Maranhão, Brazil - A tucked-away treasure of South America

Hidden amidst the more famed Brazilian destinations like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Florianopolis, an underexplored gem named Maranhão quietly rolls out an elegant panorama of stunning landscapes, exotic ecosystems, historical wonders and breathtaking dune fields. This Northeastern state of Brazil, where the Amazon Rainforest meets the Atlantic Ocean, is a layered exhibition of unique landscapes, international multicultural influences, and Afro-Brazilian traditions that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

The State’s Capital: São Luís

The state's capital, São Luís is a UNESCO World Heritage site full of grand colonial architecture influenced by its Portuguese, Dutch, and French past. In the historic center, the narrow cobblestone streets draw intricate patterns between the well-preserved 17th and 18th-century buildings adorned with Portuguese tiles, known as azulejos. The city throbs with reggae beats, providing a Caribbean flavor in the heart of Brazil.

A Magical World of Sand and Lagoons

Outside of the bustling capital lies a magical world of sand and lagoons. Maranhão is home to the lesser-known yet spectacular Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, hailed as Brazil’s desert with an aquatic twist. Spanning over 1,500 square kilometers, this vast expanse of rippled sand dunes throughout is punctuated by thousands of crystal-clear freshwater lagoons, formed by the seasonal rains.

An Ecologically Diverse State

Maranhão's ecological diversity extends beyond desert landscapes. In the heartland of the state, the Amazon rainforest lays out an altogether different spectacle. The lesser-known Chapada das Mesas National Park, with its cascading waterfalls, table-top mountains, intricate caves, and crystal-clear rivers, forms an irresistible forested paradise, serving up the perfect environment for adventure seekers.

Chapada das Mesas National Park. Maranhão, Brazil

A Vibrant Culture

Maranhão’s vibrant culture impresses through its unique music, dance forms, and food. The state is known for Bumba-meu-boi, a lively festival that tells a folk story through dance, music, and elaborate costumes. The Maranhão cuisine is a gastronomic delight - a smorgasbord of indigenous traditions, Portuguese influences, and African flavors, including dishes like Arroz de Cuxá and Peixe Pedra.

A Captivating Travel Destination

Maranhão, with its myriad landscapes, colonial charm, and rich cultural palette, is a captivating travel destination that promises a distinctive Brazilian experience. It invites travelers to move away from the crowded beaches and hyped carnivals, and venture into an immersive discovery of nature's marvels, historical treasures and an alive and thriving culture not usually found in the mainstream travelogues.