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Maranhão

Maranhão, Brazil

Journey to the Otherworldly: Discover Maranhão, Brazil Escape the ordinary and step into a landscape like no other in Maranhão, a state in northeast Brazil where towering sand dunes meet crystal-clear lagoons. This hidde…

#Northeast Brazil#Amazon Rainforest#Brazilian coast#São Luís#Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Maranhão.

Top Hotels in Maranhão

Top Flights to Maranhão

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Maranhão.

Tours

São Luís Historical Center Tour

Explore the colonial architecture and vibrant culture in the historical center of São Luís.

Alcântara Day Trip

Take a day trip to the historic town of Alcântara, known for its colonial ruins and charming streets.

Shopping

Shopping at São Luís Shopping

Enjoy a modern shopping experience with a variety of stores and dining options.

Outdoor

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park Exploration

Discover the stunning landscape of sand dunes and seasonal lagoons at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.

Barreirinhas River Adventure

Experience the wonders of the Preguiças River with boat tours and water activities.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Maranhão.

Currency

R$ | BRL | Brazilian Real

Population

7.2 million

Languages

Portuguese, Portuguese

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Maranhão.

What people love

Maranhão, located in northeastern Brazil, offers a unique and diverse travel experience with many pros for visitors. Here are some detailed reasons why you may want to consider traveling to Maranhão:

Lencois Maranhenses National Park: One of the main attractions of Maranhão is the stunning Lencois Maranhenses National Park. This park features vast expanses of white sand dunes dotted with crystal-clear freshwater lagoons, creating a surreal and breathtaking landscape. Visitors can explore the dunes, swim in the lagoons, and witness spectacular sunsets.
Rich Culture and History: Maranhão has a rich cultural heritage influenced by indigenous, African, and European traditions. The capital city of São Luís is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore historic sites, museums, and enjoy traditional music and dance performances.
Local Cuisine: Maranhão is famous for its delicious cuisine, which reflects its diverse cultural influences. Visitors can savor local dishes such as arroz de cuxá (a traditional rice dish), seafood specialties, and exotic fruits. The vibrant food scene in Maranhão offers a unique culinary experience for travelers.
Unique Ecosystems: Beyond the sand dunes of Lencois Maranhenses, Maranhão boasts diverse ecosystems including mangrove forests, rivers, and coastal areas. Visitors can take boat tours to explore the Preguiças River, venture into the Amazon rainforest, or visit the Delta do Parnaíba, a unique river delta shared with neighboring states.
Adventure Activities: Maranhão offers a variety of outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can go sandboarding on the dunes, trekking in the national park, birdwatching in the wetlands, or kayaking in the rivers and mangroves. The region's natural beauty provides ample opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Overall, traveling to Maranhão offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and unique experiences that can appeal to a wide range of travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Brazil.

Enjoy your trip to Maranhão!

What to know

Traveling to Maranhão, Brazil, can have a few cons that travelers should be aware of:

Health and Safety Concerns: Certain areas of Maranhão may have higher crime rates and lower safety standards compared to other parts of Brazil. It's important to take precautions to ensure your safety, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping an eye on your belongings.
Language Barrier: While Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, not everyone in Maranhão may speak English fluently. This could make communication and navigation a bit challenging for non-Portuguese speakers.
Weather: Maranhão has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year. Travelers may find it uncomfortable, especially if they are not used to such weather conditions.
Limited Infrastructure: Some areas in Maranhão may have limited access to basic amenities and infrastructure. This could affect the quality of accommodations, transportation options, and availability of certain services.
Distance and Accessibility: Maranhão is a vast state with diverse landscapes, and traveling between different regions may require long journeys by road or air. This could be a challenge for travelers looking to explore multiple areas within a limited time frame.

Overall, while Maranhão is a beautiful destination with unique cultural and natural attractions, travelers should be prepared for some of the challenges that come with visiting this region of Brazil.

Maranhão is a state located in the northeastern region of Brazil. Its capital is São Luís, which is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Here is a detailed history of Maranhão:

Indigenous Peoples and Early History

Before the arrival of Europeans, Maranhão was inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Tupi, Guajajara, and Timbira peoples. These groups lived off the land, engaging in hunting, fishing, and agriculture.

European Colonization

16th Century: The first European contact was made by the French. In 1612, French explorers led by Daniel de la Touche established a colony called France Equinoxiale and built Fort Saint Louis, which later became the city of São Luís.
1615: The Portuguese, seeking to consolidate their control over Brazil, expelled the French. Jerônimo de Albuquerque was instrumental in this effort, and by 1615, the Portuguese had taken over the region.

Portuguese Rule

17th Century: Maranhão became an integral part of Portuguese Brazil. The Portuguese focused on developing agriculture, particularly sugarcane and cotton plantations, using enslaved African labor.
1641-1644: During the Dutch-Portuguese War, the Dutch briefly occupied São Luís, but they were expelled by the Portuguese and local resistance.

Economic Development

18th Century: The economy of Maranhão expanded with the establishment of the Maranhão and Grão-Pará Company, which aimed to develop the region's resources. However, the company faced many challenges and was dissolved in the late 18th century.

Independence and Empire of Brazil

1820s: Maranhão was one of the last regions in Brazil to join the independence movement. It officially became part of independent Brazil in 1823.
19th Century: The state experienced economic growth, particularly in agriculture. The abolition of slavery in 1888 had significant economic and social impacts.

20th Century to Present

Mid-20th Century: Maranhão remained relatively underdeveloped compared to other parts of Brazil. Political and economic changes began to emerge, with efforts to modernize infrastructure and industry.
Recent Development: In recent decades, Maranhão has seen increased investment in infrastructure and development projects, although challenges such as poverty and inequality persist.

Historical Figures

Daniel de la Touche: French nobleman who founded France Equinoxiale and built Fort Saint Louis.
Jerônimo de Albuquerque: Portuguese leader who played a crucial role in expelling the French and establishing Portuguese control.

Important Landmarks

Historic Center of São Luís: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, including colorful azulejos (tiles) and cobblestone streets.
Alcântara: A city known for its colonial architecture and historical significance, located across the bay from São Luís.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park: Famous for its vast sand dunes and seasonal freshwater lagoons, it is a natural landmark attracting tourists from around the world.

Maranhão's history is marked by cultural diversity and a blend of indigenous, African, and European influences, which continue to shape its identity today.