Lençóis Maranhenses
Brazil
The "Maranhão Bedsheets", 1500km² of white sand dunes rising from a flat coastal plain, filled between July and September with hundreds of turquoise and emerald rainwater lagoons. One of the most surreal landscapes on Earth, reached from São Luís via the Preguiças River delta.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- São Luís
UNESCO city of 18th-century Portuguese azulejo-tiled facades, the largest collection of colonial tiles outside Europe. Bumba-meu-boi festival fills the streets in June.
- Barreirinhas
Gateway town on the Preguiças River. Boats run upriver to Caburé and the lagoons; jeep tours depart at dawn for the dune interior.
- Lagoa Azul
The most celebrated lagoon in the dune field, clear water trapped between white sand with no vegetation. Colour shifts from turquoise to deep blue through the day.
- Lagoa Bonita
A large, remote lagoon deep in the dune field, reached by jeep at sunrise. One of the finest viewpoints over the 1500 sq km dune and lagoon system.
- Caburé
A sand-spit village where the Preguiças River narrows before meeting the sea, reached by boat. Freshwater and saltwater merge beneath coconut palms.
- Atins
Remote fishing village where the Preguiças River meets the Atlantic, reachable by 4WD along the beach at low tide. Kite surfers, dugout canoes, total peace.
Where to Eat
- Restaurante BambaêSeafood
Offers fresh seafood dishes with a view of the Preguiças River.
- O BambuBrazilian
Serves traditional Brazilian cuisine in a rustic setting.
- La Terrazza PizzariaItalian
Known for its wood-fired pizzas and cozy atmosphere.
- Pousada e Restaurante do PauloLocal Diner
Offers local dishes with a homely touch.
Things to Do
- Lençóis Maranhenses National ParkNational Park
Explore vast dunes and crystal-clear lagoons in this unique desert landscape.
- Preguiças River TourBoat Tour
Navigate the scenic river, visiting local villages and natural attractions.
- Mandacaru LighthouseLandmark
Climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Kitesurfing in AtinsWater Sport
Experience the thrill of kitesurfing in ideal wind conditions.
Travel advisory
Access into the dune field requires low-range 4WD; sand tracks shift seasonally and standard SUVs regularly become stranded. Local guides are strongly recommended and in some access zones effectively required to navigate between lagoons safely. The best lagoons are accessible only between July and September after the rains.