2. Lencois Maranhenses National Park (Brazil), the desert with salt lakes

Even with 14 percent of the world's fresh water sources and the world's largest area of rain forest, Brazil still boasts one of the world's most fascinating deserts. Every year from July to September, heavy rainfall creates thousands of ponds in the desert. The white sand dunes mixed with blue lakes will leave you wondering if you're in a desert or by the sea.