Serra da Capivara National ParkAbout Serra da Capivara National Park
Serra da Capivara National Park is a protected area in the state of Piauí in northeastern Brazil, internationally recognised for its extensive prehistoric rock art and archaeological sites. The park holds one of the largest concentrations of painted rock shelters in the Americas and is important to studies of early human occupation in South America.
The thousands of paintings and engravings found on rock walls and in open shelters across a semi-arid caatinga landscape, as well as archaeological sites where researchers have documented long human use. Visitor routes access several rock-shelter groups and interpretive trails near the park’s visitor facilities.
Archaeological surveys and excavations have been carried out since the mid-20th century; the park was created to protect these cultural resources and to support research and conservation. It has become an important site for understanding prehistoric lifeways in the region.
The park lies inland in Piauí in northeastern Brazil, on eroded sandstone plateaus and valleys of the caatinga biome. Access is via regional roads from nearby towns and small cities serving the interior of Piauí.
- Access: Many sites are in remote, arid caatinga landscape; guided access and local visitor information are recommended to reach the principal rock art shelters safely.
- Conservation rules: The park is a protected area with important archaeological and paleontological deposits; avoid touching or disturbing rock art and excavation areas.
What to See#
- Rock art sites: A set of painted rock shelters and open-air panels spread across the park that contain the park’s best-known prehistoric pictographs and motifs.
- Archaeological sites and research areas: An archaeological complex with excavation areas and research stations where the earliest human occupation evidence in the region has been studied.
Best Time to Visit Serra da Capivara National Park
Visit during the dry season (roughly May-November) for more reliable access to trails and archaeological sites.
Weather & Climate near Serra da Capivara National Park
Serra da Capivara National Park's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 16°C to 34°C. Moderate rainfall (732 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 19° - 33° | 26° | 100 mm | partly cloudy | 63% | 1.0 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.4h |
| February | Good | 20° - 32° | 26° | 124 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 1.0 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.3h |
| March | Good | 19° - 32° | 26° | 147 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 0.9 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Excellent | 19° - 32° | 26° | 99 mm | partly cloudy | 64% | 1.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.8h |
| May | Ideal | 18° - 32° | 25° | 11 mm | some cloud | 54% | 1.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.6h |
| June | Ideal | 17° - 31° | 24° | 6 mm | mostly sunny | 50% | 1.2 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.5h |
| July | Ideal | 17° - 31° | 24° | 3 mm | clear | 48% | 1.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.6h |
| August | Ideal | 17° - 32° | 25° | 1 mm | clear | 44% | 1.2 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 11.7h |
| September | Ideal | 19° - 33° | 26° | 8 mm | clear | 40% | 1.2 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Ideal | 20° - 34° | 27° | 34 mm | mostly sunny | 41% | 1.1 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.2h |
| November | Excellent | 20° - 33° | 27° | 92 mm | partly cloudy | 50% | 1.0 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.4h |
| December | Very Good | 20° - 33° | 26° | 107 mm | partly cloudy | 57% | 1.0 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.5h |
How to Get to Serra da Capivara National Park
Serra da Capivara National Park is accessed via the town of São Raimundo Nonato (Piauí), which serves as the common gateway. São Raimundo Nonato has road links and a small regional airport; from the town the park’s visitor centres and archaeological sites are reached by short drives, and local guided transfers or rental cars are the standard ways to get around inside the park. Consult local tourist offices in São Raimundo Nonato for current transport and tour options.
Tips for Visiting Serra da Capivara National Park
- Plan your visit for the dry season (roughly May-November) when unpaved roads and archaeological trails are more reliable and rain is less likely to disrupt access.
- Stay in São Raimundo Nonato and arrange guided excursions through the park's official visitor centre or licensed guides-many archaeological sites are restricted to guided access to protect fragile rock art.
- Expect long drives on dirt roads between panels; hire a vehicle with good ground clearance or book excursions that include transport rather than attempting remote site access on your own.