Maranhão, a state in Brazil’s northeast, offers miles of Atlantic coastline and dense Amazon rainforest. It’s also home to Lençóis Maranhenses, a vast national park filled with undulating sand dunes, much like being in the desert. During the wet season, natural lakes form, making it truly unlike any other place on earth.

The ideal time to visit is between July to November each year. This is when the lagoons are at their fullest, ideal for swimming. The views are otherworldly – soft rippling sand dunes and inviting blue pools stretch out to the horizon. Just don’t forget your hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.

São Luis is the capital city of Maranhão. While it feels somewhat forgotten and crumbling, it is a must for history buffs and lovers of colonial architecture. It is the only Brazilian state capital founded by France. In 1997 the city’s historical centre was made a UNESCO World Heritage site.

_{Photo: Douglas Junior / MTur, Centro Histórico, São Luis}