About
Maranhão is a state in northeastern Brazil, set on the South American coast. It is a destination shaped by its landscape and its colonial past, and it suits visitors who want to see both the open country and the old towns.
What to see
- Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, known for its sand dunes, which give the park its distinctive scenery.
- São Luís, the state capital, where the colonial heritage of the region is most visible in its historic streets.
- The wider state, for travellers who enjoy long stretches of coast and quieter places away from the main centres.
What kind of visit it makes
Maranhão works well as a trip built around two contrasts: the dunes of the national park on one side, and the historic architecture of São Luís on the other. Those who come for the park will find the landscape its main draw, while those drawn to heritage will find the capital a natural base for exploring the city's old quarters.
Because the state is less visited than some other parts of Brazil, a trip here can feel unhurried. Visitors planning a stay should allow time to move between the capital and the park, and check current access and conditions before setting out.