When we think of Brazil, the first things that come to mind are its tropical beaches, its vibrant atmosphere and its people. But there’s a lesser-known and absolutely fascinating side: sand tourism. We’re talking about walking through dunes, exploring tropical deserts, sliding down the sand on a board, and discovering hidden lagoons between mountains of white grains.
Yes, Brazil is also that. And here at BrazilGreenTravel, we’ll tell you all about it.
What is sand tourism?
It’s not just about going to the beach. Sand tourism includes landscapes dominated by brazil sand dunes, dry or semi-arid ecosystems, and outdoor activities built around these environments: from buggy rides to sandboarding, from hiking to swimming in rain-formed lagoons.
The best part? Brazil offers vastly different landscapes, all with sand as the main feature.
Lençóis Maranhenses: the desert that floods
Imagine flying over a sea of white dunes suddenly dotted with turquoise lagoons. It’s not a mirage: it’s the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, in the state of Maranhão.
Unlike typical deserts, it actually rains here—a lot. Between January and September, water gathers in the valleys between dunes, creating thousands of natural pools. From October to December, the heat evaporates the water, returning the landscape to its dry form.
The best time to visit is from June to September, when the lagoons are full and the contrast between white sand and blue water is simply out of this world. The wildlife is also surprising: fish, crustaceans, and even turtles appear as if life emerged from nowhere.
Adrenaline in the sand
If you prefer action, there are perfect destinations to combine sand and adventure. One of the most famous is Genipabu, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Here, the highlight is a buggy ride across moving dunes at full speed (you can choose the “with emotion” or “without emotion” version).
Another thrilling spot is Joaquina Beach in Santa Catarina. Famous for its sand dunes brazil and as the birthplace of sandboarding in Brazil, you can rent a board and slide downhill—like skiing, but on sand.
Destinations to unplug
Not everything in sand tourism is about action. There are also spots where the silence of the desert in brazil and the whisper of the wind create an almost meditative atmosphere.
Along the coast of Ceará, the dunes of Trairi offer a more serene experience: hikes through golden hills, small fishing villages and beaches where time seems to stand still. Perfect for those seeking peace and nature contact.
You’ll find a similar feeling in Piaçabuçu, in Alagoas. Here, the dunes merge with lush vegetation and the majestic São Francisco River that flows into the sea. The buggy rides are calm and offer stunning views of the meeting of river, sand, and ocean.
Jalapão: dunes, oases, and raw nature
If you’re into pure adventure, Jalapão in Tocantins is your spot. This state park is a mix of desert, cerrado, and oasis. Its bright orange dunes combine with crystal-clear rivers, impressive waterfalls, and the famous fervedouros—natural pools where you can’t sink.
Jalapão is more remote and less touristy than other destinations, making it a paradise for the most intrepid travelers. There’s no pavement or major infrastructure, but there is a deep connection with nature.
Tips for your sandy adventure
- Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes for walking on sand.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses—the sun on the brazil dunes can be intense.
- Don’t forget water, especially if you’re hiking.
- And above all, respect nature. Dunes, though vast, are fragile ecosystems.
Whether you’re sliding down a southern dune, crossing a flooded northern desert, or finding a hidden lagoon among golden hills, sand tourism in Brazil offers a kind of magic that’s hard to describe.
Because Brazil isn’t just samba and caipirinhas. It’s also wind, silence, dunes, water, and sun—sometimes all in one place.
