
Major Highways & Driving Tips in São Luís, Brazil
1. BR-02 - Maranhão's Main Highway
A long-distance highway connecting São Luís to the rest of Maranhão and Brazil. It offers scenic views of natural landscapes.
- Length: Spans over 2000 kilometers, making it one of the longest highways in the state.
- Connection: Connects major cities like São Luís, Imperatriz, and Caxias.
- Scenic Beauty: Passes through Maranhão's unique ecosystems such as the Mangrove Forest and the Amazon Rainforest.
2. BR-135 - São Luís Ring Road
A circular highway encircling São Luís, reducing city traffic and providing easy access to main attractions.
- Circular Route: Allows for smooth, uninterrupted travel around the city.
- Reduced Congestion: Alleviates traffic in central São Luís by routing long-distance vehicles around the city.
- Easy Access: Provides easy access to popular destinations such as the Praia de Maracajaú and Barreira do Inferno.
3. State Road MA-070 - To the Amazon Rainforest
A road leading to the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, offering unique wildlife encounters.
- Journey Through the Rainforest: Allows travelers to experience the vast biodiversity of the Amazon.
- Remote Destination: Leads to areas far from urbanization, providing an authentic rainforest adventure.
- Accessible Wildlife Encounters: Possibility of seeing rare species like jaguars, pink river dolphins, and monkeys in their natural habitat.
4. São Luís Inner-city Streets
Historical downtown streets with colorful colonial buildings and vibrant local culture.
- Rich History: Downtown São Luís showcases the city's Portuguese colonial heritage.
- Local Culture: Offers a glimpse into São Luís's vibrant cultural scene, including music, dance, and food.
- Pedestrian-Friendly: Designed for easy exploration on foot, with numerous cafes and shops along the way.
5. Bridge of São Luís
Iconic suspension bridge offering panoramic views over the city and rivers.
- Panoramic Views: Offers a stunning view of São Luís, its rivers, and the surrounding landscape.
- Historic Landmark: Built in the 1930s, it represents the city's industrial past.
- Suspension Design: Showcases the engineering marvel of suspension bridge design.
6. MA-150 - To Maracajá Beach
A coastal road connecting São Luís to the beautiful Maracajá Beach.
- Coastal Scenery: Provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and coastal landscape.
- Beach Destination: Leads to the popular Maracajá Beach, known for its white sand and clear waters.
- Roadside Stops: Features local food stalls and souvenir shops along the way.
7. MA-230 - To Barreira do Inferno
A scenic coastal road leading to the breathtaking cliffs of Barreira do Inferno.
- Coastal Scenery: Offers a stunning coastal drive with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Natural Wonder: Leads to Barreira do Inferno, a natural wonder featuring towering cliffs and turquoise waters.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides numerous opportunities for capturing the beauty of São Luís's coastline.
8. MA-305 - To Alcântara Space Port
A road connecting São Luís to the launch site of the Alcântara Space Port.
- Space Exploration: Allows travelers to witness the exciting world of space exploration.
- Scenic Route: Provides a scenic drive through the countryside, with opportunities for wildlife sightings.
- Remote Destination: Leads to a remote and unique destination, offering an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
9. MA-064 - To Lagoa dos Juncos
A road leading to the unique and picturesque Lagoa dos Juncos.
- Natural Wonder: Leads to a natural wonder featuring a series of interconnected lakes.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with many rare and exotic species present.
- Scenic Route: Offers a scenic drive through rural landscapes, providing a glimpse of traditional Maranhão life.
10. MA-320 - To the Mangrove Forest
A road leading to the UNESCO-listed mangrove forest of Barreirinhas.
- UNESCO Site: Visits a UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizing its global significance.
- Mangrove Ecosystem: Provides an opportunity to learn about and explore the unique mangrove ecosystem.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with many rare and exotic species present.
11. MA-300 - To the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
A road leading to the stunning Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
- Natural Wonder: Leads to a breathtaking natural wonder, showcasing sand dunes and crystal-clear lagoons.
- Adventure Tourism: Offers an adventure tourism experience, with activities like quad biking and boat tours.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides numerous opportunities for capturing the park's stunning landscapes and wildlife.
12. MA-073 - To the Preguiças River
A road leading to the beautiful Preguiças River, offering opportunities for boating and fishing.
- Natural Beauty: Leads to a scenic river with stunning natural beauty.
- Recreation Activities: Offers recreational activities like boating, fishing, and birdwatching.
- Cultural Experience: Allows travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture and way of life.
13. MA-250 - To Pedra da Preguiça
A road leading to Pedra da Preguiça, a natural rock formation with panoramic views.
- Panoramic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Natural Landmark: Visits a unique and iconic natural landmark, Pedra da Preguiça.
- Adventure Tourism: Offers an adventure tourism experience, with opportunities for rock climbing and abseiling.
14. MA-075 - To the Rio Negro
A road leading to the mighty Rio Negro, offering opportunities for boating and wildlife sightings.
- Mighty River: Leads to one of Brazil's major rivers, the mighty Rio Negro.
- Wildlife Opportunities: Provides opportunities for wildlife sightings, including pink river dolphins and anacondas.
- Recreation Activities: Offers recreational activities like boating and fishing on the river.
15. MA-304 - To São José de Ribamar
A road leading to the coastal town of São José de Ribamar, known for its beautiful beaches.
- Coastal Town: Leads to a charming coastal town with picturesque beaches.
- Beach Destination: Offers opportunities for relaxation and sunbathing on beautiful sandy beaches.
- Seafood Delicacies: Allows travelers to enjoy fresh seafood, a specialty of the coastal town.