The park hosts a surprising variety of wildlife adapted to its extreme conditions. The lagoons support various fish species, including the endemic Maranhão killifish, while the surrounding areas are home to birds like the scarlet ibis and roseate spoonbill. Reptiles such as the Brazilian tortoise and various lizard species thrive in the dune environment. The coastal areas provide important habitat for migratory birds and sea turtles, while river otters can be found in the permanent waterways.
Despite the challenging environment, Lençóis Maranhenses supports a diverse array of plant life adapted to its unique conditions. The vegetation includes mangroves along the coast, restinga (coastal tropical forest) in more stable areas, and specialized aquatic plants in the lagoons. During the rainy season, the interdune spaces burst with life as dormant seeds germinate, creating patches of green vegetation among the white sands. Several endemic species have evolved to survive the alternating wet and dry conditions.
This remarkable landscape formed over thousands of years through a complex interaction of geological processes. Strong winds from the Atlantic Ocean carry sand from the coast inland, creating vast dune fields that extend up to 50 kilometers into the interior. Unlike typical desert dunes, these rest on an impermeable rock layer that prevents water from seeping into the ground, creating the park's signature freshwater lagoons during rainy seasons. The dunes can reach heights of up to 40 meters and move several meters each year.
The Lençóis Maranhenses region has been inhabited since pre-colonial times by indigenous peoples. The name 'Lençóis' was given by Portuguese settlers in the 16th century, meaning 'bedsheets' in Portuguese, referring to the vast expanse of rolling white dunes. The area was officially designated as a national park in 1981, encompassing 155,000 hectares of protected landscape. Traditional communities still live along the park's edges, maintaining centuries-old fishing and agricultural practices.
The most spectacular features of Lençóis Maranhenses are its pristine white sand dunes interspersed with thousands of turquoise and emerald lagoons, creating a mesmerizing landscape that appears almost otherworldly. Key attractions include the Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita, known for their crystal-clear waters and perfect swimming conditions. The Rio Preguiças, which borders the park, features the historic Mandacaru lighthouse and the small fishing village of Atins, offering visitors glimpses into local culture. The park's unique combination of desert-like dunes and abundant freshwater creates one of the most distinctive ecosystems on Earth.
Lençóis Maranhenses experiences a unique tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a rainy period from January to June and a dry season from July to December. During the rainy season, the region receives approximately 1,600mm of rainfall, which fills the park's countless lagoons. The temperature remains consistently warm throughout the year, ranging from 25°C to 36°C (77°F to 97°F). The best time to visit is between July and September when the lagoons are full but the weather is clear and sunny.
Brazil
-2.4860°, -43.1280°
June 2, 1981
1550
Lençóis Maranhenses features a unique landscape of white sand dunes interspersed with freshwater lagoons. The park's name means 'Maranhão's Bedsheets' due to the vast expanses of rolling white dunes. During the rainy season, the spaces between dunes fill with crystal-clear rainwater, creating thousands of turquoise lagoons.