t The undulating dunes of the park, broken up by dazzling pockets of turquoise
This isolated expanse in the far north of Brazil comprises glowing lagoons, sun-bleached dunes, and endless empty beaches. The Parque Nacional Lençóis Maranhenses – and the nearby Parnaiba Delta – is a rich haven of birdlife, attracting the most adventurous ecotourists and others in search of the ultimate oasis.
t The undulating dunes of the park, broken up by dazzling pockets of turquoise
experience Piauí and Maranhão
t Scarlet ibis can often be spotted in the region, their distinctive color obtained from a diet of crustaceans.
Straddling Piauí and Maranhão, the Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses offers miles of spectacular sand dunes created by strong coastal winds. From May to August, rain collects in the basins between dunes, forming countless crystal-clear freshwater lagoons. In June, when the water levels are at their highest, the Lençóis dunes look like an array of white stripes, interspersed with sparkling ribbons of blue, turquoise, and green. On foot, visitors can only access a small portion of the park; for the full impact, take a sightseeing flight from São Luís.
The delta area’s dense vegetation is dominated by the multipurpose buriti palm tree, known as the “Tree of Life” due to its versatility. The fruit is edible and used to make wine, juice, jam, and ice cream. The palm’s trunk can be used for house poles, and its bark can be spun into twine. The plant’s fronds can be made into thatch roofs and baskets, its twigs into placemats, and the seeds can be fashioned into jewelry.