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    Aerial view of sand dunes and lagoons at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

    Luxury Travel to
    Lençóis Maranhenses made for you

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    Stunning scenery

    Explore the beautiful lagoons, including Lagoa Bonita and Lagoa Azul

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    Water sports and activities

    Explore the crystal waters by kite surfing, swimming or boat trips

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    Dune adventures

    Summit the sand dunes on a dune buggy or ATV

    A hypnotic landscape of freshwater lagoons and desert dunes

    Head off the beaten path in Brazil, journeying far north to the coast of Maranhão, and you’ll be rewarded with a remarkable sight: hues of emeralds, sapphires and tourmaline dancing in the desert lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.

    Covering over 1500 square kilometres and officially recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the park is named lençóis (a Portuguese word that translates to sheets), for its rippling white sand dunes, which drape like fabric across the vast landscapes. During the months of May to September, freshwater lakes of different sizes and depths form in the barchan dunes, creating a hypnotically beautiful patchwork of blues across the horizon.

    Ever shifting in the gentle wind, the captivating jewel toned lakes and pearlescent dunes form a never seen before pattern with each new day. Plunge into the refreshing waters for a swim, or climb the dunes for a truly magical sunset picnic. The two main lagoons are Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita, but there are hundreds more to explore throughout the park. 

    There are a handful of villages nearby, home to traditional fishing communities and a scattering of boutique hotels. In nearby Atins, you can navigate the river on a boat or kayaking tour, or try your hand at kite surfing on the warm, shallow waters. Beyond the area’s numerous hiking trails, both dune buggying and quadbike tours offer a thrilling way to summit the undulating dunes.

    The beaches and mangroves of the region are home to a variety of wildlife, including an endemic species of turtles, migratory birds, such as blue-winged teals, and lilies that bloom with vibrant colour after the rains.

    Highlights

    Marvel at the breathtaking sight of crystalline lakes formed among the sand dunes

    Explore the landscapes of the national park by hiking, dune buggying or 4×4

    Swim in the hypnotic blue waters of Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita

    The windy climate and warm, shallow water make ideal conditions for kitesurfing

    Lençóis Maranhenses is one of Brazil’s most otherworldly landscapes, and while it may be far from the well-trodden trails, the journey is most definitely worth it. To explore these majestic panoramas is to feel as if you’re on another planet.

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    Charles Kronsten

    Senior Travel Designer

    Why book with Jacada?

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    Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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    Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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    Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your Lençóis Maranhenses tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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    When to visit

    The best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses is during the months of May to September, as this is when the lagoons are at their fullest and the most visually impressive. Rainfall from January to June gradually fills the lagoons up, creating a dazzling landscape that allows for watersports and exploration.

    Lençóis Maranhenses has a tropical climate, and you can expect hot sunny days with average temperatures of around 31°C (88°F) during this time.

    Best to visit main icon

    Best to visit

    May–September

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    Rainy season

    January–June

    When is the Best Time to Visit Brazil?

    When is the Best Time to Visit Brazil?

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    Plan your trip to Lençóis Maranhenses

    Whatever you want from your adventure in Lençóis Maranhenses, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Plan with peace of mind

    When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.

    If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.

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