This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Barreirinhas.
Barreirinhas is a stopover town in the state of Maranhão in the northeast of Brazil. It serves as a base for visitors traveling onward to places like Lençóis Maranhenses. There are many hostels to choose from in this little village of about 55,000 inhabitants.
Whether you use it as a rest stop before traveling on or you wish to explore the riverside town itself, you will have many hostels at your disposal. Look for the word hostel or the Portuguese “pousada” when searching for your ideal accommodations. You will find them optimally located, near the waterfront or close to restaurants.
Once you find your perfect hostel, the host or owner likely will welcome you with open arms. The vibe typically is very familial and cozy. While wifi tends to be erratic or weak, the included homemade breakfasts usually make up for any shortcomings. Be sure to bring your own insect repellent, bed sheets, and towels, as these might not be included with your stay in a hostel in Barreirinhas.
The main attractions in this tiny spot on Earth are the gloriously tranquil surroundings. There is Rio Preguicas. You can climb about 160 steps to the top of Preguicas Lighthouse in the Mandacaru community. Perched about 35 meters high, you can gaze down at the palm trees, sand dunes, lake, and little village. Since there is wifi connection on the top of the lighthouse, you can even send your breathtaking photos to your loved ones to share your experience with them in real time. Once you have made your descent, you can enjoy some ice-cream, coconut water right out of the shell, as well as a local brew called cachaça as you walk along the pier.
For a more adventurous experience, take a jeep or quad cycle to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Between February and August, there will be more water so that you can enjoy the beautifully clear lagoons amidst the sand dunes. Since there are not many options to buy food, be sure to bring along your own snacks and water. If you are lucky, you will be able to get a coconut to sip its lightly flavored water from the fruit as you immerse yourself in the natural surroundings.
If you want to try the local food or get your hands on some souvenirs of the town, you can make a stop at Armazem da Rua Direita. You will have the chance to savor some delicious cuisine of the region. Once your belly is all filled up, you will be ready to head back to your welcoming, cozy hostel right there in Barreirinhas.
Written by local enthusiast for Barreirinhas hostels
Jakob Lombardi