Lencois Maranheses National Park, BRAZIL
Airing Date: Aug 28th, 2006
Lenis Maranhenses is one of Brazil's best kept secrets. It's fragile ecosystem is preserved through a limit on tourist visits - they allow only 400 a day. The Lenis Maranhenses National Park is located in the State of Maranho, on the north shore of Brazil. The park was created in 1981 to protect an area of around 300 square kilometres that preserves a very special ecosystem. Spectacular dunes have formed over thousands of years with the assistance of wind and rain movement.
Unlike a normal desert, there is plenty of rain and rivers in the region. The monsoonal rainy season which runs from January to June, fills the thousands of lakes that sit between many of the sand dunes. Some of the most famous lakes which are also said to be the most beautiful are the Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and the Lagoa Bonita (Beautiful Lake). These lakes are especially good for swimming.
Apart from creating the amazing lagoons, the rainy season also brings life to Lencois as they fill with several species of fish, turtles and clams. One reason for this reassurance of life is that the eggs of the fish and crabs manage to stay alive in the sand, exploding into life when the rain returns. Barreirinhas is the largest city in the region and it serves as a support for visitors. There are well-equipped hotels, as well as tourism agencies and guides that take tourists on excursions.
FURTHER INFORMATION
3 night package from $845 a person. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Includes breakfast, tour & return transfers.
BFirst Travel - PH: 1300 763 338
Prices correct at 28/8/06
LAN Airlines return to Brazil from
$2981 ex east coast
$3487 ex west coast
Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
LAN Airlines - PH: 1800 221 572
Prices correct at 01/8/06
Connect to Sao Luis from
$650 return
Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
TAM Airlines - PH: 02 9299 4410
Prices correct at 31/7/06
