Barreiras, Bahia: attractions, history and things to do

Published on January 1, 2013 · Updated on October 23, 2026

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Barreiras (BA): tourist attractions, history and things to do in western Bahia

Barreiras is the largest city in western Bahia, on the banks of the rio Grande (the Rio Grande river), about 850 km from Salvador and 620 km from Brasília. Known as the capital of western Bahia, it is a major agribusiness hub and, therefore, receives many business visitors. However, the region also has waterfalls, clear-water rivers, caves and rock walls for adventure sports. In addition, the Micareta Barreiras Folia (a micareta is an out-of-season carnival) is one of the liveliest festivals in inland Bahia.

Quick summary – Barreiras (BA)

Where it is: western Bahia, on the banks of the rio Grande, on the BR-242.
Population: 159,743 inhabitants (2022 IBGE Census).
Distances: about 850 km from Salvador and 620 km from Brasília.
Highlights: Rio de Ondas, Cachoeira do Acaba-Vida, Cachoeira do Redondo and Três Bocas.
Festival: Micareta Barreiras Folia, the city’s out-of-season carnival.
Best time to go: from May to September, in the dry season.

Video about Barreiras in Bahia

Cidade de BARREIRAS, CACHOEIRA DO ACABA VIDA e LAGOA AZUL.15:25

Barreiras na Bahia03:01

Barreiras 126 anos14:11

Cachoeira do Redondo, em Barreiras07:15

Rio de Ondas, Cachoeira do Acaba Vida e do Redondo em Barreiras na Bahia

Rio de ondas - Barreiras BA01:00

The city of Barreiras

According to IBGE, the municipality has 159,743 inhabitants and is the most populous municipality in western Bahia. Since the 1960s, with the opening of the BR-242 and the arrival of soybeans, the city has grown rapidly. Today, the economy revolves around grain production, especially soybeans, corn and cotton.

In addition, the city has an airport with regular flights and sits at the crossroads of important highways, such as the BR-242 and, nearby, the BR-020. For this reason, it is the main base for exploring western Bahia.

In general, the climate is tropical and hot all year round, with rain concentrated between November and March. Thus, the dry season, from May to September, is the best time for trails and waterfalls.

Tourist attractions in Barreiras

Rio de Ondas

The Rio de Ondas is the city’s postcard image. With clear water and rapids, it is great for swimming, tubing and canoeing. On its banks, moreover, the Country Club Rio de Ondas offers leisure facilities. To explore it in detail, see our guide to the Rio de Ondas and the waterfalls of Barreiras.

Cachoeira do Acaba-Vida

Without a doubt one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in the region, the Acaba-Vida impresses with its rock wall and its volume of water. That is why it is a must-see stop for anyone who enjoys nature and photography.

Cachoeira do Redondo

On the other hand, with a large natural pool for swimming, the Cachoeira do Redondo is great for relaxing. In addition, since 2021 the area has been protected as a Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural (RPPN), that is, a private natural heritage reserve.

Other attractions

Três Bocas: first of all, a meeting point of rivers, surrounded by nature and good for swimming.
Mirante da Serra do Mimo: especially in the late afternoon, it offers a panoramic view of the city and the valley.
Museu Municipal: it houses funerary urns and records of rock paintings from the region’s prehistory.
Old town center: neoclassical mansions from the early 20th century and the Igreja de Santa Terezinha.
Mercado Municipal: finally, it is the place to try carne de sol, cheeses and artisanal cachaça.

Around Barreiras

Nearby, São Desidério has more than a hundred caves, blue lagoons and trails. Meanwhile, Correntina and the sanctuary of Bom Jesus da Lapa complete an itinerary through western Bahia.

See the map of the Caminhos do Oeste

Micareta Barreiras Folia

Barreiras Folia is the city’s out-of-season carnival, with carnival groups, trios elétricos (sound trucks carrying live bands) and shows by local and national artists. In general, it attracts mostly young people from all over western Bahia. Since the date changes from year to year, check the city hall’s schedule before you travel. Also, during the June festivals, the city swaps axé for forró.

History of Barreiras

Originally, these lands were part of the enormous sesmaria (colonial land grant) of Antônio Guedes de Brito, the Casa da Ponte. According to IBGE, settlement gained momentum in the second half of the 19th century, with people coming from the banks of the São Francisco and from northern Goiás. At that time, the extraction of latex from the mangabeira (mangaba tree), used to make rubber, helped shape the village.

Later, in 1881, the village became a parish. Then, in 1891, it was elevated to the status of town and separated from Angical; it was formally installed on May 26, the date of the city’s anniversary. Finally, in 1902, it was granted city status.

In addition, human presence in the region is very old, as the archaeological sites show. Meanwhile, the prosperity of the early 20th century was recorded in the neoclassical mansions downtown.

Igreja Santa Terezinha do Menino Jesus in the historic center of Barreiras BA

How to get there and practical tips

By plane: Barreiras airport has regular flights to Salvador, Brasília and other cities; however, check the current routes.
From Salvador: by road, it is about 850 km via the BR-242.
From Brasília: it is about 620 km via the BR-020 and then via the BR-242.
Best time to go: from May to September, when it hardly rains.
Tours: for more remote waterfalls and trails, hire a local guide.

Frequently asked questions about Barreiras

Where is Barreiras?

The city is in western Bahia, on the banks of the rio Grande, about 850 km from Salvador.

In addition, it is about 620 km from Brasília.

What are the tourist attractions in Barreiras?

The highlights are the Rio de Ondas, the Acaba-Vida and Redondo waterfalls, Três Bocas and the Mirante da Serra do Mimo.

Nearby, moreover, are the caves of São Desidério, in the neighboring municipality.

What is Barreiras Folia?

It is the city’s micareta, an out-of-season carnival with carnival groups and trios elétricos.

Since the date varies, check the schedule before you go.

When is the best time to visit Barreiras?

From May to September, in the dry season.

That way, roads and trails are in better condition.

Does the city have an airport?

Yes. The city’s airport has regular flights to Salvador and Brasília, among other cities.

For this reason, it is the main gateway to western Bahia.

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →