Home » Bahia Travel Guide » Barreiras: Where Carnival Meets Adventure Tourism

Discover Barreiras, Bahia: Attractions, history and culture in the capital of Western Bahia

The biggest event in the city of Barreiras is the Micareta Barreiras Folia, an off-season carnival that attracts mainly young people. During the Carnival and the June Festival, Bahia is transformed from axé to forró.

Situated west of the São Francisco River, on the banks of the Rio Grande, Barreiras is more business tourism than leisure, although it offers unusual landscapes and plenty of adventure.

The region is rich in archaeological sites, mountains for trekking, waterfalls, cliffs for abseiling, rapids for rafting and caves.

The rivers are ideal for fishing, canoeing and floating.

What is the Micareta Barreiras Folia?

Micareta Barreiras Folia is an out-of-season carnival that takes place in Barreiras, Bahia.

It is a popular festival that brings together locals and visitors in a lively celebration, with parades of blocos, electric trios, shows by local and national artists, and lots of music and dancing.

Micareta is particularly known for its lively atmosphere and the intense participation of the public, who usually dress up and make the most of the festivities.

The event is usually held at a different time from the traditional carnival, usually in April or May, giving people who were unable to attend the February carnival a new opportunity to experience this festival so characteristic of Bahian culture.

See the map Paths of the West

Places of interest in Barreiras

Link

Embed

Copy and paste this HTML code into your webpage to embed.

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 - Barreiras BA01:00

• Rio de Ondas: Known for its powerful rapids, this is a popular spot for water activities and hiking.
• Acaba-Vida Waterfall: Its height and natural beauty attract visitors who want to get in touch with nature.
• Redondo Waterfall: Another beautiful waterfall in the region, ideal for relaxing and enjoying nature.
• Archeological Sites: The region is home to important archaeological sites that offer an insight into the history and human presence in the area.
• Barreiras Historical Museum: Considered a must for history buffs, it houses an important collection.
• Serra do Mimo Viewpoint: Offers stunning panoramic views of the region.
• Rio de Ondas Country Club: A space for leisure and entertainment, with infrastructure for recreational activities.
• Três Bocas: A place known for its natural beauty and tourism potential.
• Serra do Sincorá State Park and Chapada das Mesas National Park: Ideal for those looking for trails, waterfalls and outdoor adventures.
• Typical cuisine: The city is famous for dishes such as carne de sol and artisanal cachaça, which can be sampled at the Municipal Market.

History of Barreiras

Barreiras, a Brazilian municipality in the state of Bahia, was emancipated on 26 May 1891. The Rio de Ondas is one of the city’s natural beauties and an important tourist attraction.

The lands of Barreiras belonged to the sesmaria of Antônio Guedes de Brito. The settlement began to develop in the 17th century, and in 1850 Plácido Barbosa stood out as the region’s pioneer. In 1881, Barreiras became a parish, and in 1891 it gained the status of a village and later a parish.

The presence of man in the region dates back to prehistoric times, with important archaeological finds. The Municipal Museum houses funerary urns and cave paintings. The progress of the early 20th century is reflected in the city’s neoclassical architecture.

Information about Barreiras

Barreiras is the most populous municipality in Western Bahia and is known for its grain production. The city can be reached by daily flights and the main motorways, BR 020 and BR 242. The climate is dry, with average annual temperatures of 24.3º.

Boundaries and hydrography

Barreiras is bordered to the west by the Tocantins river, to the east by Angical and Catolândia, to the north by Riachão das Neves and to the south by São Desidério. The city is rich in water resources, with major rivers forming the Rio Grande basin, making it a promising location for ecotourism.

For a safe trip, we recommend you take out travel insurance and plan your visit during the dry season, from May to September.

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 →

Published on 01/01/2013 · Updated on 24/07/2025

This post is also on: