Things To Do
in Barreirinhas
Barreirinhas is a small riverside town in Maranhão that serves as the main gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. It bustles with tour agencies, pousadas and simple riverfront restaurants while retaining a laid-back, frontier feel. The town sits on the Rio Preguiças and is the launch point for dune and lagoon excursions, river trips to Mandacaru and access to nearby fishing villages such as Atins and Caburé.
Expect warm weather year-round, sandy streets, vivid sunsets over dunes and easy access to unique desert-meets-tropics landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Barreirinhas and settle into your hotel, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this small town. Take a leisurely stroll along the main street and explore local shops selling handcrafted goods. Grab a delicious breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Brazilian treats like pão de queijo.
Embark on a boat tour along the Preguiças River, enjoying the stunning landscapes of mangroves and sand dunes. Stop at the charming village of Vassouras, where you can see the unique local wildlife and enjoy fresh coconut water from street vendors. Continue your journey to the picturesque Caburé beach, where you can relax on the soft sands and swim in the warm waters.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant by the river and indulge in a dinner of fresh seafood, savoring the flavors of Northeastern Brazil. Enjoy the serene environment as the sky turns shades of orange and pink, reflecting on the water. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the riverbank, soaking in the tranquil ambiance.
Start your day early with a guided tour to the breathtaking Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, known for its vast white sand dunes and crystal-clear lagoons. Enjoy a scenic drive through the park, stopping at various viewpoints to take in the surreal landscapes. Arrive at the first lagoon, where you can swim and relax amidst the stunning backdrop of dunes.
Continue your exploration with a hike through the dunes, discovering hidden lagoons and enjoying a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Capture beautiful photographs of the unique landscape, as the shifting sands create ever-changing patterns. Visit Lagoa Bonita, one of the park's most famous lagoons, where you can swim and bask in the sun.
Return to Barreirinhas and freshen up before heading out for dinner. Choose a local restaurant that offers traditional Maranhão cuisine, such as arroz de cuxá and torta de camarão. After dinner, enjoy a quiet evening by the river, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $2-4 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $1-2 |
| 🚙Half-day dune/lagoon tour (group) | $25-50 |
| 🏨Mid-range pousada double room (per night) | $35-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique landscapes of white dunes and turquoise lagoons not found elsewhere
- Relaxed riverside atmosphere with easy access to national park
- Good opportunities for photography, nature, and water activities
- Close-knit local culture and authentic regional cuisine
- Limited infrastructure and medical facilities compared with larger cities
- Some access requires 4x4 vehicles or boats and can be affected by weather
- Card acceptance and ATMs are limited — cash often needed
- Basic nightlife and fewer luxury amenities
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male/female speaker)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica a praia / o parque?" - Where is the beach / the park?
- "Tem cartão?" - Do you accept cards?
- "Sou alérgico(a) a frutos do mar" - I am allergic to seafood
Places to Visit in Barreirinhas
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic sweeping dune landscapes and turquoise lagoons; excellent sunrise and sunset light and dramatic compositions of rippled sand and water.
One of the most photogenic lagoons with clear, deep-blue water framed by high white dunes — great for aerial-style shots and reflections.
Riverside scenes, fishing boats, children playing, markets and golden-hour reflections — ideal for documentary-style photography.
Panoramic views from the lighthouse and quirky local landmarks; combine with river and dune panoramas for unique frames.
Long beach vistas, kite-surfers (in season) and expansive horizons — good for motion and lifestyle shots.
Low light pollution makes for clear star fields and Milky Way photography on moonless nights; foreground dunes add scale.
Food in Barreirinhas
Barreirinhas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Maranhão specialty: rice mixed with cuxá, a savory paste made from dried shrimp, toasted manioc, herbs and vinagreira leaves; commonly found at local restaurants and family-run eateries.
Must-Try!
Fresh fried river or coastal fish, often served with farinha, plantain and salad; moqueca versions use coconut milk and local seasonings — ask riverfront restaurants for the day's catch.
Grilled manioc starch pancakes filled with cheese, coconut or savory fillings — popular as a breakfast or snack sold by street vendors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small market with fresh fish, local fruit and street stalls; a good place to sample snacks and see ingredients used in regional dishes.
Scattered along the riverfront offering freshly caught fish, fried shrimp, cold drinks and tapioca — ideal for casual meals with a view.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm handshake, smile or quick hug is common — addressing people with 'Senhor'/'Senhora' or a polite 'Bom dia' (good morning) is appreciated.
Life is relaxed; expect a slower pace and flexible timekeeping. Being patient and polite goes a long way.
Follow park rules, avoid leaving trash in dunes and ask permission before photographing people in small river communities.
Safety
Tipping in Barreirinhas
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leave small change for casual service (10% in restaurants is optional but increasingly common). Tip boat crews and guides directly in cash if service is good.
Cash (Brazilian real, BRL) is king in Barreirinhas, especially for small vendors, markets and some tour operators. Credit/debit cards are accepted at larger pousadas and some restaurants, but network issues and card surcharges can occur — carry sufficient cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid and with frequent afternoon showers early in the year; conditions are warm and the landscape is lush, but short heavy rains can affect dirt roads and boat schedules.
Rains are heaviest between March and May — lagoons fill spectacularly and scenery is dramatic, but some routes become muddy and some tours are limited. Boat travel and river tours are at their most scenic.
Generally sunnier and drier with clearer skies and easier overland access; July–September is often considered the best overall window for visiting Lençóis because lagoons are still substantial and the weather is stable.
Barreirinhas at Night
Hiking in Barreirinhas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short but sandy hikes to high dunes offering panoramic views and access to multiple lagoons; best early morning or late afternoon for cooler conditions.
Walks across white sand corridors to a deep-blue lagoon; easy swims and great photo opportunities, though paths are sandy and require sturdy footwear.
Longer beach treks linking Barreirinhas’ surrounding areas to Atins/Caburé during low tide windows — plan with a guide to account for tides and river crossings.
Short ecological walks near the Preguiças River exploring mangroves, birdlife and small fishing communities — ideal for birdwatching and nature photography.
Airports
How to reach Barreirinhas by plane.
The main regional airport serving Maranhão, located in São Luís (approx. 250–300 km away). From São Luís you can travel by road to Barreirinhas (4–6 hours) or arrange a combined transfer with local operators.
A small regional airstrip near town serves occasional light aircraft and charters; schedules may be limited and seasonal — most travelers use São Luís as the primary access point.
An alternative regional airport in nearby Piauí state; ground transfers are possible but longer and may require coordinating transfers or combining with boat segments.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People whose livelihoods are tied to fishing, boat transport and tourism along the Rio Preguiças; often multi-generational families with deep local knowledge.
The region has a mixed demographic with Afro-Brazilian, indigenous and Portuguese-descended influences shaping culture, cuisine and music.
Seasonal influx of tour operators, guides, pousada staff and visiting travelers from across Brazil and overseas who support local tourism infrastructure.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Brazil, played informally in town and on beaches; local matches and pickup games are common.
Especially popular in Atins and other windy beaches nearby — attracts national and international kitesurfers during consistent wind windows.
Recreational sandboarding and dune sliding are popular tourist activities in the Lençóis Maranhenses area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Barreirinhas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; ask for rice, beans, grilled vegetables, tapioca with cheese or fruit-based dishes. Carry snacks if you have strict preferences and learn a few Portuguese phrases to explain restrictions.
Vegan choices are less common; many items rely on dairy or fish stocks. Gluten-free options are possible with manioc/farinha-based dishes like tapioca, but be explicit about cross-contamination and confirm ingredients in pousadas and restaurants.
Seafood is central to local food — if you have an allergy, communicate clearly in Portuguese and carry allergy medication. Many smaller kitchens may not have allergen protocols.