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Lencois Maranheses, Maranhao, Brazil

A formation providing impressive views of countless lakes with blue and green water contrasting with the white sand of the dunes, which can reach 40m in height.

The entire area belongs to the Lencois Maranhenses National Park, created in 1981 to protect 155 thousand hectares that make this very special ecosystem. It is very large and there is no access by road.

To reach Lencois Maranheses National Park you must face the dunes and the elevated temperatures, always in the company of a local guide. Short journeys can be done on foot, however for the longer ones, 4x4 vehicles, or even the traditional donkeys are advised. The strong heat is compensated by the refreshing crystal clear ponds and the deserted beaches. The Blue Pond is the most famous and most beautiful.

There are two oases inside the Park, the Queimada dos Britos and the Baixa Grande with large mangroves along their banks. Crabs and sea turtles can be seen along the beaches. The ponds are visited by migratory birds, such as the ruddy turnstone, the blue-winged duck and the tern that stop there to rest and feed.

The adventure of this visit begins in the tiny city of Barreirinhas, from where boat rides depart along the Preguicas River. The best time of year to visit the region is during the rainy season - from December to July - when the ponds are fuller and not as hot.