viewpoint · Barreirinhas, MA
Farol de Mandacaru
In the village of Mandacaru, climbing the lighthouse is a must on the Rio Preguiças circuit. From the top you can see where the river meets the sea and the dune field in the distance.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Farol de Mandacaru
The Farol Preguiças (lighthouse) stands in Mandacaru, a fishing village on the banks of the Rio Preguiças, near its mouth. It's the second stop on the speedboat trip from Barreirinhas, and almost everyone climbs it.
The tower is made of concrete, white with horizontal black stripes, and stands 35 meters tall. It still works as a navigation aid for the Brazilian Navy.
You climb a staircase of about 160 steps. From the top you see the village, the river winding through the mangroves, the dunes of the Lençóis and the sea on the horizon. It's the best viewpoint on the Preguiças circuit.
At the foot of the lighthouse there are small craft shops and stalls selling regional sweets and drinks. The staircase is narrow and takes some stamina; if climbing is hard for you, you can stay in the village, which is also worth a stroll.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half an hour is enough to climb, enjoy the view and stroll around the village; that's the time the speedboat trip usually allows.
Best time
On clear days, when the view reaches the sea. The stop usually happens in the late morning, with the sun high.
How to get there
Mandacaru is on the banks of the Rio Preguiças, downriver from Barreirinhas. The usual way to get there is the speedboat trip that leaves from the pier on Avenida Beira Rio, in downtown Barreirinhas, and stops at the village on the way to Caburé.
Tip
Climb as soon as the boat docks, before the stairs fill up with the other groups. It's very windy at the top: hold on to your hat or cap.
A look at the place
Farol de Mandacaru in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Farol de Mandacaru
How many steps does the Farol de Mandacaru have?
About 160 steps to the top of the tower.
How tall is the lighthouse?
The tower is 35 meters tall.
How do I get to the Farol de Mandacaru?
On the speedboat trip along the Rio Preguiças, which leaves from Barreirinhas and stops at Mandacaru on the way to Caburé.
What can you see from the top of the lighthouse?
The village of Mandacaru, the Rio Preguiças winding through the mangroves, the dunes of the Lençóis and the sea.
Is the climb difficult?
It's a narrow, continuous staircase that takes some stamina. It's not accessible for people with reduced mobility.