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Discover northeast Brazil’s dunes and lagoons

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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 £2,780pp

(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)

Papagaio

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Real Latin american experts

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

  • 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.

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • 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!

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    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

  • Sallly
    Sally Watkins - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

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