Rio Balsas (Léo da Beira Rio)

RIO BALSAS (LÉO DA BEIRA RIO)

Balsas was born on the banks of the river that bears his name. In the 19th century, its waters were the way to transport products supplied by farmers in the southern region of Maranhão. And so it was, through the trade of goods, that the city developed.

Today, Rio Balsas is the main tourist spot, located right in the heart of the city. Its calm and crystalline waters descend gently through the Chapada das Mesas, bringing with it a lot of beauty and fun. Beira Rio is full of bars and restaurants that reinforce the invitation to enjoy the city tour.

One of the best known bars, the famous Leo da Beira Rio offers typical dishes from the region. Fish are featured on the menu, but be sure to try their flagship: a hearty and delicious barbecue. Whether for drinking, eating or just enjoying the view of the surrounding landscape, the restaurant opens its doors all year round, every day, from 10 am to 10 pm. On weekends, there is still live music with local artists.

Photo: Imobiliria de Balsas/Reproduction

PATRON

The Leo da Beira Rio restaurant is also an observation point for the ferry descent of the city's patron saint, Santo Antônio. The traditional passage of the image of the saint by ferry across the river opens the festivities that take place every year in the first half of June.

Photo: Help me Covid/Reproduction

LONG WAY

The Balsas River is one of the main tributaries of the Parnaíba River. It rises at the meeting point of Chapada das Mangabeiras and Riacho da Cleaning, which rises in Serra do Pertinente. It is 525 kilometers long until it flows into the Parnaíba River, close to the border between Maranhão and Piauí.