Where are the best places to see sand dunes in Brazil?
- Rachel
- Sep 26
- 5 min read
Thinking of Brazil often brings to mind images of dense green tropical rainforests and beaches. However, Brazil is actually home to a diverse array of landscapes - including sand dunes.
Sand dunes are natural formations created by the movement of wind and sand, found in coastal regions, deserts, and riverbanks. These landscapes vary in size and shape, constantly shifting due to wind patterns and environmental factors. Many of the world's sand dunes are located in arid or semi-arid environments, but Brazil uniquely has several dune fields that exist in tropical and subtropical climates.
These areas are popular destinations for tourism, attracting visitors for activities such as sandboarding, dune buggy rides, hiking, and even swimming when the dunes fill with water during the wet season.
Brazil has several regions with sand dunes, located in different parts of the country, each providing distinct experiences. Some are found in national parks, while others are located near the coast or riverbanks. Whether sliding down dunes on a sandboard, taking an exhilarating buggy ride, or simply enjoying a sunset over the shifting sands, visiting the dunes can be a fun and memorable travel experience.
Here are some of the top places to see sand dunes in Brazil, and the activities you can do in each:
1. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Maranhão) - the best sand dunes in Brazil, and the world?!
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is located in the state of Maranhão. The area consists of sand dunes interspersed with seasonal lagoons that form after the rainy season. The park covers an extensive area, with the most accessible points located near the towns of Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro, and Atins. Visitors can explore the dunes on guided tours, which often include visits to the lagoons.
When to go to Lencois Maranhenses: The best time to visit is between June and September when the lagoons are at their fullest.
> Find cheap accommodation in Lencois Maranhenses > Find bus tickets to Lencois Maranhenses
2. Jericoacoara (Ceará)
Jericoacoara is a coastal area in the state of Ceará that includes sand dunes as part of its landscape. The region is within the Jericoacoara National Park, which protects the dunes and surrounding natural features. The area is accessible through off-road vehicles and is known for activities such as sandboarding, buggy rides, and sunset viewing from the dunes. Visitors can also explore nearby lagoons, beaches, and rock formations.
When to go to Jericoacoara: The site can be visited throughout the year, with the dry season lasting from July to December.
> Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Jericoacoara > Find bus tickets to Jericoacoara
3. Jalapão State Park (Tocantins)
Jalapão State Park is located in Tocantins. The park features sand dunes, rivers, waterfalls, and rock formations. The dunes in this region have a characteristic golden color and are situated near the Espírito Santo Mountain. Due to its remote location, the park is accessed primarily through guided tours that involve off-road driving. In addition to sand dunes, visitors can see rock formations, swim in natural pools, and explore waterfalls.
When to go to Jalapão: The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to September.
> Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Jalapão
4. Genipabu Dunes (Rio Grande do Norte)
The Genipabu Dunes are located near Natal, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The dunes are part of an environmental protection area and are known for their shifting nature, as they are moved by wind patterns. Visitors can explore the dunes through buggy rides conducted by licensed drivers. The tours offer options for slow-paced rides or high-adrenaline experiences. Other activities include camel rides and sandboarding.
When to go to Natal: The site is accessible throughout the year.
> Find cheap accommodation in Natal > Find a bus tickets to Natal
5. Cumbuco Dunes (Ceará)
The Cumbuco Dunes are located near Fortaleza, in the state of Ceará. The dunes are popular for recreational activities such as sandboarding and buggy rides. The region is also a well-known destination for kitesurfing due to strong winds. The nearby Banana Lagoon is frequently included in tours of the dunes, offering opportunities for additional water activities.
When to go to Cumbuco Dunes: The dunes are accessible year-round, with dry season months between July and December being the most popular.
> Find cheap accommodation in Fortaleza > Find bus tickets to Fortaleza
6. Piaçabuçu Dunes (Alagoas)
The Piaçabuçu Dunes are located at the mouth of the São Francisco River in the state of Alagoas, between Aracaju and Maceio. The dunes form part of the coastal ecosystem and are shaped by river and wind activity. Access to the dunes is primarily through boat tours that depart from Piaçabuçu. These tours often include stops for exploration and photography. The dunes provide a contrast between the river, ocean, and surrounding vegetation.
When to go to the Piaçabuçu Dunes: The area can be visited throughout the year.
> Find cheap accommodation in Piaçabuçu
7. Florianópolis Dunes (Santa Catarina)
Florianópolis has two major dune fields, with the most notable ones located in Joaquina and Lagoa da Conceição. The Joaquina Dunes are known for sandboarding, with rental equipment available on-site. The Lagoa da Conceição dunes offer views of the lagoon and surrounding hills. These dunes are easily accessible and are located near urban areas.
When to go to the Florianopolis: The region has a mild climate, making it possible to visit the dunes at any time of the year.
> Find cheap accommodation in Florianopolis > Find bus tickets to Florianopolis
Ready to plan your trip?
Brazil has multiple regions with sand dunes, each offering different landscapes and activities. If you're ready to plan your next adventure, let me help you find affordable accommodation for your trip:
More resources for planning your trip to Brazil
Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. Or, rent a car and give yourself the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Find your perfect accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels
You're not ready to travel until you have travel insurance. I recommend Safety Wing to my friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. Get a free quote
Forgetting something? Read my packing check-list for Brazil, and my list of 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil
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