Lençóis Maranhenses Nature’s Dazzling Mirage in Northeast Brazil

Travel Blog of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

“Lençóis Maranhenses: Nature’s Dazzling Mirage in Northeast Brazil”

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil is one of the most spectacular landscapes you would have ever seen; you will photograph it for days on end. Perfectly shaped white sand dunes filled with crystal-clear fresh water as far as the eye can see. It’s hard to believe—and almost seems out of this world—but this natural landscape is real and is waiting for you to visit.

Nestled in Maranhão, northeastern Brazil, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park unfolds across roughly 155,000 hectares of surreal beauty where vast white dunes stretch for over 70 km along the coast and 50 km inland. Its name—meaning “bedsheets of Maranhão”—perfectly captures the illusion of bedding-like sands draped across the landscape

The Natural Phenomenon

During a month-long journey through Northeast Brazil I kept hearing rumours of a remote coastal region near Jericoacoa, a little-known national park with the draw of a surreal natural phenomenon. The park is a small spit of land that, over hundreds of years of erosion, has morphed into sweeping sand dunes giving it the appearance of a miniature desert. But it’s not a desert at all. This fact becomes immediately apparent when you see the vast amounts of fresh water puddled in between the dunes.Unlike typical deserts, Lençóis Maranhenses receives significant rainfall—about 1,200 mm annually—that transforms the terrain between January and June into a mosaic of crystal-clear freshwater lagoons, especially enchanting from May to August Brazilian Exploration. These temporary lagoons, fed by rain but prevented from draining by underlying impermeable rock, offer glistening pools that dot the dunes in vibrant blue and emerald hues

Wildlife & Ecosystems Lençóis Maranhenses National Park boasts a unique ecosystem where white sand dunes intersect with freshwater lagoons, supporting a diverse array of wildlife including lizards, turtles, fish (like the wolf fish), and over 110 bird species. This transition zone between the Cerrado, Caatinga, and Amazon biomes also features restingas and mangroves, creating a dynamic landscape with temporary lakes that support a quick life cycle for many aquatic creatures.

Despite its stark beauty, the park harbors surprising biodiversity. It’s a heaven for endangered species like the scarlet ibis, neotropical otter, oncilla, and West Indian manatee, alongside a rich array of many bird species, 42 reptiles, and over 130 plant species woven across biomes including Cerrado, Caatinga, and Amazon Assignment Point. Every rainy season, resilient fish emerge after burrowing in the lagoon beds, and migratory birds flock here, making it a popular spot for birdwatching

Visitor Experience & Accessibility

Gateway towns like Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro offer access via 4×4 tours, walking circuits, and boat rides to lagoons such as Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Bonita, and Lagoa da Preguiça—the latter being perennial and swim-friendly year-round.

Remote circuits and multi-day treks open paths through primitive zones such as Queimada dos Britos, where visitors can overnight in oases and sand dunes under strict conservation guidelines

Travel to the park typically involves flying into São Luís, then journeying 4–5 hours by road to Barreirinhas; Santo Amaro is an alternative access route

In July 2024, UNESCO designated Lençóis Maranhenses as a World Natural Heritage Site, recognizing its extraordinary aesthetic and ecological value—and raising its profile as a must-visit for eco-conscious travelers.

How to Get There

To get to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, you should fly to São Luís (SLZ), which has the nearest major airport, and then travel overland to a gateway town like Barreirinhas or Santo Amaro do Maranhão, from which you can take a four-wheel-drive vehicle on a guided tour into the park. The best time to visit is between May and September when the lagoons are full of water.

Transfer to a Gateway Town:

From São Luís, you will need to take a transfer to one of the gateway towns to the park.

• Barreirinhas: This is the most popular gateway town, offering various tours and accommodation options.

• Santo Amaro do Maranhão: Another option for accessing the park, with transport available from the airport.

• Humberto de Campos and Primeira Cruz: These are other smaller towns that can also provide access to the park.

Things to Do

The best way to explore the park is to hop on a buggy or jeep with an experienced guide, who can take you to all the beautiful swimming lagoons. Some of the lagoons at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park are huge. Lagoa Bonita and Lagoa Azul are near the town of Barreirinhas. Lagoa Tropical, also worth a visit, is closer to the village of Atins. Lagoa da Gaivota (Seagull Lagoon), one of the park's largest and most beautiful, is near Santo Amaro do Maranhão, a village located about 60 miles from Barreirinhas.

When you've finished with the dunes, you can take a boat ride on the Preguiças River with a stop at Pequenos Lençóis to visit the lighthouse in Mandacaru or go tubing on the Formiga River in Cardosa. For the best view of the park, you can arrange a fly-over tour in a small airplane from Barreirinhas and if you feel like exploring more dunes, you can book a day-trip to Pequenos Lençóis, also known as Little Lençóis, which has the same kind of landscape but is much smaller.

Where to Stay

There are no campgrounds or amenities in the park, so visitors spend the night in Barreirinhas and nearby towns. In this region, you can find basic accommodation like pousadas as well as more upscale hotels and resorts.

• La Ferme de Georges: In the small village of Atins, this design hotel is made up of luxury chalets that look out over the dunes and has a high-quality restaurant that specializes in locally sourced ingredients and regional cuisine.

• Porto Preguiças Resort: This highly-acclaimed resort has approximately 100 rooms on the property and offers a pool, room service, and complimentary breakfast.

• Barreirinhas Hotels Pousada Estrela Da Manha: Within walking distance of town, this affordable hotel made of small family-friendly chalets is very well-reviewed.

• Barreirinhas Hotels Pousada Recanto Das Orquideas : Promising good views in its name, this basic budget-friendly hotel is quiet and clean, but sits on the edge of town overlooking the Preguiça River.

The park is about 156 miles from São Luís, the state capital, and access to the park is controlled by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBIO), meaning only certified agencies can take travelers into the park. The gateway to the park is Barreirinhas, a town located about 156 miles from São Luís. Buses run between São Luis ad Barreirrinhas, but you could also take a charter flight from the São Luís International Airport.

If you rent a car, the drive from São Luis takes approximately four hours. First, you'll drive south on BR-135 until you can go east on BR-402. Eventually, you will get on MA-255 and can follow signs for Barreirinhas. From Jericoacoara National Park, another beautiful and protected dune area, the drive takes approximately seven hours, following BR-402 all the west until the road changes to the MA-325.

The trip along the coast from Lençóis Maranhenses National Park to Jericoacoara, Ceará covers beautiful and still pristine shores, including the short coast of Piauí and the spectacular Parnaíba Delta. Some longer tours, lasting about eight days, might include a stop at Seven Cities National Park, a fascinating archaeological site with unique rock formations. Some of the hotels in Barreirinhas offer transfers to Jericoacoara or you can sign up for a guided tour with adventure travel operators that specialize in the area's attractions.

Tips for Your Visit

• It's possible to book tours in advance online, but you can also wait until you arrive in Barreirinhas to compare the prices and itineraries of different excursions. When traveling in Brazil, booking tours in person is standard practice.

• Although there are guides who speak many languages, not all guides will speak English, so booking in person will also help you confirm that your tour will be in your desired language.

• The best time to visit the park is roughly from May to September, when it's sunny, yet the lagoons are still full. Always assume it will be hot in Lençóis Maranhenses. Temperatures often reach the high 90s, even during the Brazilian winter (June through September).

• Protect yourself with sunblock and a hat while visiting. The wind is a major cooling factor in Lençóis Maranhenses, and so are the park's lagoons, but the UV rays are strong.

• Expect to find great fresh seafood at local restaurants. In Barreirinhas, one of the most famous places serving regional food is Restaurante do Carlão. You'll also find treats such as diverse as pizza, tapioca, and ice cream made from native fruit at restaurants around the city.

• Sandboarding is another rare sport you might see in the park, but if you don't have your own board, you will need to ask around Barreirinhas to find a tour operator who specifically runs these types of excursions.

• The park's sandy banks and lagoons make it a perfect playground for the niche sport of wakeskating, which is similar to wakeboarding. Like sandboarding, you may need to ask around in-person to find a guide that can offer this service as it can be difficult to get a boat out into the dunes.

Final Thoughts

Lençóis Maranhenses isn’t your typical beach or desert—it defies classification, offering ethereal dunes, seasonal lagoons, and a vibrant ecosystem all rolled into one breathtaking landscape. Perfect for adventurous travelers, photographers, or anyone craving the extraordinary, this natural wonder leaves a lingering sense of awe long after the journey ends.

Explore the dunes and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park on foot

Fresh water pooled in sand dunes is a sight to behold.

Preguiças River with a stop at Pequenos Lençóis to visit the lighthouse

lagoons at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Sunset in Santo Amaro

Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Lençóis Maranhenses

Optimal Timing & Weather

Best season: Visit between June and September when the lagoons are fullest and conditions are ideal for both exploring and swimming.

Avoid the rainy months (January–May), which can make access difficult and result in fewer lagoons.

Getting There & Getting Around

Arrival point: Fly into São Luís, then travel by road (~4–5 hours) to Barreirinhas, the main gateway town.

Alternative entry: Consider Santo Amaro do Maranhão for faster access to lagoons like Lagoa da Gaivota.

Transport within the park: Use 4×4 vehicles or guided trekking tours to traverse dunes and reach the lagoons—walking may be strenuous in deep sand.

Essential Packing & Gear

Sun protection: Pack high-SPF sunscreen (30–50+), a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses (preferably polarized), and lightweight, breathable clothes.

Quick-dry and comfortable attire: Opt for clothing that dries fast, like shorts or a swimsuit under lightweight layers, useful for interspersed lagoon dips.

Footwear & swim essentials: Bring sturdy sandals, swimwear, and possibly a microfiber towel. Swim Hair Mask

Hydration & snacks: Carry enough water (refillable bottles preferred) and energy-boosting snacks—both vital across hot dunes with limited services.

Insect care: Insect repellent is recommended for evenings or near vegetation.

Extras to consider: Rain gear Rain Coat for men and women (for early season), cash (small BRL bills for remote areas), first-aid kit, camera or waterproof bag, and a lightweight daypack dayaypack for women , Waterproof Phone Pouch

Activities & Experiences Not to Miss

Dune surfing and lagoon hopping: Popular lagoons like Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita are ideal for swimming and photos.

Boat tours: Cruise on the Preguiças River to explore villages like Mandacaru and Caburé, and climb the lighthouse for panoramic views.

Scenic flights: Helicopter or small-plane flights offer breathtaking aerial views of the dunes and lagoons

Full Day Tour: Santo Amaro Lagoons :Discover a hidden side of Lençóis Maranhenses with our unique full day tour. Come explore the best the region has to offer with us!
An expedition to admire different scenarios of the paradise of Santo Amaro - Lençóis Maranhenses.

Circuit with Kite Lagoon and Ponta do Mangue:
Set off on an immersive day tour through the raw beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses with the Atins Discovery Circuit — a perfect mix of scenic nature, rustic villages, and regional flavors.

Primitive Zone treks:One-day trail with 12 km of trekking (from Lagoa Azul to Lagoa Bonita).
This adventure is for you who want a deeper immersion in the wonderful Lenções Maranhenses National Park.

Nighttime delights: Special experiences like moonlit lagoon swims and watching bioluminescent plankton at Atins are magical and romantic.

Safety, Sustainability & Local Culture

Hire licensed guides: Essential in remote terrain lacking clear paths.

Follow park regulations: No motorized vehicles in protected zones, no fires or littering, and avoid contaminating lagoon waters with lotions or oils.

Support local communities: Visit oases, taste regional dishes, buy crafts, and engage in cultural tours—this directly supports the park’s residents.