The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is one of the most surprising landscapes in Brazil.
Spanning 1,550 square kilometres (600 square miles), this protected area in the northeastern state of Maranhão features a surreal mix of white sand dunes, seasonal freshwater lagoons, mangroves, and remote fishing villages. At first glance, it looks like a desert, but it’s unlike any desert you’ve ever seen. For those seeking both beauty and uniqueness, there’s no better place to start.
Here are 10 interesting facts about Lençóis Maranhenses that explain why it’s one of the most extraordinary places to visit in Brazil.
1 – It’s not actually a desert
Let’s start by busting one of the biggest myths. Although it resembles a classic desert with rolling dunes and no visible vegetation, Lençóis Maranhenses is not technically a desert. In fact, it receives around 1,600 mm of rain annually, more than London or Berlin.
The reason it looks so dry is the endless stretch of sand dunes, but the environment is much more complex. This high rainfall transforms the landscape every year, filling the dunes with freshwater lagoons. Among the many facts about Lençóis Maranhenses, this contrast is one of the most striking.
2 – Timing Is Everything When You Visit Lençóis Maranhenses
One of the key facts about Lencois Maranhenses is that the landscape changes dramatically with the seasons. From January to June, rains fill the dunes with freshwater lagoons. Between June and August, they’re at their peak, perfect for swimming and photography. By September, many begin to dry up, revealing a more desert-like terrain.
But no matter the month, traveling here is worthwhile. Each season offers a different way to experience this surreal region, from lagoon-filled hikes to dune crossings under wide, open skies.
Julius Dadalti
3 – The dunes can reach up to 40 meters high
If you’re wondering just how massive Brazil’s sand dunes can get, Lençóis Maranhenses will surprise you. Some dunes rise up to 40 meters, the equivalent of a 10-storey building. Walking across them feels like stepping into another world.
The sand is fine, pale, and soft underfoot, and each climb reveals sweeping views of blue and green lagoons nestled in the valleys below. It’s physically demanding but visually rewarding, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light paints the dunes in golden tones.
4 – Some lagoons have fish
Yes, some of these temporary rainwater lagoons actually contain fish. One of the most fascinating species found in Lençóis Maranhenses Brazil is the traíra, or wolf fish. During the dry season, it buries itself in the mud and enters a state of dormancy, only to re-emerge when the rains return.
This natural adaptation is one of the most interesting facts about Lençóis Maranhenses, showing how resilient and unexpected life can be in such an extreme and changeable environment.
5 – It’s Famous Beyond Brazil
Lençóis Maranhenses isn’t just a hidden gem, it’s made its way onto the global stage. Its surreal landscape of white dunes and rain-filled lagoons has been featured in commercials, documentaries, and even major Hollywood productions.
Most notably, scenes from Avengers: Infinity War set on the fictional planet Vormir were filmed right here, capturing the park’s otherworldly atmosphere for millions of viewers worldwide.
Marvel
6 – The area has been inhabited for centuries
While it might look untouched, the area has a long human history. Villages like Queimada dos Britos and Baixa Grande, located deep within the dunes, have been inhabited for generations. The families there live in harmony with the environment, depending on small-scale agriculture, fishing, and in recent years, sustainable tourism.
Their presence adds cultural depth to the region, showing that Brazil’s sand dunes are not just a scenic backdrop but a living, breathing community space.
7 – Not just sightseeing: plenty of adventure
If you’re just looking to snap a few photos and leave, you’re missing the point. This national park offers serious adventure for those willing to dive in, sometimes literally. From multi-day treks through the dunes, to overnight stays in remote oases, to kayaking and 4×4 expeditions, the region is designed for active travelers.
Some even head to Atins to go kitesurfing. It’s not just about admiring nature from a distance, the real thrill of visiting Lençóis Maranhenses is in becoming part of it.
Ma Rabelo
8 – Access Points
There are three main gateways to Lençóis Maranhenses Brazil: Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro, and Atins. Barreirinhas is the most developed, offering daily tours and river transport. Santo Amaro is quieter, with easier access to some of the most stunning lagoons, perfect for travelers who want to avoid crowds. Atins is more remote and laid-back, popular with backpackers and kite surfers.
Each access point offers a different way to explore this unique region, whether you’re seeking convenience, immersion, or solitude.
9 – You’ll probably lose your sense of direction
Among the most surprising facts about Lencois Maranhenses is how easy it is to lose your bearings once you’re deep inside the park. The landscape repeats itself in every direction, endless hills of white sand with no roads, signs, or clear landmarks. It’s part of what makes the experience so surreal.
That’s why guided tours are highly recommended, not only for safety but to ensure you actually reach the lagoons and remote villages worth visiting. But getting a bit disoriented is also part of the charm. Many travelers say that’s when the magic begins, when you stop trying to control the journey and let the landscape take over. Few places in the world allow for such a complete disconnect from the everyday.
10 – Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site
In 2024, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park received one of the world’s highest recognitions: it was officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This status highlights not only the park’s surreal beauty, but also its ecological importance and the need for long-term preservation.
With its rare combination of vast white dunes, seasonal rainwater lagoons, mangroves, and traditional communities, the park stands out as a unique natural and cultural landscape, not just in Brazil, but globally. For visitors, it means exploring Lençóis Maranhenses is not just a visual experience, but a journey through one of Earth’s truly exceptional environments.
Come Meet the Lençóis Maranhenses With Us!
Now that you’ve discovered 10 facts about Lençóis Maranhenses, why stop at reading? Come experience it for yourself. At PlanetaEXO, we go beyond the usual tourist trails and take you straight into the heart of Lençóis Maranhenses Brazil, connecting you with local guides, remote communities, and off-the-beaten-path lagoons rarely seen by other travelers.
Whether you’re after a comfortable stay with 4×4 excursions or a multi-day trek across the dunes, sleeping in traditional villages and swimming in untouched lagoons, we help you explore the park in a way that’s immersive, responsible, and unforgettable.
We take care of the details so your journey is safer, smoother, and more authentic, leaving you free to enjoy the adventure.
