Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses · 마라냥주 (바헤이리냐스)
Location
Overview
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, in the northeastern Brazilian state of Maranhão, is a vast desert of blindingly white sand dunes covering roughly 155,000 hectares. During the rainy season (about January to May), rainwater collects in the valleys between the dunes to form thousands of emerald and turquoise freshwater lagoons — a surreal landscape whose name means 'bedsheets of Maranhão.' It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2024, and after a record ~650,000 visitors in 2025 the park authority (ICMBio) is, as of 2026, studying limits on visitor numbers. The key is to come between May and September when the lagoons are full; the two most famous circuits are Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita.
Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) and Lagoa Bonita (Beautiful Lagoon) — the two most popular 4x4 circuits from Barreirinhas
The striking contrast of rolling snow-white dunes stretching to the horizon, dotted with turquoise freshwater pools
Swimming in the lagoons — shallow, warm and clear, like natural infinity pools amid the sand
Sunset from a dune ridge, with the sky mirrored in the still lagoon water
The rare 'desert of water' phenomenon itself — lagoons that appear and vanish with the seasons
Good to know
SeasonThe lagoons are seasonal. They are fullest from May to September (especially June–September) and mostly dry up around October–December. If turquoise pools are your goal, you must time your trip for the post-rains window.
SafetyThis is a shadeless desert. Prepare for intense equatorial sun and heat: bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and plenty of water, and beware that midday sand can be scorching to bare feet. There are no lifeguards at the lagoons, so swim at your own risk.
RulesThe dune interior with the lagoons can only be entered with an accredited guide and 4x4 vehicle. With visitor numbers surging, ICMBio is reviewing entry caps in 2026, so book tours and lodging ahead — especially in peak season (June–August).
MannersThis is a UNESCO natural heritage site and a fragile ecosystem. Carry out all your trash, do not trample or damage the vegetation, and avoid leaving pollutants such as sunscreen or soap in the lagoons.
CautionBook through travel agencies and guides accredited by ICMBio (credenciamento). Street touts and unlicensed guides risk overcharging and safety issues. Before booking, confirm whether the tour is shared or private and whether entry fee, vehicle and guide are included.
SafetyThis is a remote region with limited hospitals, ATMs and currency exchange. Carry enough Brazilian reais in cash (small shops and local tours may not take cards), and allow ample travel time — the road from São Luís to Barreirinhas takes about 4 hours.
Practical info
The main gateway is Barreirinhas, about a 4-hour drive (~250 km) from the state capital São Luís, with additional access via Santo Amaro and Primeira Cruz. The lagoon fields are visited on half-day 4x4 tours from Barreirinhas (Lagoa Azul or Lagoa Bonita), running in morning and afternoon departures. Opening hours, entrance fees and tour prices (shared 4x4 tours are roughly 160–220 BRL per person) change with the season and policy, so always confirm the latest details with ICMBio and an accredited local operator before booking.
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