Brazil’s Hidden Treasure: the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Brazil is one of the most exotic countries on Earth. Although, the majority of its area is explored by tourist, there is one hidden treasure few know about: the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
Located east of Baía de São José, Lençóis Maranhenses looks nothing like a usual desert. In fact, it’s more like an endless piece of pure white, almost flat land. At first look, one may say it’s a unique type of desert. After all, it is a 580 square miles of sand dunes, with frequent rain and zero vegetation. Yet, it is one of the most fascinating national parks worldwide.

The area is located close to the Amazon Basin, which makes it prone to plenty of rain at the beginning of each year. During each rain season, fresh water gathers in the valleys between sand dunes. Due to a thick layer of impermeable rock lying underneath the sand, the small pools keep increasing in size, reaching their fullest between July and September.

Because of their angle, area and depth, each water formation has a different, breathtaking color, ranging from deep blue to transparent green and even dark indigo.
Besides the breathtaking scenery, visitors can also get a glimpse of the life of Caeté Indians.
Lençóis Maranhenses is definitely the right place to visit for tourists, who love to explore outside their gated resort.

UnusualPlaces Field Notes

Location

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão, Brazil

Coordinates

-2.536667, -43.063611

Access

Visit with accredited guides/drivers and authorized vehicles. Private-vehicle tours, unauthorized vehicles and domestic animals are prohibited. Park is open to visitors year-round.

Admission

No ICMBio park entry fee; authorized transport and guide services are charged separately

Time needed

ICMBio’s 2026 visitor-conductor notice distinguishes local walks, which can take a few hours or up to a day, from the regional long-distance crossing, which requires at least one overnight and may take up to 28 days. These are route categories, not a single duration for visiting the whole park; confirm the chosen itinerary and guide requirements with an authorized local operator.

Best season

Lagoon levels depend on rainfall; check current conditions with an accredited local operator before choosing dates.

Opening hours

Park open for visits year-round; daily access times and tour schedules depend on the local authorized operator and attraction.

Location checked

2026-09-25

Facts checked

2026-09-30

Map marks the area, not a visitor entrance.

Location

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