Back

Discover northeast Brazil’s dunes and lagoons

BRA_LencoisMaranhenses_Shutterstock_1110648839(1)

Explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Lençois Maranhenses, where a vast sheet of sand dunes harbours freshwater lakes.

Imagine a Saharan wilderness of undulating dunes, but where shimmering blue lakes fill the valleys between each crest of sand. The inviting oases of the Lençois Maranhenses in far north-eastern Brazil are no desert mirages: thanks to a unique phenomenon, the summer rains collect amidst the sand dunes to create a mesmerising scene, best appreciated between May and September.

On a half-day tour of the national park, you’ll traverse a wonderland of dunes and lagoons in a 4×4 jeep, with the opportunity to swim in the beautifully clear aquamarine pools that dot the ever-changing desert landscape.

Holidays Discover northeast Brazil’s dunes and lagoons

From expertly designed Private Journeys to trail-blazing Group Tours, browse our range of carefully crafted holidays.

Dunes of white sand

Private Journeys

Brazil

Off the beaten track Brazil: Dunes and lagoons of Lencois Maranhenses

10 days from £2,775pp

(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Mary
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

0 1 2 3 4 5