Maranhão, a state located in a transition zone between the Caatinga, the Amazon and the Cerrado, is home to some of the most unique and visually striking natural treasures in Brazil. Its landscapes defy the imagination, offering visitors experiences that range from surreal and almost dreamlike settings to paradises of crystal-clear waters and monumental rock formations. Maranhão’s nature is an invitation to discover a Northeast of surprising contrasts.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park: A Desert of Waters
The jewel in the crown of Maranhão and a unique natural phenomenon in the world. The Lençóis Maranhenses are unlike anything you have ever seen: an immense sea of fine white sand dunes stretching for miles, interspersed with thousands of lagoons of crystal clear, warm freshwater, with hues ranging from deep blue to emerald green.
These lagoons are formed by rainwater that accumulates between the dunes during the first half of the year. The best time to visit, when the lagoons are full and the landscape is at its most beautiful, is usually between May and September . Exploring Lençóis, whether in a 4×4 vehicle from Barreirinhas, Atins or Santo Amaro, or walking through the white expanse, and diving into lagoons such as Azul, Bonita or Esmeralda, is a surreal and unforgettable experience, a true waking dream.
Chapada das Mesas National Park: Waterfalls and Monumental Plateaus
In the south of Maranhão, in stark contrast to Lençóis, stands Chapada das Mesas. Influenced by the Cerrado biome, this region is a paradise for lovers of ecotourism and adventure. The landscape is dominated by imposing sandstone plateaus (the “plateaus” that give the park its name), canyons, and rock formations sculpted by the action of time, such as the famous Portal da Chapada.
The highlights are its numerous waterfalls and pools of crystal-clear water , perfect for bathing and contemplation. The Pedra Caída Complex (with waterfalls such as the Santuário and Caverna waterfalls), the Poço Azul and Encanto Azul waterfalls (with their impressive turquoise blue waters), and the Santa Bárbara and Prata waterfalls are just a few examples of the region’s abundance of water and scenic beauty.
Parnaíba Delta: The River Labyrinth and the Bird Sanctuary
On the border with Piauí, Maranhão is home to part of the Parnaíba Delta, the only open-ocean delta in the Americas and the third largest in the world. This complex ecosystem is a labyrinth of rivers, creeks (narrow channels), river islands covered in lush vegetation, mangroves and dunes that jut out into the water.
Explored mainly by boat tours, the Delta is a sanctuary for wildlife, especially birds. The highlight is the “Revoada dos Guarás” ( Ibis Flight) at dusk, a natural spectacle where thousands of scarlet ibises return to their roosts in the mangroves, coloring the sky bright red.
Maranhão offers a diversity of landscapes that make it an incomparable destination in Brazil and the Northeast . Traveling through the state is like traveling through different worlds: the white, aquatic immensity of Lençóis, the rocky and crystalline beauty of Chapada das Mesas, and the complex network of life and water of the Parnaíba Delta. These are scenes of raw natural beauty and authentic experiences that reveal a Maranhão of multiple and unforgettable charms.
