Hidden Global Cities That Are Under the Radar but Full of Character

11. Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil – The Desert That Turns Into a Lagoon Wonderland

Imagine an endless stretch of pure white sand dunes, but instead of a dry desert, these dunes are filled with crystal-clear turquoise lagoons that appear after the rainy season. Welcome to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, one of the most breathtaking and surreal landscapes in the world—yet still virtually undiscovered by international travelers. Located in northeastern Brazil, this desert-meets-lagoon paradise is best explored between June and September, when the seasonal rains create thousands of freshwater pools nestled between the rolling dunes. Visitors can swim in isolated, mirror-like lagoons, trek across the shifting sands, or take a scenic flight to witness the jaw-dropping aerial patterns of blue and white. Despite its remote nature, quaint fishing villages like Atins and Barreirinhas serve as peaceful gateways to this magical landscape. Unlike the crowded beaches of Rio or Bahia, Lençóis Maranhenses remains untouched by mass tourism, offering a dreamlike setting that feels like another planet.