Dear Partners, We are thrilled to share exciting news with you! The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park has been officially recognized as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, a prestigious acknowledgment that highlights the park's exceptional beauty and significance.
DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF LENCÓIS MARANHENSES - What is Lençóis Maranhenses National Park?
Located in the northeastern state of Maranhão, Brazil, the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a unique and breathtaking landscape. The park spans over 155,000 hectares and is famous for its vast expanse of white sand dunes, which are interspersed with crystal-clear freshwater lagoons that form during the rainy season. This natural phenomenon creates a mesmerizing and otherworldly scenery that attracts visitors from all over the globe.The park offers an array of stunning sights and activities: Dunes and Lagoons: The park's main attraction is its immense sand dunes and the numerous lagoons that appear between them after the rains. The contrast between the white sand and the blue-green waters is truly spectacular. Wildlife: Lençóis Maranhenses is home to diverse flora and fauna. Visitors may spot various bird species, including herons and kingfishers, as well as reptiles and fish that inhabit the lagoons. Sunset and Stargazing: The park is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and clear night skies, perfect for stargazing. Trekking: For the more adventurous, the Lençóis’ 4-days crossing is a once-in-a-lifetime experience of endurance and connection with nature Windsports: The constant winds from June to November attract a great number of kite-surfers to the region Culture: Residents of the villages in and around the park, many descendants of runaway enslaved Africans and natives, keep alive centuries of traditions in fishing, basket weaving, and making Tiquira, a traditional Brazilian alcoholic beverage made from fermented and distilled manioc (cassava) juice.
How to Visit
(Picture: Bruno Teixeira / Blumar Turismo)
Visiting Lençóis Maranhenses requires some planning, but the journey is well worth it. São Luís, the capital of Maranhão state, is the closest airport with regular flights from São Paulo and Brasília. The old colonial center of the city is itself a World Heritage Site, so we recommend, for both sightseeing and transfer logistics, staying the first night here. The drive to the Lençóis takes 4hs, and three locations serve as a base to visit the park:
- Santo Amaro: This is the closest base to the park, just 2 km (1.2 mi) from the dunes, making it an ideal choice for visitors with reduced mobility. Santo Amaro is a small, rustic village with a few simple hotels. Authorized tour vehicles can get very close to the lagoons, which are larger and remain full until late October. The area also features great lakes with abundant wildlife.
- Barreirinhas: As the main base for visiting Lençóis, Barreirinhas offers the most accommodation options and amenities, including restaurants and shops. Situated by the Preguiças River, visitors must cross the river by barge and travel 40 minutes on a rugged road to reach the park. Tour vehicles are not allowed on the dunes here, so visitors should be prepared for a 50-minute walk over the dunes to reach the lagoons. Barreirinhas also offers boat tours on the river and panoramic flights over the park.
- Atins: Known for its charm, Atins is located where the Preguiças River meets the sea. This small village, with its sandy streets and sandbank vegetation, is a favorite among kite-surfers. It takes 20 minutes to reach the park in authorized vehicles, which can get very close to the lagoons. Atins features boutique hotels, good restaurants, and additional attractions such as observation of the scarlet ibises and the Mandacarú lighthouse.
The Route of Emotions: An Unforgettable Adventure
For those seeking an exhilarating off-road adventure, the Lençóis Maranhenses can be combined with the Parnaíba River Delta and Jericoacoara National Park along the famous Route of Emotions. This route offers an extraordinary journey through some of Brazil's most stunning landscapes. Travelers will experience the vast dunes and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses, the intricate labyrinth of islands and waterways in the Parnaíba Delta, and the iconic beaches and wind-swept dunes of Jericoacoara. This adventure is perfect for those looking to explore the diverse natural beauty of Brazil's northeastern coast.
Other Natural World Heritage Sites in Brazil
(Picture: Luiz Antonio Nasser Jr / Shutterstock.com)
Brazil is home to several other remarkable Natural World Heritage Sites, each offering unique experiences for visitors:
PANTANAL (MT/MS): The world's largest tropical wetland, Pantanal is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including several mammals like jaguars, reptiles such as caimans, and a plethora of bird species. Visit: Lodges in North and South Pantanal offer guided tours for wildlife spotting.
AMAZON CENTRAL (AM): This vast rainforest is home to unparalleled biodiversity and indigenous cultures. Visit: Manaus serves as the main gateway, offering river cruises and jungle lodges for immersive experiences.
DISCOVERY COAST (BA/ES): This coastal area boasts pristine beaches, Atlantic Forest, and historical sites related to Brazil's discovery. Visit: Trancoso is the primary access point, with guided tours available for ecological and historical exploration.
ATLANTIC ISLAND COMPLEX (Fernando de Noronha): These islands are renowned for their stunning marine life and diving opportunities. Visit: Access is via flights to Fernando de Noronha, with strict visitor limits to preserve the environment.
IGUAÇU NATIONAL PARK (PR): Home to the majestic Iguaçu Falls, one of the largest and most impressive waterfall systems in the world. Visit: Foz do Iguaçu is the nearest city, with well-organized tours to the falls and surrounding rainforest.
RIBEIRA VALLEY (PR/SP): A region rich in biodiversity and home to the largest remaining areas of Atlantic Forest. Visit: Access through São Paulo or Curitiba, with ecotourism options available.
CHAPADA DOS VEADEIROS / PARQUE DAS EMAS COMPLEX (GO): These parks feature dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and unique cerrado (savanna) vegetation. Visit: Alto Paraíso de Goiás serves as a gateway for Chapada dos Veadeiros, with guided tours and eco-lodges available.
The recognition of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park as a Natural World Heritage Site underscores its importance as a natural wonder. We invite your clients to experience this incredible destination and create unforgettable memories amidst its enchanting landscapes.
Best Wishes, Be Brazil Team
