Lençois Maranhenses National Park

One of Brazil’s most spectacular natural attractions, the Parque Nacional dos Lençois Maranhenses consists of a vast desert of gleaming white sand dunes – some of which reach heights of 165 feet – that bear a resemblance to billowing lençois (Portuguese for “sheets”). Each year, when the rains come (December-May), the dunes’ valleys fill with water, forming thousands of bewitchingly blue lagoons whose placid surfaces reflect the sky and clouds. The Rhode Island-sized park lies 155 miles east of Maranhão’s colonial capital of São Luis. No cars are allowed in the park, but Jeeps and boats can take you to within close proximity of areas that ...

One of Brazil’s most spectacular natural attractions, the Parque Nacional dos Lençois Maranhenses consists of a vast desert of gleaming white sand dunes – some of which reach heights of 165 feet – that bear a resemblance to billowing lençois (Portuguese for “sheets”). Each year, when the rains come (December-May), the dunes’ valleys fill with water, forming thousands of bewitchingly blue lagoons whose placid surfaces reflect the sky and clouds. The Rhode Island-sized park lies 155 miles east of Maranhão’s colonial capital of São Luis. No cars are allowed in the park, but Jeeps and boats can take you to within close proximity of areas that can be explored on foot (with guides). The town of Barreirinhas is the main access point to the park, but rustic villages such as Atins and Santo Amaro are more atmospheric, less touristy alternatives.

About the Expert

Michael Sommers is the author of Moon Brazil and Moon Rio, as well as the blog Thrill of Brazil. He has been living in Salvador, Brazil since 1999.