In northeastern Brazil, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park stuns visitors with an otherworldly landscape: endless white dunes carved by wind and dotted with hundreds of vivid, seasonal freshwater lagoons, the BBC reported.
Driven by strong coastal winds, towering dunes rising up to 30 meters are pushed inland from the Atlantic. During the rainy season, which lasts from January to June, heavy rainfall collects in natural basins between the dunes, forming crystal-clear lagoons that persist for months, held in place by an impermeable layer beneath the sand.
Such a blend of sand and freshwater is quite rare, which is why Lençóis Maranhenses has drawn international attention. Each year, visitor numbers have grown. In 2024, for example, park authorities reported more than 550,000 arrivals. That same year, the park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Exploring the park
To get acquainted with Lençóis Maranhenses, visitors are offered guided day trips or multi-day treks. According to park officials and experienced travelers, the best way to do so is walking barefoot across dunes, lagoons and small traditional communities within the park. On multi-day hikes, which usually last three to five days, guests spend nights in local villages.
The best time to visit is from June to September, when the lagoons are full of water. July and August see the most visitors, offering prime conditions for both swimming and hiking. Later in the dry season, many lagoons begin to evaporate.
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