Ponte sobre o Rio Lençóis
A vital new bridge in Barreirinhas, revolutionizing access to the stunning Lençóis Maranhenses National Park by eliminating ferry delays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Always open, no queues!
Ponte sobre o Rio Lençóis
Best Time
Always open, no queues!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital new bridge in Barreirinhas, revolutionizing access to the stunning Lençóis Maranhenses National Park by eliminating ferry delays.
"The new bridge is a game-changer, making access to the Lençóis Maranhenses so much faster and easier!"
🚗 Skip the Ferry Wait
The new bridge means no more waiting for boats or ferries to cross the Rio Preguiças. Enjoy direct access!
📸 Scenic Crossing
Take a moment to appreciate the views of the Rio Preguiças from the bridge – it's a lovely perspective.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The New Bridge Itself
Barreirinhas, Maranhão
A modern marvel connecting Barreirinhas to the Lençóis Maranhenses, symbolizing progress and easier access.
Direct Access to Lençóis
Route from Barreirinhas
Seamless travel to the breathtaking Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, bypassing previous ferry delays.
Rio Preguiças Views
From the bridge
Enjoy scenic vistas of the Rio Preguiças as you cross, a beautiful prelude to the desert landscapes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bypass the Ferry Hassle
Gateway to the Dunes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Skip the Ferry Wait
The new bridge means no more waiting for boats or ferries to cross the Rio Preguiças. Enjoy direct access!
📸 Scenic Crossing
Take a moment to appreciate the views of the Rio Preguiças from the bridge – it's a lovely perspective.
🗺️ Key to Lençóis
This bridge is your direct gateway to exploring the incredible Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Skip the Ferry Wait
The new bridge means no more waiting for boats or ferries to cross the Rio Preguiças. Enjoy direct access!
📸 Scenic Crossing
Take a moment to appreciate the views of the Rio Preguiças from the bridge – it's a lovely perspective.
🗺️ Key to Lençóis
This bridge is your direct gateway to exploring the incredible Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers are thrilled with the new bridge over the Rio Preguiças in Barreirinhas, highlighting its role in significantly reducing travel time to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. It's praised for modernizing the region and improving accessibility, though some still note the necessity of 4x4 vehicles for dune exploration.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The new Ponte sobre o Rio Preguiças in Barreirinhas provides direct road access, eliminating the need for ferry crossings. This significantly speeds up your journey to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
Yes, the bridge is designed for vehicle traffic, including cars and buses, facilitating easier travel to and from the park.
The bridge is often referred to as the Ponte sobre o Rio Preguiças, and has also been named Ponte Chico Pedro.
The bridge connects Barreirinhas to the routes that lead directly into the Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses, making access much more convenient.
Information regarding tolls is not widely available, but the primary benefit is the elimination of ferry fees and wait times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Crossing the bridge itself does not require a separate ticket. However, you will need to purchase entry tickets for the Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses.
The bridge is a permanent infrastructure and is generally open 24/7, unlike the ferry services it replaces.
The bridge itself is a public infrastructure and does not have a toll for crossing. The cost is associated with accessing the national park.
Tickets for the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park are typically purchased at designated visitor centers or through tour operators, not directly at the bridge.
The park has specific visiting hours, and it's advisable to check these in advance. The bridge facilitates access, but park regulations still apply.
📸 📸 Photography
The bridge itself offers great photographic opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset. You can also capture the scenic views of the Rio Preguiças.
Yes, the bridge has pedestrian walkways, allowing you to safely stop and take photos of the river and surrounding landscape.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography from the bridge itself, but always be mindful of traffic and safety.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the bridge spanning the river, or detail shots of its modern architecture. Drone photography might offer unique perspectives if permitted.
The bridge offers excellent vantage points for sunrise and sunset, with the river reflecting the sky's colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once in Barreirinhas, many local tour operators offer family-friendly tours to the Lençóis. These often include stops at accessible lagoons and provide opportunities for kids to play in the sand and shallow waters. Ensure your chosen tour operator can accommodate car seats if needed and inquire about any age restrictions for specific activities.
🚗 Road Trippers & Drivers
Remember that while the bridge allows you to reach Barreirinhas by car, the sandy tracks leading into the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park require specialized 4x4 vehicles. You'll need to park your car in Barreirinhas and join a guided tour or hire a local 4x4 service to explore the dunes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Impact of the New Bridge
The bridge is not just about convenience; it's a catalyst for economic growth and tourism development. By facilitating smoother travel, it encourages more visitors to explore Barreirinhas and its surrounding natural attractions. The improved connectivity also benefits the local population, estimated to be around 15,000 people, by simplifying daily commutes and access to essential services.
Furthermore, the bridge is designed with modern amenities, including lanes for vehicles, a pedestrian walkway, and a cycle path, promoting sustainable transportation options. This multi-functional design enhances the urban landscape of Barreirinhas and positions it as a more accessible and attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Navigating to Lençóis Maranhenses
With the bridge now operational, the route from Barreirinhas to the park is more direct and efficient. After crossing the Ponte Chico Pedro, you'll find yourself on the road that leads towards the park's main access points. Most visitors will still require a 4x4 vehicle to navigate the sandy tracks leading into the heart of the dunes, as regular cars cannot traverse these terrains.
It's highly recommended to book tours with local agencies in Barreirinhas. These tours typically include transportation in specialized 4x4 vehicles, a guide, and often a stop at iconic lagoons like Lagoa Azul or Lagoa Bonita. The bridge ensures you can reach your tour's starting point with greater ease, maximizing your time spent marveling at the unique desert-like landscape.
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