This breathtaking aerial view captures Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, a protected gem in the northeastern Brazilian state of Maranhão. Unlike any other landscape on Earth, the park features endless white sand dunes interspersed with temporary freshwater lagoons that appear during the rainy season.
“We understand what special conditions give rise to the morphology of the Lençóis Maranhenses dune field.” — Eric Parteli, physicist
The lagoons, shimmering against the dunes, are at their fullest between June and September, making this the ideal time for visitors to experience the park’s unique beauty. Spanning some 155,000 hectares, Lençóis Maranhenses is the largest park of its kind in South America. Its striking combination of desert and water ecosystems recently earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, recognizing its ecological and cultural significance.
“This remarkable landscape of dunes and lagoons, shaped by exceptional climatic and geological conditions, will now enjoy the highest level of international protection.” — Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General
Every year, as the rains pour in and fresh water seeps between the towering white dunes, stunning blue‑green lagoons form, creating a surreal interplay of sand and water rarely seen anywhere else. This dynamic environment is home to a variety of fish and migratory birds that have adapted to survive the park’s extreme conditions. Visitors often describe walking among the dunes and lagoons as like stepping into a dreamscape — where nature’s contrasts are on full display.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply a traveler seeking a truly unique experience, Lençóis Maranhenses offers an unforgettable glimpse into one of Brazil’s most extraordinary landscapes.
