Barreiras: River Landscapes, Rock Art and City History

Barreiras can be explored through two distinct aspects: its waterside landscape and the rock art of Serra do Mimo, as well as the city’s architectural and collection history. The Rio de Ondas shapes rapids and waterfalls, while preserved buildings take centre stage in the Centro Histórico. These contrasts can help you decide how to balance nature, rock art and city history on your trip, rather than reducing the town to a single attraction.

River Landscapes and Water Activities

The Rio de Ondas in Barreiras has rounded stones shaped by the force of the water, forming rapids and waterfalls. The river’s features give the landscape a distinctive character: the stones and the waterscape they shape belong together here.

An activity description dated 14 July 2023 mentions trips downstream on the Rio de Ondas near Barreiras by inner tube, boat or kayak. Check local conditions before taking part. Alongside taking in the river landscape, you can choose from several ways to travel on the water.

Waterfalls and Access Routes

Different vehicle requirements apply to the waterfalls. An access description from 2019 says that Cachoeira do Acaba Vidas can be reached via BR-242 and BA-459 in a regular passenger car without four-wheel drive; the waterfall is about 80 kilometres from the municipal seat. Access information from the same year states that a four-wheel-drive vehicle is required for Cachoeira do Redondo. As these details may have changed, check the route to each waterfall before setting out. The two stated requirements are not interchangeable and should be factored into your vehicle planning.

Serra do Mimo: Trails, Views and Rock Art

From Serra do Mimo, you can see the whole city of Barreiras. The trails on the Serra start in the neighbourhoods of Loteamento Flamengo and Jardim Branco and should be walked with a local guide. This is an important distinction when planning a hike, as opposed to simply visiting a viewpoint.

The climb up Serra do Mimo reaches an elevation of 657 metres and ends at a cave with rock paintings. The Sítio Serra do Mimo, also called Toca do Caboclo, is a site with rock engravings and rock paintings on Serra do Mimo in Barreiras.

City History in the Centro Histórico

The Centro Histórico of Barreiras preserves buildings typical of the late 19th century. The bandstand in Praça Duque de Caxias is one example of the period buildings preserved in the historic centre.

The Museu Municipal Napoleão de Mattos Macêdo preserves objects, photographs, books and documents belonging to the pioneers who built Barreiras. The city thus offers two distinct ways to explore its history: preserved architecture and the records of the people who built Barreiras.

Which Focus Suits Your Trip?

If you are travelling with different interests, distinguishing between city history and nature destinations can help with your planning. The waterfalls have different vehicle requirements, and a local guide is recommended for the trails of Serra do Mimo. Local conditions should be checked for activities on the Rio de Ondas. When looking for a holiday apartment in Barreiras, you can first consider whether architectural and collection history, rocky landscapes or water experiences will be the focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Nazaré, Subaúma, Floresta Azul, Baixa Grande, Brejões, Jequié, Livramento De Nossa Senhora, Lençóis.

For the main travel overview: Bahia.