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Barreirinhas

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Barreirinhas

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

The town of Barreirinhas is quite modest on its own, but gains enormous significance from its proximity to the spectacular Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. The main attraction is undoubtedly the endless landscape of white sand dunes, where crystal-clear, turquoise freshwater lagoons form in the valleys during the rainy season. Excursions are mostly undertaken in modified 4x4 trucks that traverse deep sand to reach the famous blue lakes, like the Lagoa Azul. Beyond the dunes, the Rio Preguiças gives further natural adventures. Boat trips head downstream past dense mangrove forests, tiny fishing villages such as Vassouras, and the imposing Mandacaru lighthouse, until the river finally meets the sea. The local riverside restaurants often serve excellent grilled fish and shrimp, accompanied by regional cassava dishes. Timing your visit is crucial: the absolute best time is between June and September, when the lagoons are brim-full of water following the rainy season. Visitors arriving later in the year may find many of the temporary lakes completely dried up. Traveling to Barreirinhas is typically done by bus or transfer from São Luís, which is about 250 kilometers away.

Location: Brazil
Top sights: Espaço Nordeste · Igreja Adventista do Sétimo Dia Lençois Maranhenses · Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus
Population: ~65.589 (2025)

Geography

Population

65,589 (2025)

Coordinates

-2.75556, -42.82591

Facts

Located along the Rio Preguiças in Maranhão state.
The primary base camp for Lençóis Maranhenses.
Specialized 4x4 trucks are used for transport in the dunes.
River boat tours to the coast are highly popular.
Local crafts frequently use fiber from the Buriti palm.
Roughly 250 kilometers away from São Luís.
The famous lagoons are only filled with water seasonally.
The town offers small inns and cozy restaurants.

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Sights in the town Barreirinhas (6)

Espaço Nordeste 🎭 culture

A cultural center in Barreirinhas exhibiting regional crafts and artwork from Brazil's northeast region.

Igreja Adventista do Sétimo Dia Lençois Maranhenses 📍 landmark

An Adventist church located near the famous dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses, offering regular religious services.

Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus 📍 landmark

A modern religious building in the town center serving the local Universal Church of the Kingdom of God congregation.

Igreja Batista Nacional 📍 landmark

A local Baptist congregation functioning as a religious and social meeting point for the residents of Barreirinhas.

Feirinha da CEAPE 🎭 culture

A small market known for local handicrafts and typical regional snacks near the Preguiças River.

Mercado Público 🎭 culture

The town's public market where locals shop for fresh food and daily essentials.

Frequently asked questions

Barreirinhas: where is it located?

Barreirinhas is located in Brazil.

Barreirinhas: what is there to see?

Highlights include Espaço Nordeste, Igreja Adventista do Sétimo Dia Lençois Maranhenses, Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus.

Barreirinhas: why is it worth visiting?

The town of Barreirinhas is quite modest on its own, but gains enormous significance from its proximity to the spectacular Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →