Pedra Furada
Archaeological Site Large natural sandstone arch with prehistoric rock paintings
A prehistoric rock shelter and archaeological locality in Piauí noted for ancient cave paintings and stone structures; visited by archaeologists and those interested in early human sites.
Pedra Furada is an archaeological rock-shelter and rock-art locality in the Serra da Capivara region of Piauí, Brazil, noted for extensive prehistoric pictographs and stone tool assemblages. The site is one of the better-known centres of archaeological research in the park.
The site contains multiple painted panels, rock shelters and carved motifs set on sandstone outcrops. Interpretive trails and park signage point to large pictograph panels and shelter floors with cultural deposits; many panels are reached by short hikes from the park paths.
Archaeological work in the Serra da Capivara area has been led by Brazilian researchers since the late 20th century; excavations at Pedra Furada exposed stone tools and rock art showing long-term human use of the shelters. Research has focused on chronology and the cultural context of the paintings and artifacts.
The site sits within Serra da Capivara National Park in northeastern Piauí, amid semi-arid Caatinga and sandstone ridges, near the town of São Raimundo Nonato where the park administration is based.
- Visitor access: Located inside Serra da Capivara National Park, where a visitor centre and guided site tours explain the archaeology and rock art.
- Best time to visit: Dry season offers the easiest access on unpaved park roads and clearer viewing of rock paintings.
How to Get to Pedra Furada #
Pedra Furada sites are in inland Piauí. The nearest regional hub is São Raimundo Nonato; from there, local roads and guided excursions reach the park and its shelters. Most visitors approach by car or tour from Teresina or São Raimundo Nonato.
Tips for Visiting Pedra Furada #
- If visiting the rock shelter for petroglyphs, hire a local guide from São Raimundo Nonato - they know the fragile routes and the stories attached to each panel.
- Avoid the midday sun; early morning light reveals pigment residues on the rock that are otherwise washed out.
- Bring cash for park or guide fees - card payments are unlikely in rural Piauí.
Best Time to Visit Pedra Furada #
Best visited in the dry season to access archaeological sites and to avoid torrential rains that make trails impassable.
Weather & Climate near Pedra Furada #
Pedra Furada's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 17°C to 34°C. Moderate rainfall (734 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (146 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is the warmest month, feeling like 27°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
