It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, IN gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Brazil, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“best people at there”
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“Working for Always Best Care has been very rewarding for me to help others in”
“Very compassionate caregivers!”
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“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very ”
“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care”
“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which”
“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of”
“best people at there”
“Great staff!! Caring people!”
“I think it’s one of the best companies there’s always someone ready and willing to go help people with great attitudes! Anyone that wants to live at home but needs a little extra help should definitely get someone from this company at your home to help out!”
“Working for Always Best Care has been very rewarding for me to help others in need. Whatever my questions may be or any help I need as a health care provider for my client they have always came through with help.”
“Very compassionate caregivers!”
“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”
“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well- bean in their hands”
“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very trust my dad’s safety if they taking care of him.”
“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care for members of your family.”
“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which gives me a peace of mind. Definitely recommend!”
“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of the most caring and dedicated people I have ever met. They truly want to help people get the best care for their loved ones. My grandmother would have loved to have care like this.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Iguau National Park in Brazil, IN with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Marius Degustare or visit Paineiras Corcovado Cristo Redentor, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Brazil, IN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Brazil, IN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Brazil, IN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The XIII Cerrado Orienteering Trophy brought three World Ranking Event races to Brasília, Brazil, from 10–12 October, with the competition featuring the IOF’s GOLD WRE status and highlighting the continued global development of elite orienteering.The Cerrado Orienteering Trophy (TCO) concluded three days of competition in and around Brazil’s capital, Brasília, with long distance, middle distance and sprint races all counting towards the IOF World Ranking. The event was organised by the Federal District ...
The XIII Cerrado Orienteering Trophy brought three World Ranking Event races to Brasília, Brazil, from 10–12 October, with the competition featuring the IOF’s GOLD WRE status and highlighting the continued global development of elite orienteering.
The Cerrado Orienteering Trophy (TCO) concluded three days of competition in and around Brazil’s capital, Brasília, with long distance, middle distance and sprint races all counting towards the IOF World Ranking. The event was organised by the Federal District Orienteering Federation (FODF) under the Brazilian Orienteering Confederation (CBO).
The competition was one of the international GOLD World Ranking Events introduced by the International Orienteering Federation in 2026 to raise the profile of selected races, strengthen elite fields and provide athletes with more opportunities to compete in high-quality events around the world.
Strong performances across all three distances Brazilian athletes delivered strong performances across the elite categories throughout the event.
In the women’s elite class, Bianca Nogueira da Silva claimed victory in both the long distance and middle distance races, before completing an impressive series with another win in the sprint.
Douglas da Silva Schmitz took the men’s elite victories in both the long and middle distance races. Gelson Andrey Zago Togni won the men’s sprint, finishing ahead of Schmitz.
The three races offered contrasting challenges – as the forest races took place north of the Brasília in undulating terrain with densities ranging from completely open to much denser, while the Sprint was held in flat, open terrain in Brasília on the grounds of an institute belonging to Brazil’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change.
Saturday’s Long distance M21 course – map flip
Sunday’s Middle distance W21 course
American sorghum producers are facing a new competitive threat from Brazil, which has opened a major export channel to China while rapidly expanding production of the drought-tolerant grain. As of October 13, 2026, the shift is raising concerns across the U.S. agricultural sector, particularly in the Great Plains, where declining acreage, weather-related yield losses and unpredictable Chinese demand are putting pressure on farm profitability. Brazil's expansion matters because it could reshape a market tha...
American sorghum producers are facing a new competitive threat from Brazil, which has opened a major export channel to China while rapidly expanding production of the drought-tolerant grain. As of October 13, 2026, the shift is raising concerns across the U.S. agricultural sector, particularly in the Great Plains, where declining acreage, weather-related yield losses and unpredictable Chinese demand are putting pressure on farm profitability. Brazil's expansion matters because it could reshape a market that has historically provided American growers with a valuable export outlet.
The competition extends beyond a single crop. After strengthening its position in global soybean, cotton and beef markets, Brazil is now challenging the United States in sorghum, supported by expanding second-crop production, ethanol investments and stronger commercial ties with Chinese buyers. For U.S. farmers, grain elevators, agricultural co-ops and commodity traders, the development raises a critical question: can American sorghum maintain its export competitiveness as international buyers diversify their suppliers?
Brazil's breakthrough became tangible in August when COFCO International shipped approximately 69,000 metric tons of Brazilian sorghum to China from the Port of Santos. The shipment followed a phytosanitary agreement signed between the two countries in November 2024, establishing a new commercial route for the grain. According to COFCO, the cargo was loaded aboard the Guo Yuan 26 vessel for delivery to Guangzhou. The transaction marked a significant milestone for Brazilian exporters and introduced another supplier into a market traditionally dominated by the United States and Australia.
The expansion is already visible in trade statistics. According to Brazil's Foreign Trade Secretariat, as reported by Notícias Agrícolas, Brazil exported approximately 790,800 metric tons of sorghum between January and September 2026, compared with just 105 tons during the same period in 2025. China accounted for roughly 755,600 tons, or 95.5% of those shipments. The sharp increase illustrates how quickly new export opportunities can change the commercial outlook for a crop once largely oriented toward domestic feed and industrial consumption.
Brazilian production is also gaining momentum. Bloomberg reported that the country's sorghum output has more than doubled over the past four years, while Rabobank projects production could reach 10 million metric tons by 2031. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service data for the 2025/26 marketing year place U.S. production at approximately 11.1 million tons and Brazil's at 7 million tons. Although the United States remains ahead in that comparison, the narrowing production gap underscores the growing importance of Brazil in international sorghum markets.
A key advantage for Brazilian growers is the ability to cultivate sorghum as a second crop following the soybean harvest. This production system allows farmers to diversify revenues and use agricultural land across multiple growing seasons. Sorghum's adaptability to different soil and climate conditions also supports expansion in several Brazilian regions. Meanwhile, ethanol manufacturers such as Inpasa are increasing demand for grain processing, creating an additional domestic market that can support production even when international commodity prices fluctuate.
The situation is more challenging for U.S. growers. Bloomberg reported that American sorghum production is expected to decline approximately 33% this season, reflecting reduced planted acreage and drought-related yield losses across the southern Plains. Producers in states such as Kansas, Texas and Nebraska face difficult planting decisions as sorghum competes with corn and soybeans for available acreage. Although sorghum offers drought tolerance and potentially lower input requirements, its economic attractiveness depends heavily on yields, local cash bids, transportation costs and reliable demand.
China remains central to those calculations. The country uses sorghum primarily in livestock feed and the production of baijiu, a traditional distilled beverage. According to Bloomberg, the value of U.S. sorghum exports to China fell to approximately $86 million in 2025, compared with more than $2 billion during stronger trading periods over a decade earlier. Such volatility complicates crop planning and marketing strategies, especially for producers who depend on export demand to support local basis levels and farmgate prices.
However, the latest Chinese import figures show that the United States still maintains a substantial position. Chinese customs data for January through August 2026 indicate that China imported approximately 5.49 million tons of sorghum, including 3.29 million tons from the United States, representing nearly 60% of the total. Australia supplied approximately 1.54 million tons. These figures suggest that Brazil's emergence represents a growing competitive challenge rather than an immediate replacement of American grain in China's import market.
Trade policy could influence how the competition develops. Following September negotiations between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, China announced tariff reductions covering several U.S. agricultural products, including sorghum. Nevertheless, the National Sorghum Producers association has sought stronger purchasing commitments. Its chief executive, Tim Lust, urged the administration to secure annual Chinese purchases of 5 million to 7 million metric tons of American sorghum, according to Bloomberg. For growers, dependable market access may be as important as tariff relief.
The uncertainty is also encouraging some producers to explore alternatives to conventional commodity exports. Bloomberg highlighted Nebraska farmer Brad Dusenbery, who is developing a small milling operation to produce sorghum flour for food manufacturers. The initiative reflects growing interest in domestic value-added markets, specialty grains, organic production and food ingredients. While these outlets cannot immediately replace large-scale export demand, they offer opportunities for farmers and agribusiness investors seeking to diversify revenues and reduce exposure to international trade disputes.
For U.S. grain handlers, processors and agricultural lenders, Brazil's expansion presents both risks and strategic considerations. Greater competition could influence export premiums, regional basis levels, storage decisions and long-term infrastructure investment. At the same time, sorghum's role in livestock feed, renewable fuels and specialty food products creates opportunities to strengthen domestic demand. Producers evaluating future acreage will need to compare expected yields, crop insurance protection, input costs and marketing opportunities rather than relying exclusively on historical Chinese buying patterns.
Brazil's sorghum boom ultimately reflects a broader transformation in global agricultural trade. China is diversifying its grain supply chains while South American producers expand their production and export capacity. The United States remains a major supplier, but maintaining that position will require competitive pricing, dependable trade relationships and stronger domestic market development. For American farmers and agribusiness executives, the question is no longer whether Brazil can compete in sorghum, but how quickly that competition could influence planting decisions, export opportunities and long-term profitability.
Marquinhos during a press conference for the National Team in Kolkata, on the eve of the first-ever friendly between Brazil and IndiaCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBFDefender Marquinhos celebrated the chance to play in the first match in history between Brazil and India. In a press conference this Friday (3), the team captain described this call-up as a "golden opportunity to represent" the National Team in a country so passionate about the Canarinha."I'm very happy to be here. You can see all...
Marquinhos during a press conference for the National Team in Kolkata, on the eve of the first-ever friendly between Brazil and IndiaCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
Defender Marquinhos celebrated the chance to play in the first match in history between Brazil and India. In a press conference this Friday (3), the team captain described this call-up as a "golden opportunity to represent" the National Team in a country so passionate about the Canarinha.
"I'm very happy to be here. You can see all these people here welcoming us. Since yesterday, from the very first day, we arrived to a very warm reception here. It's a golden opportunity to be here representing the Brazilian National Team for this country, for these people who are passionate about football, about the Brazilian National Team, and about all the history it has," he said.
After the two matches against Australia during this FIFA international window, the 32-year-old defender sees this Saturday's friendly (3) as another match for the National Team to gain "more and more confidence."
"We have a goal further ahead, but we also have immediate goals, which are really to regain confidence, get back to playing well, and achieve big wins. And today, here, that's one of our goals: to come here, play a great match tomorrow, get a good win, and keep building more and more confidence," he explained.
Brazil and India will face off at 11 a.m. Brasília time (7:30 p.m. local time) at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium (known as Salt Lake), in Kolkata, with live coverage on TV Globo, sportv, ge tv, and Globoplay.
Marquinhos during a press conference for the National Team in Kolkata, on the eve of the first-ever friendly between Brazil and IndiaCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
Our 4×4 revs up another dune, revealing another handful of freshwater pools tucked into powdery-white sands. Surrounding me is a seemingly endless landscape resembling freshly sieved flour, speckled with lagoons in every conceivable shade of blue. We all leap out of the open-sided vehicle and charge into the crystalline water like giddy kids as Filipe, our guide, sets out beach chairs and parasols like it’s just another day at any other beach. But it isn’t. This is Brazil’s Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Ma...
Our 4×4 revs up another dune, revealing another handful of freshwater pools tucked into powdery-white sands. Surrounding me is a seemingly endless landscape resembling freshly sieved flour, speckled with lagoons in every conceivable shade of blue. We all leap out of the open-sided vehicle and charge into the crystalline water like giddy kids as Filipe, our guide, sets out beach chairs and parasols like it’s just another day at any other beach. But it isn’t. This is Brazil’s Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses – and it’s paradise.
Despite its Unesco inscriptions, plus a record number of foreign visitors travelling to Brazil in 2025, the north-eastern state of Maranhão remains surprisingly unsung internationally.
But that’s set to change this month, when Tap Air Portugal launches the first international flight to São Luís, Maranhão’s capital. The city, roughly four hours west of the park by road, will soon be reachable from the UK via Lisbon.
Filipe steers us deeper into the park before abruptly braking on a descent. “We’ll need to cross on foot.” Two pools have merged, cutting off the track. It’s a common occurrence following the January-to-May rainy season, which replenishes the 155,000-hectare park’s estimated 30,000 pools. We wade through the cool current and scramble up the other side.
There another 4×4 is waiting to deliver us to Rancho Encanto restaurant, the furthest point of our Circuito Rancharia tour, for a spread of sarnambi (a regional clam dish), rice and beans.
On the return, the landscape is even more striking. The Atlantic’s salt-tinged, afternoon breeze has smoothed the sand like crisp linen – lençóis translates to bedsheets – crafting a fresh scene.
Filipe brakes once more. This time to help a rare freshwater capininga turtle hobbling between pools. Back in the equally sand-dusted town of Santo Amaro, I marvel at a canopy of brilliant stars from my hammock.
Early the next morning, we drive 90 minutes to the national park’s main gateway town, Barreirinhas. I’m keen to meet the communities who call this area home. Clambering on to a speedboat at Porto Preguiças, we beeline to small village of Marcelino. Here, at a palm-weaving co-op, leader Sonia Cabral shows me how to thin the palm’s fibres before dyeing them with natural pigments. The finished bags colour the small shop like a rainbow.
At Casa de Farinha in Taupio, we feast on peixada maranhense, a coconut-simmered croaker fish, before touring the community-run mill. Under a corrugated roof, José Maria Diniz Araújo grins as he demonstrates the traditional tools and methods for turning cassava root into local flour. “This Indigenous knowledge needs to be preserved for future generations,” he says.
The following morning, we’re whisked downstream. Mangroves, coconut palms, yachts and flat-bottomed traditional boats blur on the banks, and 90 minutes later we curve towards the coast. To the right, the sun silhouettes volleyball players atop a towering golden dune in Vassouras, a tiny fishing village. We dock opposite in Mandacaru, stretch our legs as we climb the panoramic lighthouse, and refresh with a caipirinha.
Once back aboard, we soon reach Atins Beach and wade through the ripples, luggage held high. A low-fuss fishing village turned kite-surfing hotspot, the coastal town marks the eastern most point of Lençóis Maranhenses. Endless sands are carried here on trade winds from the Delta do Parnaíba in nearby Tutóia.
These grains set an unhurried tempo in the village like an infinite hourglass. An afternoon of swimming and reading on my chalet’s palm-shaded deck feels obligatory.
A four-wheeler bounces us back into the park for a sunset picnic. Delicate pink tones paint the dune’s crests, the candyfloss clouds reflecting in the mirror-like lagoons. As dusk and shifting sands swallow the day’s footsteps, a chorus of cicadas breaks the trance.
Sated by nature, I dive into city life in São Luís. First colonised by the French but famed for the historic centre’s subsequent Portuguese architecture and azulejos (ceramic tiles), the city sprawls across a large island. Five of its neighbourhoods comprise Latin America’s largest urban quilombo (a settlement established by escaped enslaved Africans and Indigenous people), shaping the city’s cuisine, culture, and celebrations.
I’m instantly drawn to the Centro Cultural’s Indigenous art collection before learning how reggae (São Luís is nicknamed the “Brazilian Jamaica”) became the state’s de facto soundtrack.
Across downtown, fluttering flags announce São João, one of Brazil’s biggest festivals. For around 70 days from late May, in giant neighbourhood parties thousands of groups perform Tambor de Crioula, a drum-driven Afro-Brazilian dance, and Bumba Meu Boi, which re-enacts the legendary resurrection of a farmer’s beloved de-tongued ox. I’m lucky enough to be in town for the ear-popping opening ceremony.
Caipirinha in hand, I party until the wee hours while over a hundred performers in sequined costumes dance and pound drums around an ox-headed hoofer.
The atmosphere is electric; the spectacle hypnotising. Rio might have carnival and Copacabana, but Maranhão’s Bumba and “bedsheets” have won me over. I’m already planning my return.
How to get there
Tap Air Portugal flies from Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester, connecting to São Luís via Lisbon twice weekly from late October 2026. Fares start at £1,175 return including a free stopover of up to 10 days in Lisbon or Porto.
Where to stay
Vila Capininga in Santo Amaro has B&B doubles from £89, Atins Charme Chalés from £148 and Blue Tree Premium São Luís from £85.
More Information
The writer was a guest of Maranhão Tourism.
Muller_Era Muller_Era, who also goes by Swaz, is a contributor at Bavarian Football Works. She first began writing for the site in 2022 and then took a break in mid-2023 before returning in early 2025. A medical student by day and Bayern fan by night, Muller_Era may know the stages of sleep, but football won’t let her experience them.Thomas Müller is never going to retire, is he?The Bayern Munich legend and Vancouver Whitecaps attacker recently featured on an episode of the Late Run podcast. In the episode, ...
Muller_Era Muller_Era, who also goes by Swaz, is a contributor at Bavarian Football Works. She first began writing for the site in 2022 and then took a break in mid-2023 before returning in early 2025. A medical student by day and Bayern fan by night, Muller_Era may know the stages of sleep, but football won’t let her experience them.
Thomas Müller is never going to retire, is he?
The Bayern Munich legend and Vancouver Whitecaps attacker recently featured on an episode of the Late Run podcast. In the episode, they look back at his career, and one of the main talking points was Germany’s incredible run in the 2014 World Cup and their ultimate victory. Specifically, Müller provided a behind-the-scenes look at their famous 7-1 win against Brazil.
Brushing off the narrative that Germany’s dominance began during the World Cup, Müller explained that the key players of the tournament were simply carrying momentum from their club careers. After all, the 2013 Champions League final was an all-German affair — Bayern against Dortmund, two teams stacked with German international players.
“Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Manuel Neuer — we were all at very good moments in our careers. So we could feel that we had a chance. But actually delivering on that potential was another thing,” he explained.
He was then asked about the semifinal against Brazil — whether the team was surprised, and how they approached the second half while leading 5-0.
Müller reveals that the team was not surprised — rather, they were shocked. “We looked at each other in the locker room: ‘5–0.’ It had actually happened,” he said.
Breaking down the game, the Raumdeuter said that he has watched the match back multiple times for various reasons.
“The first 15 minutes were slow. Both teams were nervous. There were lots of misplaced passes on both sides,” he said.
But the opening goal, scored by Müller, changed the course of the game.
“You could feel the pressure on Brazil because they were playing at home. It was simply too much. After the second goal, they lost their minds a little. They made some stupid mistakes becausethey wanted to fight back so hard. And then suddenly it was 5–0,” he recounted. “Between roughly the 15th and 28th minute, we scored five goals in a World Cup semifinal.”
He then revealed that their manager Joachim Löw gave them clear instructions to play calmly and with respect. However, the attacker had apparently picked a small fight with David Luiz over a duel.
“During the last 15 minutes, I think he wanted to hit me once or twice. So I was just running away from him. No matter where the ball was going, he was there,” he went on. “I was thinking: ‘No, I don’t want the ball. Please stand next to Dante instead,’” he laughed.
Beating Brazil at home not only made this an extremely memorable World Cup for Germany,but it also showcased the extraordinary quality of that squad. One can only hope that Germany returns with a similar mentality to make history again.
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