inns with a good reputation to organize your transfer. This will help prevent unexpected issues along the way.
And here's an extra tip: at Atins Beach House, we help our guests organize transfers simply, safely, and at the best time for your trip. This way, all you have to worry about is enjoying your arrival and relaxing.
👉 Book your stay now and get full support from our team with the necessary contacts to plan your transportation to Atins.
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