
Spectacular sandscape: Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil's Maranhão state covers 598 square miles. Dunes are broken up by cerulean lagoons between March and September.

Undulating dunes: Two rivers carry sedimentary deposits to the Atlantic Ocean, but the deposits are subsequently driven miles inland by high winds in dry season.

Rain-filled lagoons: Rain forms the freshwater lagoons, which are unable to drain due to impermeable rock beneath the sand. The phenomenon is at its most beautiful from July to August.

Land of contrasts: The sand and water make for a striking visual juxtaposition on the ground and from the air.

Remote and undiscovered: Getting to the park is no easy feat, but the park's location means few