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Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a protected area in Maranhão state, northeastern Brazil, known for its extensive white sand dunes and seasonal freshwater lagoons.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a protected area in Maranhão state, northeastern Brazil, known for its extensive white sand dunes and seasonal freshwater lagoons. Established in 1981, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024 for its exceptional natural beauty and globally significant geomorphology.

Geography

The park covers coastal dunes, beaches, lagoons, and associated ecosystems in northeastern Brazil. It extends across the municipalities of Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro, and Primeira Cruz.

Natural features

Lençóis Maranhenses is best known for vast white sand dunes and seasonal lagoons that form after rainfall. UNESCO describes the dune field as the largest in South America and notes its scientific value for understanding coastal dune evolution.

Biodiversity

The park lies at the intersection of three Brazilian biomes, which contributes to its ecological diversity. Sources note mangroves, restingas, birds, reptiles, and several endangered species within the protected area.

Protection and status

The park was established by federal decree on 2 June 1981 and is managed as a national park by ICMBio. In July 2024, UNESCO added it to the World Heritage List.

Key facts

  • Located in Maranhão, northeastern Brazil, along about 70 km of Atlantic coastline.
  • More than half of the park consists of white coastal sand dunes with temporary and permanent lagoons.
  • Lies in a transition zone between the Cerrado, Caatinga, and Amazon biomes.
  • Created in 1981 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024.
  • Supports biodiversity, including several endangered species.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know Lençóis Maranhenses as a major international ecotourism destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Brazil.

Frequently asked questions

What is Lençóis Maranhenses?
It is a national park in Maranhão, Brazil, famous for its white sand dunes and seasonal freshwater lagoons.
When was the park created?
It was established on 2 June 1981.
Why is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
UNESCO recognized its exceptional beauty, unique natural character, and important geological and geomorphological values.
Where is the park located?
It is on the northeastern coast of Brazil in the state of Maranhão.
What makes the landscape unusual?
Rainwater collects between the dunes to form lagoons, creating a landscape that looks desert-like but is not a true desert.
Which body manages the park?
The park is managed by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).

References

  1. UNESCO World Heritage Centre — https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1611/
    Supports: World Heritage status, location, area, biome transition, dune field, and outstanding natural values.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Len%C3%A7%C3%B3is_Maranhenses_National_Park
    Supports: Established date, park name, location, area, coastline length, and general description.
  3. UNESCO World Heritage Centre — https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6261/
    Supports: Creation date, area, municipal coverage, and management by ICMBio.
  4. Government of Brazil — https://www.gov.br/secom/en/latest-news/2024/07/unesco-declares-lencois-maranhenses-national-park-a-world-heritage-site
    Supports: 2024 UNESCO inscription.
  5. Global Alliance of National Parks — https://national-parks.org/brazil/lencois-maranhenses/
    Supports: Park area, coastline length, dune characteristics, and endangered species.