Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Maranhão
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, located in northeastern Brazil's Maranhão state, is a striking natural reserve renowned for its expansive fields of white sand dunes and seasonal freshwater lagoons. Established in 1981 and covering approximately 155,000 hectares, the park stretches along 70 kilometers of Atlantic coastline. Unlike typical deserts, it receives substantial rainfall, primarily between January and May, which fills the valleys between dunes with crystal-clear lagoons that can reach depths of up to three meters. These lagoons are sustained by an impermeable rock layer beneath the sand, preventing drainage. The park's unique ecosystem includes dunes, mangroves, restinga vegetation, and cerrado areas, supporting diverse wildlife such as the endangered scarlet ibis, neotropical otter, oncilla, and West Indian manatee. Visitors are drawn by the surreal landscape, opportunities for ecotourism activities like surfing, canoeing, and horseback riding, and the chance to experience the vibrant biodiversity. In 2024, UNESCO recognized Lençóis Maranhenses as a World Heritage Site for its exceptional natural beauty and uniqueness worldwide.
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Tip: The best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses is during the rainy season from January to June when the lagoons are full and vibrant. Visitors should consider booking guided tours in advance, especially during peak months, to explore safely and fully experience the park’s highlights. Discounts may be available for groups or during off-peak periods. Access to the park is possible via Barreirinhas, which can be reached by road, river, or air from São Luís. Visitors are advised to prepare for hot temperatures and bring adequate sun protection and water.
Interesting facts
- •The park covers about 155,000 hectares with 70 kilometers of Atlantic coastline.
- •The dunes can reach heights of up to 40 meters (130 feet).
- •During the rainy season, lagoons can cover up to 41% of the park's area.
- •The park is home to four endangered species: scarlet ibis, neotropical otter, oncilla, and West Indian manatee.
- •Lençóis Maranhenses was used as the filming location for the fictional planet Vormir in the Marvel films Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
- •The lagoons have temperatures ranging from 27.5°C to 32°C and low nutrient levels, creating a unique aquatic environment.
History
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park was officially established on June 2, 1981, to protect its unique sand dune landscapes and associated ecosystems.
The park's dunes were formed during the late Quaternary period through sand transported by nearby rivers and shaped by strong winds.
Over the decades, the park has gained recognition for its ecological importance and scenic beauty, culminating in its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2024.
The protected area has been managed to conserve its endangered species and maintain its distinctive natural features while promoting sustainable ecotourism.
Place Guide
Sand DunesLate Quaternary period
The park’s iconic rolling sand dunes, formed by wind-driven sand, rise up to 40 meters tall and create a vast, desert-like landscape that changes with the seasons.
Freshwater LagoonsNatural seasonal phenomenon
Seasonal lagoons fill the valleys between dunes during the rainy months, with depths up to 3 meters, sustained by an impermeable rock layer beneath the sand.
Restinga and Mangrove Ecosystems
Areas within the park support restinga vegetation and mangrove forests, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological complexity of the region.
Contact
Phone: (98) 3349-1267
