Lençóis Maranhenses

Unique national park featuring massive white sand dunes interspersed with freshwater lagoons creating otherworldly landscapes. Adventure seekers and photographers visit for its surreal natural beauty found nowhere else on Earth.

Things to do

• Lagoon Hopping by Jeep — Explore the park's most famous lagoons like Lagoa Azul and Lagoa da Betume in a guided 4WD tour, stopping to swim in crystalline freshwater pools surrounded by towering dunes.
• Sunrise Dune Trek — Hike to the highest dunes at dawn to witness the sun rising over the sand sea, with views stretching across dozens of freshwater lagoons below.
• Lagoa da Betume Visit — Wade through shallow lagoons ringed by white sand dunes and spot endemic wildlife like caiman and wading birds in their natural habitat.
• Photography at Golden Hour — Capture the otherworldly landscape during sunset when dunes turn golden and lagoon reflections create mirror-like surfaces perfect for surreal compositions.
• Caburé Beach Exploration — Trek through dunes to reach this remote coastal beach at the park's edge where ocean meets sand dunes in dramatic fashion.
• Sandboarding and Sledding — Slide down steep dune faces using wooden boards or sleds, a thrilling way to descend the massive sand mountains.

Food to try

• Peixe na Brasa — Fresh grilled fish caught daily from the Atlantic and prepared over charcoal with lime and palm oil, a coastal Northeast staple.
• Arroz de Coco — Creamy coconut rice cooked with fresh coconut milk and served as a side dish reflecting the region's tropical abundance.
• Carangueijo na Panela — Whole crab slow-cooked in a clay pot with spices and palm oil, a specialty in fishing villages surrounding the national park.
• Tucupi com Jambu — Traditional Amazonian yellow broth made from cassava root served with jambu leaves that create a numbing sensation on the palate.
• Açaí na Tigela

Local customs & good to know

• Visit During Dry Season — Plan your trip between May and September when lagoons are at their fullest and access is easiest; avoid October to April rainy season.
• Hire Local Guides — Support the community by using certified local guides who provide essential knowledge about safe routes, wildlife, and authentic cultural insights.
• Respect the Ecosystem — The park is fragile; stay on marked paths, take all trash with you, and avoid touching lagoon vegetation to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Learn Basic Portuguese — Few English speakers exist in park lodges and villages, so basic Portuguese phrases greatly enhance interactions with locals and lodge staff.