SERRA DA CAPIVARA, Northeast Region Travel Guide

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Explore ancient rock art and stunning landscapes in Brazil's Serra da Capivara National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with millennia of history.

Serra da Capivara National Park in Brazil protects a UNESCO World Heritage site with thousands of prehistoric rock paintings, some dating back over 25,000 years, offering a glimpse into South America's earliest human communities. The park also boasts stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems.

A brief summary to SERRA DA CAPIVARA

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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring SERRA DA CAPIVARA.

Hire a local guide; it's mandatory and they offer invaluable insights into the park's history and geology.
Wear comfortable clothes, trainers, a hat, and sunscreen, as the climate is hot and dry.
Bring cash, as card payments may not be accepted for entrance fees or other services.
Plan for at least two days to explore the main circuits and trails.

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Getting There

Car

If driving to Serra da Capivara National Park, start from São Raimundo Nonato. Take the BR-020 highway southeast towards the park, following signs for 'Parque Nacional da Serra da Capivara'. The drive takes approximately 40 minutes. Upon arrival at the park entrance, there may be an entrance fee of around R$ 10 per person, payable in cash.
Public Transport

To reach Serra da Capivara by public transport, take a bus from Teresina to São Raimundo Nonato. The bus ride takes about 6 hours and costs approximately R$ 40. From São Raimundo Nonato, take a local taxi or shuttle to the park entrance for around R$ 50. Alternatively, pre-book a round-trip shuttle service with a local tour company for about R$ 30 per person.

Discover more about SERRA DA CAPIVARA

Serra da Capivara National Park, nestled in the southeastern part of Piauí, Brazil, is a treasure trove of archaeological wonders and natural beauty. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, the park spans over 130,000 hectares, safeguarding one of the largest concentrations of prehistoric sites in the Americas.The park's main draw is its remarkable collection of rock art. Over 1,300 archaeological sites have been registered, with many featuring well-preserved cave paintings. These paintings, estimated to be up to 12,000 years old, depict scenes of hunting, ceremonial dances, and daily life, providing invaluable insights into the sociocultural interactions of early humans. Some researchers even suggest human presence in the area as far back as 50,000 years, challenging conventional migration theories.Beyond the rock art, the park offers stunning natural landscapes. Visitors can explore dramatic cliffs, deep canyons, and diverse ecosystems typical of the Caatinga vegetation. The park is home to over 30 species of mammals and 200 species of birds, as well as lizards, frogs and snakes. The park has good infrastructure, including wooden walkways, vehicle tracks and bilingual signs.To fully appreciate the park's wonders, plan to spend at least two days exploring the various driving circuits and walking trails. Notable sites include Boqueirão da Pedra Furada, where evidence of human presence dates back 50,000 years, and Baixão do Sítio do Meio, known for its wealth of rock art. A local guide is mandatory to help protect this unique UNESCO world heritage site.