Lençóis Maranhenses, São Luís and Alcântara

São Luís is the closest airport to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park: a dune desert along the Northeast coast that fills with ephemeral lagoons during the rainy season. São Luís of Maranhão (capital city of the Maranhão state) was founded on an island by the French in 1612. At that time, it was known as Saint-Louis de Maragnan. Its city center, located on an Island, is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The colonial houses and their frontages covered in mosaic offer a travel in time. By night, the winding streets echo with reggae music, restaurant terraces are filled with people, and the neighborhood comes to life. One hour away from São Luís by boat is Alcântara, another historical treasure.