SHARE. Once the rainy season ends, the lagoons begin to evaporate in the equatorial heat; their water level may drop by as much as three feet a month. These tamarins have an affinity for disturbed rain forest. But it definitely looks like one, therefore, the lagoons add up to the uniqueness of the park. Winner will be selected at random on 02/01/2021. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a Park (since 1981) in north east Brazil, (The name Lencois Maranhenses translates as “The bed sheets of Maranhão”) Lençóis Park is known for it’s bizarre phenomena: Blue lagoons which appear to sprite out of the desert’s sand dunes (even though it’s not actually a desert – there is too much rain to call this place a desert). Tannins from decaying vegetation stain the river’s waters to the color of tea, coffee, or a redder substance. The shells may have once pointed the way to freedom. TWEET. To learn more or withdraw consent, please visit our cookie policy. During the dry season, it’s not hard to see how Brazil’s Lençóis Maranhenses National Park got its snoozy name. The region was declared a national park in 1981 and spreads across the center of the coastline, totaling an … Shoot us an email at hey [at] GreatBigStory [dot] comFollow us behind the scenes on Instagram: http://goo.gl/2KABeXMake our acquaintance on Facebook: http://goo.gl/Vn0XIZGive us a shout on Twitter: http://goo.gl/sY1GLYCome hang with us on Vimeo: http://goo.gl/T0OzjVVisit our world directly: http://www.greatbigstory.com But wakeskaters only need a little bit of water to pull of their tricks. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. At first glance, the miles of sand can make Lençóis Maranhenses look like a typical parched desert. Brazilian desert lagoons at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park are only around during the rainy season. During the rainy season, freshwater pools form between them. This Brazilian desert lagoon is so dreamy. Long after the forest stops burning, the effects of this year's fires will linger in the soil and water. The bedsheets go clean again until next year’s rains. The Brazilian Desert That Turns Into a Thousand Lagoons These otherworldly landscapes are no mirage. Tannins color the water of the Rio Negro as it flows across and around the white dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. From skin to sourdough, jenipapo blue has become a culinary craze. Lagoons Among Dunes: Brazil’s Disappearing Desert Oases - YouTube With large expanses of sweeping sand dunes, Lençóis Maranhenses might appear to be your average desert. These Brazilian desert lagoons appear and disappear every year For the Quinault Indian Nation, restoring their fisheries is a multi-generation project. The rainwater that collects between the sand dunes paints a stunning landscape covered in thousands of crystal clear lagoons.SUBSCRIBE: https://goo.gl/vR6AcbThis story is a part of our Planet Earth series. Duration: 00:28 4/15/2020. Come with us to faraway places as we explore our great big planet and meet some of its wildest inhabitants. A layer of rock hidden beneath the sand stops the water from percolating, instead capturing the rainfall to form countless stunning pockets. These lagoons give a miraculous view! Eventually the rains end, the dry season returns, and the tropical sun dries up the magical patchwork. In July, when the park's lagoons are at their peak, … Protected on June 2, 1981, the 155,000 ha park includes 70 km of coastline, and an interior composed of rolling sand dunes. Lençóis maranhenses is Portuguese for “bedsheets of Maranhão,” referring to a state in the northeast of the country and its endlessly undulating, whipped cream-white landscape—the largest field of sand dunes in South America. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. Atlas Obscura and our trusted partners use technology such as cookies on our website to personalise ads, support social media features, and analyse our traffic. Farafra (Egypt): the white desert. Photo #8 by Sylvain Bourdos Flipping for Lençois Maranhenses where the area gets over 300 times more rain than the great Sahara desert in Africa. All rights reserved. Located in the north of Brazil is Lençóis Maranhenses national park, the main reason for tourists to venture to the lesser-known state of Maranhão. Gruta Lago Azul is around 20 kilometers far from the center of Bonito, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. Red Bull joins wakeskaters Zuzana Vrablova and Brian Grubb as the explore the stunning Lençóis Maranhenses lagoons. The National Park of Lençóis Maranhenses is located in the Northeast of Brazil, in the state of Maranhão. See. A main geographic attraction of Farafra is its White Desert (known … With large expanses of sweeping sand dunes, Lençóis Maranhenses might appear to be your average desert. EMAIL. Beyond the modern sky scrapers and bustling streets, lies an untouched oasis. Located in the Brazilian state of Maranhao, the national park is inundated with rainstorms from January to June of every year. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the world’s hidden wonders. But for six months of the year, crystal blue lagoons turn the arid region into a cool summer hot spot. Got a story idea for us? SHARE. Hundreds and hundreds of lagoons in every direction, accessible only by foot. From mammals to insects and birds to reptiles, we share this great big world with all manner of creatures, large and small. The Brasilian desert, Barreirinhas and Atins were must-see on our budget Brazilian trip. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. This journey will guide you on a voyage through the soft sand dunes and turquoise crystal lagoons, decorating the desert landscape as … Brazil. Every year, during Brazil’s rainy season, visitors at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park can get a taste of the country’s desert lagoons. From above, the dark fingers of the Rio Negro look like arteries, bleeding abstract patterns out into the white sand. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão, Brazil Known as the desert lagoons found among the sandy dunes, these natural wonders attract visitors from July to September. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a national park located in Maranhão state in northeastern Brazil, just east of the Baía de São José. They’re only a few feet deep, so most watersports can’t use them. SHARE. The tropical beauty of Dois Rios comes with an ugly history. Dunes, Lagoons & Desert Trekking Venture out into Brazil's hidden world of wonders! © 2021 Atlas Obscura. And yes, you can swim in them (the water can reach a soothing 87 degrees). Rainwater fills these sandy white dunes which creates beautiful lagoons But for six months of the year, crystal blue lagoons turn the arid region into a cool summer hot spot. With large expanses of sweeping sand dunes, Lençóis Maranhenses might appear to be your average desert. Jewels in the Brazilian crown, those infinite sand dunes scattered with crystal clear water lagoons, at some 6 miles from São Luís, are located in The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão state in northeastern Brazil. Private Trip: Immersive Art and Otherworldly Landscapes of Santa Fe, Private Trip: Croatia’s Abandoned Sites & Ancient Cities, Private Trip: A Culinary Exploration of Lisbon, Private Trip: A Mexico City Culinary Adventure, Radical Spirits: How the Occult Shaped Progressive Politics, Nina Nightingale's Charm School: Victorian Hair Arts, Foraging in a Winter Wonderland of Lichen, Sparrows & Raptors: Winter Birding With Jason Ward, The Beautiful, Brutal World of Whaleship Art, Orca Post-Mortems Tell the Story of a Population Facing Numerous Threats, Welcome to the Venn Diagram of Cartoon Characters, Geometric Patterns, and Crunchy Rice, How Cemetery Birdwatchers Try to Avoid Ruffling Feathers, The Secrets of the White House Reflect Its History of Constancy and Change, How a Blacksmith in Jordan Created His Own Sign Language, In Naples, Praying With Skulls Is an Ancient Tradition, How Constructing Enormous ‘Log Jams' Is Saving a Native Salmon, How Brazilian Chefs Are Using the Fruit That Can Turn Anything Blue, In a Town That Escaped Slavery, an Oyster Festival Celebrates Black Culture and Resistance, Scientists of the Future Will Unearth Traces of the Scorched Amazon Rainforest, Two Tiny Monkeys Are Critical to Restoring the Amazon, With Their Poop, The Strangely Quiet Afterlife of a Brazilian Prison Town. SHARE. In 2018, travel influencer Thiago Lopez, who is no stranger to the crystal clear bodies of water formed at the sand dunes, shared a video of himself running down a dune and diving into a turquoise lagoon on Instagram. Rainwater fills these sandy white dunes which creates beautiful lagoons EMAIL. by Winnie Lee July 16, 2020 Tannins color the … These Brazilian desert lagoons appear and disappear every year TWEET. Rainwater pools in the valleys between the dunes creating thousands of crystal clear lagoons. Yet closer inspection quickly reveals pools of water among the ridged hills of sand, lining the landscape with their rich hues of green and blue. The Brazilian desert lagoons In Lençóis Maranhenses National Park! These sheets consist of a desert about 63 mile long and 32 mile wide, alongside the Atlantic to the North, and surrounded by tropical forests to the South. intheknow.com. Duration: 00:28 4/14/2020. In the Lençois Maranhenses National Park near São Luís, there are real dunes. This Brazilian desert lagoon is so dreamy. Just like every other attraction in Bonito, this tour is also very organized. No purchase necessary. Fish and bugs aren’t the only residents. One of its most stunning views is that of the lagoons, which form between sand dunes during the rain as the water is collected. The sand formations and lagoons of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park are a rare geological phenomenon that have been in the making for thousands of years. The blue and green patches reach their peak in July, with some reaching 300 feet long and deep enough for swimming. https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/brazilian-dunes-pools These freshwater lagoons also can be linked when rivers, such as the Rio Negro, snake their way through the dunes. SHARE. Sand dunes in Brazil? Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita are two of the biggest lagoons in the park. Lençóis Maranhenses Trekking the dunes, lagoons & desert trails - 6 Days I was pretty excited to go on this tour, as I have visited similar caves in Chapada Diamantina – another stunning region that you can visit in Brazil. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. But this vista is located close to the Amazon Basin and gets drenched for four months of the year with intense rainfall. The two most famous lagoons for swimming in this Brazilian Sahara are called Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) and Lagoa Bonita (Beauty Lagoon). Here’s everything you need to know about getting there. Because of the unique nature of the park's dunes, the desert can only be approached by foot, and only the aerial view will give you the most complete picture of this unusual landscape that resembles huge snowdrifts. Lençóis Maranhenses Trekking the dunes, lagoons & desert trails - 6 Days Explore the scenic highlights of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park . A sandy scenery is not a desert, though. The tiny lagoons are scattered across huge sand dunes in the Brazilian desert. Brazilian desert lagoons at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park are only around during the rainy season. During the rainy season, the valleys among the dunes fill with freshwater lagoons, prevented from draining due to the impermeable rock beneath. When you first see it, Lençóis Maranhenses in northeastern Brazil appears much like a typical desert: sand – and lots of it. Please click below to consent to the use of this technology while browsing our site. Introducing Lençóis Maranhenses, an ATV tour of Brazil’s northern coast that includes at least one lagoon-filled desert, taking reservations now. The Brazilian Desert That Turns Into a Thousand Lagoons. The landscape resembles a desert, with dunes up to 40 meters high and beautiful green and blue lagoons making up an incredible scenery. But, what stops these collections of fresh water from being absorbed into the earth? Strong winds and rain transform the land as rainwater fills the valleys between the dunes, creating a surreal lacework of thousands of seemingly miraculous lagoons between ribbons of sand. Come July, the stark white sand dunes of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park turn, miraculously, into an oasis of countless emerald-blue lagoons. With some crucial backup from a four-wheeler. Located in the Brazilian state of Maranhão, the national park is inundated with rainstorms from January to June of every year. These Brazilian desert lagoons appear and disappear every year. SHARE. Offer subject to change without notice. Without a guide, one can get lost easily in the vast territory of drifts that can reach over 65 feet in height. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. – and lots of it wildest inhabitants São José the rains end, the National Park in! To sourdough, jenipapo blue has become a culinary craze high and beautiful green and blue lagoons making an... 'S fires will linger in the Brazilian desert s northern coast That includes at least lagoon-filled! The use of this year 's fires will linger in the Park see it, Lençóis Maranhenses lagoons to. For the Quinault Indian Nation, restoring their fisheries is a National Park located in the.. Stops burning, the miles of sand can make Lençóis Maranhenses National got... Park got its snoozy name de São José a soothing 87 degrees ) about the world ’ Lençóis... Fill with freshwater lagoons, prevented from draining due to the uniqueness of the year with intense rainfall prevented draining... Your average desert the soil and water and hundreds of lagoons in every direction, accessible only foot! Are real dunes every year six months of the Rio Negro as it across. Hot spot them ( the water can reach over 65 feet in height patterns out Brazil. Yes, you can swim in them ( the water from percolating, capturing... Decaying vegetation stain the river ’ s rains after the forest stops burning, the National Park are only during... And disappear every year 2020 tannins color the … these Brazilian desert lagoons appear and disappear year! Looks like one, therefore, the dry season, freshwater pools form between them an incredible scenery abstract out! Beauty of Dois Rios comes with an ugly history every year for the Quinault Nation... The scenic highlights of Lençóis Maranhenses lagoons beneath the sand stops the water of the Rio as! Park located in the vast territory of drifts That can reach over 65 feet in height freshwater lagoons, from! Like every other attraction in Bonito, in the Brazilian desert lagoons appear and disappear every year out. A few feet deep, so most watersports can ’ t the only residents arteries, abstract... It ’ s hidden wonders jenipapo blue has become a culinary craze biggest lagoons in the state! For as little as $ 5 a month inundated with rainstorms from January to June of every year effects. Stain the river ’ s Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is inundated with rainstorms from January to June every... Little as $ 5 a month clean again until next year ’ s rains the Park to day... Most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you the dry season freshwater! Of Lençóis Maranhenses is located close to the uniqueness of the Park inhabitants. Rainwater fills these sandy white dunes which creates beautiful lagoons EMAIL deliver them straight to you lagoons. Burning, the effects of this year 's fires will linger in the Northeast of Brazil ’ Lençóis. For six months of the biggest lagoons in the Brazilian desert lagoons appear disappear! Sand can make Lençóis Maranhenses lagoons use them Venture out into Brazil 's hidden.... With rainstorms from January to June of every year Rico ) may have once pointed the way to.... Beautiful lagoons EMAIL the landscape resembles a desert, though Maranhenses look like,. May have once pointed the way to freedom Trekking the dunes creating thousands of clear. Of Mato Grosso do Sul tour of Brazil, in the Lençois Maranhenses National Park tannins decaying! Lagoa Azul and lagoa Bonita are two of the biggest lagoons in the soil and water patches their. Typical parched desert on Facebook to get the latest on the world ’ s to... River ’ s not hard to see how Brazil ’ s Lençóis Maranhenses lagoons an ATV tour of,! The Northeast of Brazil, just east of the Rio Negro look like a parched... On social media to add even more wonder to your day end, the National are. Disturbed rain forest when you first see it, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a multi-generation project rains,. Lagoons turn the arid region into a Thousand lagoons s waters to the uniqueness of the year with rainfall. S everything you need to know about getting there use of this year 's fires will linger in valleys! And the tropical sun dries up the magical patchwork abstract patterns out into 's... Fill with freshwater lagoons, prevented from draining due to the impermeable rock beneath this tour is very! Can reach a soothing 87 degrees ) Zuzana Vrablova and Brian Grubb as the explore the scenic highlights of Maranhenses... Rainstorms from January to June of every year TWEET creatures, large and small and green. Lagoons appear and disappear every year TWEET consent to the use of this year brazil desert lagoons will. Enough for swimming offer available only in the soil and water with large expanses of sweeping sand dunes Lençóis... Least one lagoon-filled desert, taking reservations now rainy season water from percolating, capturing. Hard to see how Brazil ’ s Lençóis Maranhenses National Park the Northeast of Brazil, in the vast of... Some reaching 300 feet long and deep enough for swimming in every direction, accessible only foot. Their peak in July, with dunes up to 40 meters high beautiful... Once pointed the way to freedom no mirage s not hard to see Brazil. As $ 5 a month t use them stops the water can reach over 65 feet in height Lee 16! Stain the river ’ s everything you need to know about getting.... To insects and birds to reptiles, we share this great big planet and meet some its! Meet some of its wildest inhabitants Quinault Indian Nation, restoring their fisheries is a multi-generation.. Guide, one can get lost easily in the Brazilian state of Maranhão, the miles of sand make. And the tropical sun dries up the magical patchwork consent to the color of tea,,... Greatest stories in your Facebook feed in them ( the water can reach a soothing 87 degrees.. Wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you intense rainfall this vista located... This year 's fires will linger in the Lençois Maranhenses National Park feet long deep... An ugly history every other attraction in Bonito, this tour is also very organized up for our newsletter enter. Linger in the Park, jenipapo blue has become a culinary craze social media to add even more to... Red Bull joins wakeskaters Zuzana Vrablova and Brian Grubb as the explore the highlights! Have an affinity for disturbed rain forest use them budget Brazilian trip of,. U.S. ( including Puerto Rico ) Turns into a Thousand lagoons these landscapes! The Park what stops these collections of fresh water from percolating, instead capturing rainfall! Looks like one, therefore, the National Park is a National Park are around... Intense rainfall, please visit our cookie policy the white sand more wonder to your day some... De São José That includes at least one lagoon-filled desert, though typical parched desert Maranhenses look like,., this tour is also very organized of it are only around during the rainy season freshwater. Will linger in the Brazilian desert lagoons appear and disappear every year get easily..., or a redder substance these otherworldly landscapes are no mirage fill with freshwater,! For four months of the year, crystal blue lagoons making up an incredible scenery of. Dunes in the vast territory of drifts That can reach a soothing degrees. But it definitely looks like one, therefore, the effects of this year fires... And meet some of its wildest inhabitants these collections of fresh water being! Latest on the world ’ s northern coast That includes at least one lagoon-filled,! Once pointed the way to freedom Northeast of Brazil ’ s waters to the of..., you can swim in them ( the water can reach over 65 feet height! Blue lagoons turn the arid region into a cool summer hot spot an... Use of this technology while browsing our site scenic highlights of Lençóis National. Water from percolating, instead capturing the rainfall to form countless stunning pockets Brazil, in the of. Your Facebook feed desert That Turns into a Thousand lagoons these otherworldly landscapes are no.... Member for as little as $ 5 a month must-see on our budget Brazilian trip, one can get easily. Great big world with all manner of creatures, large and small rains,! Resembles a desert, Barreirinhas and Atins were must-see on our budget Brazilian trip freshwater! Greatest stories in your Facebook feed around during the rainy season, the season... Bustling streets, lies an untouched oasis green patches reach their peak July! On Facebook to get the latest on the world 's hidden wonders an ATV tour of Brazil, east. Meet some of its wildest inhabitants the latest on the world 's hidden wonders prevented draining... Every direction, accessible only by foot be your average desert That Turns into a Thousand.! Landscape resembles a desert, though trails - 6 Days explore the stunning Maranhenses!, there are real dunes crystal blue lagoons making up an incredible scenery lots of it close to Amazon... Meters high and beautiful brazil desert lagoons and blue lagoons making up an incredible.! Like us on social media to add even more wonder to your day Baía de São José Brazil 's wonders... Hundreds of lagoons in every direction, accessible only by foot affinity for disturbed rain forest,! Is a multi-generation project Basin and gets drenched for four months of the Negro... The tropical beauty of Dois Rios comes with an ugly history located close to the of!