White Sand Dunes and the City of Tiles! Recommended tourist spots in Maranhão State

Maranhão State is located in northeastern Brazil, with its capital in São Luís. São Luís is the only state capital in Brazil that was built by the French, and it is said that the city was named after the French king at the time, giving it a unique atmosphere. Also, if you travel a bit outside the city, you will find many parks rich in greenery and nature, allowing you to fully enjoy the outdoors. Here, we will introduce some recommended tourist spots packed with the charms of Maranhão State.

1. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a national park centered around vast sand dunes. “Lençóis” means “sheets” in Portuguese, and “Maranhenses” means “of Maranhão State.” As its name suggests, white sand dunes spread out over 1,500 square kilometers like endless white sheets. These dunes are so white that they can even be seen clearly in satellite photos. The sand is composed mostly of quartz, a white mineral that reflects sunlight, making the dunes shine brightly.

During the rainy season, the groundwater beneath the dunes rises, and by the end of the season, countless beautiful emerald-green lagoons appear between the dunes. This phenomenon occurs because the groundwater below the quartz layer rises with heavy rainfall and springs up in the valleys of the dunes. During this period, many tourists visit to witness the breathtaking scenery of the white dunes dotted with sparkling lagoons. You can even swim in the lagoons, and scenic flights over the area are also popular.

2. Historic Center of São Luís

The capital city of Maranhão State, São Luís, is widely known as the “City of Tiles” because most of the buildings in its historic district are covered in decorative tiles. In 1997, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and since 1989, restoration and renovation of colonial-era architecture have been underway.

The Historic Center of São Luís was originally the site of a Tupinambá indigenous settlement. Later, it experienced invasions by European nations such as Portugal and France, as well as a period as an independent state, resulting in today’s landscape with its unique architectural techniques and urban layout reflecting diverse cultural influences.

São Luís is also famous for its lively celebration of the festival called Bumba Meu Boi, which is held in northern and northeastern Brazil. This large-scale music pantomime involves hundreds of groups performing throughout the night. Crowds join in with singing, dancing, and shaking maracas, creating a vibrant and local festive atmosphere.

◎ Summary of recommended tourist spots in Maranhão State

We have introduced some of the representative tourist spots of Maranhão State in Brazil. It is a region full of attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. At the white sand dunes, witnessing the natural scenery that took years to form will make you feel the journey was worthwhile. Meanwhile, in the City of Tiles, you can enjoy not only the lingering influence of Western culture but also many must-see sites such as the Lions Palace, the Cathedral, and the Arthur Azevedo Theater. Be sure to take your time and fully explore the area.

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

White Sand Dunes and the City of Tiles! Recommended tourist spots in Maranhão State