In the heart of Brazil’s arid northeast lies a place where history isn’t just told it’s etched in stone. Serra da Capivara is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, home to ancient rock paintings that unveil the first footsteps of humanity in the Americas. Walking its trails feels like stepping through time, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and a silence that speaks volumes.
More than a destination, Serra da Capivara is a transformative experience. Towering canyons, wind-sculpted rock formations, and the stories shared by local guides create a deep connection with nature and our collective past. It’s a journey for the curious soul authentic, ancestral, and unforgettable.
Discover this hidden side of Brazil with our tailor-made itineraries. We offer comfort, expert guides, and immersive experiences that follow your pace and perspective. Let yourself be led through this sacred land and uncover a new way of seeing the world and yourself.
• 6 nights in São Raimundo Nonato
• Daily water and snacks
• Private transfer from airport to hotel (arrival)
• 5 days of Private transfer Hotel x National Park x Hotel
• 5 days of Guided Excursion by the trails of National Park
• Private transfer to Airport
• 24/7 English-speaking WhatsApp support
Day 1 – ARRIVAL IN PETROLINA – SÃO RAIMUNDO NONATO
Private air-conditioned transfer from Petrolina airport to your hotel in São Raimundo Nonato – PI.
Overnight in São Raimundo Nonato with breakfast included.
Day 2 – CAPIVARA CANYON – CERAMICS – SÍTIO DO MEIO – MUSEU DA NATUREZA
After breakfast, we begin our first day of tours with a 42 km drive to the Capivara Canyon Circuit, the first site visited by Dr. Niède Guidon upon arriving in the region. Along this circuit, we’ll explore various archaeological sites with prehistoric rock art. Highlights include:
Toca da Entrada do Pajaú – a small shelter featuring dozens of paintings depicting the daily lives of ancient peoples, dating back 12,000 years;
Toca do Inferno – while it holds no paintings, the natural beauty of the site is remarkable;
Toca do Barro – a rock wall shelter with visible paintings;
A 2 km trail with a 50-meter elevation gain, leading to Toca da Entrada do Baixão da Vaca, a 100-meter long shelter with 749 well-preserved paintings, continuing to Toca dos Veadinhos Azuis.
After a trail snack, we continue through Boqueirão do Paraguaio to visit Toca do Paraguaio, the first site cataloged by researchers, where excavations uncovered two skeletons dated at 7,000 and 8,670 years old. We then visit the Museu da Natureza before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in São Raimundo Nonato with breakfast included.
Day 3 – GROTÃO DA ESPERANÇA – CALDEIRÃO DOS RODRIGUES – MUSEU DO HOMEM AMERICANO
After breakfast, we head out for the second day of exploration, with a 35 km drive to the trailhead. This day includes a 9 km hike with elevation gain reaching 170 meters. We begin with small archaeological sites before reaching the Grotão da Esperança, a scenic lookout point.
Next, we hike to the Caldeirão dos Rodrigues Circuit, home to several key sites, including Toca do Caldeirão dos Rodrigues, one of the most significant shelters in the park. Here, visitors can admire exquisite rock paintings and learn about ancient fire pits discovered and dated to 18,000 years.
We break for lunch in the local community of Sítio do Mocó. In the afternoon, we visit the renowned Museum of the American Man before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in São Raimundo Nonato with breakfast included.
Day 4 – SERRA BRANCA – PERNA CIRCUIT – SWALLOW CANYON (BAIXÃO DAS ANDORINHAS)
After breakfast, we drive 50 km to Serra Branca to start our hike, visiting a natural spring (Olho d’água da Serra Branca), historic shelters, and former dwellings of the Maniçobeiros, early settlers who lived in the area before it became a protected park.
After a trail snack, we continue to the Perna Circuit, home to several shelters with impressive rock art, including a notable group sex scene — a rare and intriguing portrayal of prehistoric life.
Late afternoon, we visit Swallow Canyon (Baixão das Andorinhas), a stunning viewpoint where, weather permitting, visitors can witness a breathtaking natural spectacle: the swirling flight of hundreds of swallows at sunset. Return to the hotel.
Overnight in São Raimundo Nonato with breakfast included.
Day 5 – SERRA DAS CONFUSÕES – RIACHO DOS BOIS CAVE CIRCUIT
After breakfast, we depart for a 100 km drive to Caracol, the gateway to Serra das Confusões National Park. We begin with the panoramic viewpoint known as the “Window of the Sertão”, then visit the Riacho dos Bois Cave — a sandstone fissure over 1 km long, visited by adventurers even before the park’s official establishment in 1998.
We continue with a short trail to a natural spring. Trail snack included. Return to São Raimundo Nonato.
Overnight in São Raimundo Nonato with breakfast included.
Day 6 – HOMBU TRAIL – PEDRA FURADA CANYON – ILUMINAÇÃO
After breakfast, we drive 30 km to start the Hombu Trail, visiting the home of Neco Coelho’s family — among the first to settle in the region.
Along the trail, we visit archaeological sites and panoramic viewpoints, observing how local vegetation, such as various species of cacti, have adapted to survive in the Caatinga biome.
We break for lunch in the community of Sítio do Mocó. In the afternoon, we visit Pedra Furada Canyon, the park’s most iconic attraction. The site features several archaeological shelters and the famous Pedra Furada rock arch — the park’s postcard image.
At night, we return to Toca do Boqueirão da Pedra Furada for a night visit. This site features a cliff face with over 1,000 paintings and the oldest known evidence of human presence in the Americas — dating back an astonishing 50,000 years. Return to the hotel in the evening.
Overnight in São Raimundo Nonato with breakfast included.
Day 7 – SÃO RAIMUNDO NONATO – PETROLINA
Private transfer from the hotel to Petrolina airport. Departure according to your flight schedule.
End of services.
