Like a mirage in the eyes of those spotting it from afar, from above, one of Brazil’s most magnificent landscapes, Lençóis Maranhenses (literally “the Sheets of Maranhão”) looks like a gigantic series of white bedsheets rippling in the breeze atop the mountains by the sea. Fortunately, this one-of-a-kind spectacle is real.
Located in the sun-drenched and laid-back region of Northeast Brazil, this is a desert of dunes composed of fine, white sands that stand as high as 40 meters (130 feet), extending across 80 kilometers (50 miles) of coastline and stretching about 25 kilometers (15 miles) inland – all of them interspersed with green and blue lagoons.
The park’s variety of ecosystems ranges from dunes to mangroves, covering a perimeter of around 155,000 hectares of preserved area. It was formed over thousands of years by the combined forces of the wind, rain, and rivers. The dunes are made up of white quartz sand that has been blown inland from the coast. During the rainy season (November to May), the dunes fill with rainwater, forming crystal-clear lagoons that can be up to 100 meters deep. The lagoons are surrounded by tall dunes and lush vegetation, and are home to a variety of birds, fish, and reptiles.
To photograph this ever-changing landscape at its best, you have to come at the right time of year, find the best light of day, and have good local guides with you on your visit to the area – either on 4×4 vehicles, boats, or on foot. The SouthQuest team is experienced with exploring Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, having learned the tricks to determine the best routes depending on the right time of the year.
Our quest for the best photo compositions and angles begins in the small town of Barreirinhas, 260 kilometers (160 miles) from the state capital of São Luís. The mixed color waters of the Lagoa Azul (literally “the Blue Lagoon”) and the green waters of the Lagoa do Peixe (“the Fish Lagoon”) are just a couple, but there are plenty of other lagoons and opportunities for photos further away. The most off-the-beaten-path places are like lost oases in the desert, where a handful of families of fishermen live in the middle of nowhere with maybe a few donkeys, goats, chickens, and dogs.
The rains from January to May are essential in the composition of the landscape. They fill up the lagoons and then stop from June to September – the perfect period to photograph the place –, forming an ecosystem that is truly unique on the planet. The winds are also responsible for redesigning the landscape, resulting in a scenery in Lençóis that varies from day to day. When the sun is high in the sky and the light is no longer so favorable, it’s time to stop for a snack, a dip in the refreshing lagoons, and rest in a hammock in the shade of the palm trees, until the sky at sunset invites you to bask in more of the bright colors of Lençóis Maranhenses.
Lençóis Maranhenses is a truly special place that is worth a visit for anyone traveling to Brazil. It is a place where you can experience the beauty of nature firsthand and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your adventurous spirit and head to this mesmerizing desert paradise. Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will leave you in awe of the breathtaking landscapes and ever-changing wonders of Lençóis Maranhenses.
Co-founder, Naturalist Guide & Tour Leader
Ricardo Casarin has been leading tours in Brazil since 1998 and is one of Brazil’s most respected naturalist guides. Specializing in Natural History, Birdwatching, and Nature Photography tours, his expertise covers biomes such as the Pantanal, the Amazon, the Atlantic Rainforest, the Caatinga, and the Cerrado (the Brazilian Savanna). Ricardo also coordinates and leads tours through Chilean and Argentine Patagonia. He is co-author of the book “Tourism Guide in Natural Areas.”
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