Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil

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Where?

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil.

Why?

To visit pop-up lagoons in an otherwise barren desert. From June to September rainwater lakes - some deep (and warm) enough to swim in - can be seen pocketing the bleach-white dunes found in the northeast of Brazil.

Spanning 70km of the coast and stretching 5km inland, the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a playground for hikers, quad bikers and swimmers keen to dip their toes into the clear waters that appear once a year.

Where to stay

In the rustic chalets at Encantes do Nordeste. Take advantage of the shuttle service to Jericoacoara Beach.

What to pack

Slip a pair of Matin linen pants over this Patbo cutout checked chiffon-trimmed swimsuit for a look that'll take you from dipping in and out of the lagoon to hiking across the dunes.

Travel tip off

Stay a few days in Barreirinhas to combine your trip with visits to the remote villages of Atins and Santo Amaro.

How to get there

Take the bus from São Luís to Barreirinhas, a coastal town on the Rio Preguicas river known as the gateway to the national park.

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