A town established in 1891 alongside the bank of Rio Grande. In 1880 on the area of today’s city there was a settlement with only 20 huts made of mud and clay. 22 years later there were more than 630 houses and 2500 citizens in that spot. Today, it is crossed by three highways, thanks to which Barreiras is one of the most important communication junctions in the region.
Though transport by Rio Grande was ending in that place, Barreiras owes its development to the river. Thanks to it, it was possible to use electricity, that allowed operating of factory of cotton cloths and yarns as well as tannery, and later on factory of hams with huge freezers, where famous in the whole region salami and sausages were made.
The vibe of those days can be felt in the oldest district of Barreiras, where to this day are preserved houses and squares from the verge of the 19th and 20th century. The oldest square is Rua Rui Barbosa, by which there is an old town hall, built at the end of the 19th century.
Go to Cachoeira do Acaba Vida, a waterfall on Rio Grande, which literally overflows the green valley full of abundant forests. The waterfall is situated less than 60 km from the city, going via highway BR-020. It has around 36 meters, and looks the most beautiful in spring. If you like adrenaline, you can try ziplining. If you prefer to swim, choose Cachoeira do Redondo, a waterfall situated around 20 km closer, that makes a quite big pool of depth of 3 m with crystal clear water
15 km from today’s city centre there is situated Arraial da Penha, a village, that was the first heart of Barreiras. It has preserved old urban system and partially buildings, including a chapel of Holy Mother of Penha, built in 1841. Landscape is truly rural. On field you can see working animals, and in local shop you can buy traditional, handmade cookies and biscuits.
