Panoramic view of people swimming in a brown lagoon with a large white sand dune, green vegetation, and cloudy sky with bright sun in Barreirinhas, Brazil

Tourists swim in coastal lagoon beside white sand dunes in Barreirinhas, Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil

Visitors enjoy swimming in a freshwater lagoon surrounded by towering white sand dunes in Barreirinhas, the gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Maranhão state, Brazil. The UNESCO World Heritage site features seasonal lagoons formed between migrating dunes.

Gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses

Barreirinhas serves as the primary access point to one of Brazil's most surreal landscapes, where massive white sand dunes stretch across 155,000 hectares of protected national park.

Seasonal Lagoons

During the rainy season, freshwater lagoons form in the valleys between dunes, creating natural swimming pools with temperatures perfect for escaping the tropical heat. Lagoa Bonita and Lagoa Azul are among the most visited.

Eco-Tourism Destination

The unique ecosystem attracts adventurers seeking 4x4 dune tours, kite surfing, and swimming in crystal-clear waters surrounded by ever-shifting sand formations sculpted by trade winds.

Spot a mistake or location error? Let us know!