Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil
Despite its appearance, Lençóis Maranhenses is not a desert. While it may look like one with its vast sand dunes, it actually experiences heavy rainfall during the first half of the year. These rains create thousands of lagoons that dot the landscape between the dunes, giving it a unique and surreal appearance.
The stunning lagoons that form in Lençóis Maranhenses during the rainy season are not permanent water bodies. As the dry season sets in, usually from July to September, the lagoons start to evaporate, leaving behind sandy dunes until the next rainy season replenishes them.
The name "Lençóis Maranhenses" translates to "Maranhão Bedsheets" in Portuguese. The name was given because the dunes, when viewed from afar, appear like a vast expanse of white sheets covering the landscape.
Due to its otherworldly appearance, Lençóis Maranhenses has served as a filming location for various movies, documentaries, and TV shows. Its distinctive scenery has attracted filmmakers from around the world.
Some of the sand dunes in Lençóis Maranhenses can reach heights of up to 40 meters (131 feet). Climbing to the top of these dunes offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Due to its delicate ecosystem and the need to protect the natural beauty of the region, Lençóis Maranhenses is part of a national park – Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses. Efforts are made to preserve the area and maintain its ecological balance for future generations to enjoy.
