Brazil's Desert with Lakes: How and When to Visit
Updated September 10, 2022
Did you know there is a desert in Brazil? It's a distinguishable desert called Lençóis Maranhenses, which is located in the state of Maranhão, in the Northeast region of the country.
Lençóis Maranhenses, known as the desert of Brazil, is formed by dunes of white sand and crystalline water lagoons, which forms one of the most stunning and unique landscapes in the world.
Lençóis Maranhenses, in Portuguese, literally means "bedsheets from Maranhão", Maranhão being the Brazilian state where it's located.
It's called that way because when looked from above, the dunes look like wrinkled sheets.
Besides being composed of dunes and lagoons, which are formed during the rainy season, Lençóis Maranhenses has a variety of ecosystems, such as restinga and mangroves.
It's possible to take several tours in this place, the most popular being the Lagoa Azul Circuit, the Lagoa Bonita Circuit, and the visit to Lagoa das Emendadas.
This place is perfect for those who love nature and adventure. Besides admiring the beautiful scenery, you can also walk through the dunes, swim in the lagoons, and even play some sports. Keep reading to find out when and how to get there.
Where is the desert located?
The desert in Brazil is located in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, a unique place in the world and one of the main tourist destinations in Brazil.
The desert is part of the coast of Maranhão, it covers an area of almost 600 square miles and is divided among a few cities, the main ones being Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro, and Atins.
Barreirinhas is also a very busy town, since it concentrates a large number of bars, restaurants and clubs. Those who want a more chill stay can look for places to stay in Santo Amaro or Atins, which also have options of hotels and Inns.
How do I get to the desert?
Since there is no international airport in Barreirinhas, nor in the other cities around that are home to Lençóis Maranhenses; the easiest way to get to the Brazilian desert is to depart from São Luís, the capital of Maranhão, going by land transportation to a city near the park.
There are even hotels and travel agencies in the capital of Maranhão that offer guided tours. Hiring a package directly from an agency is much more convenient. This is because the company will take care of the transportation to Barreirinhas and will guide you on the dune tours.
Some travel agencies offer transfer services directly from the airport in the capital of Maranhão, São Luís, to Barreirinhas, or from the hotel.
You can also go to Lençóis Maranhenses by yourself. For this, you will need to go to the bus station of São Luís and from there, catch a bus to one of the cities that host the Brazilian desert, usually Barreirinhas.
There are two ways to get around in the park: on foot, which is the ideal way for those who like to enjoy every moment of the landscape, or in 4x4 jeeps, suitable for riding on the dunes.
When is the best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses?
In the months just after the rainy season, the water level of the lagoons is high, which makes the place look even more stunning.
As the months go by, the water level decreases, which changes the park's landscape. So, the best time to visit the Brazilian desert is between the months of May and August, when the water level is usually not so low.
However, the intensity of the rain is not the same every year. If it rains less than expected in a year, this can affect the landscape after all.
Level of the ponds
The level of the lagoons is directly related to the rainfall in the region. Generally, the rainy season in Maranhão is from January to May.
High level of the ponds
When the rainy season ends, the water level of the lagoons is at its maximum. So, the best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses is right after the rainy season, from May to August.
Medium level of ponds
Between the months of September and October, and also from February to April, the water level of the lagoon is at medium. It is also possible to visit in the middle of the medium levels, which is great for those who want to visit it at a more quiet season.
Low level of ponds
From November to January the water level drops a lot, which changes the landscape completely. Some lagoons give way to pastures and floodplains. So, if you want to make the most of the park's landscape, you should avoid going there during these months.
Tourist attractions in Lençóis Maranhenses
With a beautiful landscape, the park offers many fun things to do. The main activities in the park are:
- Walking through the dunes;
- Swimming in the lagoons;
- Riding a 4x4 jeep or quadricycle;
- Watch the sunset over the dunes;
- Flying over the park.
Besides the activities in the lagoons that make up Lençóis Maranhenses, it is also worth visiting the Preguiças and Formigas rivers, in the town of Atins, where it is possible to practice kitesurf and get to know the Caburé beach.
For those who like parties, it is worth going to the Brazilian desert in July, when the Vaquejada, one of the most traditional festivities in the region, takes place.
Besides the walks on the dunes, which are a must, the cities that host Lençóis Maranhenses, especially Barreirinhas, have several options of bars, restaurants, and shops to serve tourists.
Main itineraries in the park
As the park covers several cities, there are different activities to do in each city. Among the most famous itineraries are:
Lagoa Azul - Barreirinhas
The Lagoa Azul circuit is among the most famous in Lençóis Maranhenses. The tour departs from Barreirinhas and lasts half a day.
Lagoa Bonita - Barreirinhas
This is among the most beautiful tours of the Lençois. This circuit is distinguished by a steep dune climb, 30 m high, where there is even a rope to help with the climb.
Lagoa das Emendadas - Santo Amaro
The way to Lagoa das Emendadas is surrounded by grandiose dunes and many lagoons with water that is always colorful, ranging from blue to green. This tour is, without a doubt, the most beautiful in the park.
Lagoa da Betânia - Santo Amaro
This lagoon is long in formation and has a beautiful neighboring river. The two portions of water are divided by a large dune, providing a beautiful landscape.
Lagoa da Andorinha - Santo Amaro
This lagoon is located near the city and is easily accessible via a walking distance. Because of its proximity, it is among the most visited.
Lagoa da Gaivota - Santo Amaro
Just like the Andorinha, the Gaivota (Seagull) Lagoon is also close to the Santo Amaro city and provides easy access. Because of this, it is feasible to do both tours in the same day.
Lagoa das Sete Mulheres and Lagoa da Capivara
These two lagoons are part of the park and are great attractions, especially because they are emptier compared to the others.
Lagoa Tropical and Lagoa da Lorena
This scenery is among the most beautiful in Atins, with a beautiful landscape and waters with an amazing transparency.