The Rio das Balsas is a river located in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, flowing through a region approximately 1,000 km north of Brasília. It is recognized as the main tourist spot for the city of Balsas, situated right in the heart of the urban area along an area known as the Orla Rio Balsas. The river's waters are calm and crystalline, descending gently through the geological formation known as the Chapada das Mesas. This creates a relaxed and traditional paddling environment, popular for recreational floating. A typical paddling adventure involves floating down the river on inner tubes or kayaks, with a journey duration of about three hours. The river's aesthetic is characterized by its clear, gently flowing water within an urban setting, providing a central and accessible recreational resource for the city.