Discover Canindé de São Francisco: A paradise of culture and nature
Canindé de São Francisco is located 198 kilometres from Aracaju, on the border of Sergipe, Alagoas and Bahia.
The city is the main departure point for boat trips to the impressive São Francisco Canyon, considered the fifth largest navigable canyon in the world, famous for its rock formations and crystal-clear waters.
Attractions include the viewpoint of the Xingó Hydroelectric Plant and the Archeological Museum, which houses an important collection of prehistoric human skeletons. Another point of interest is the Grota do Angico, where the famous cangaceiro Lampião was killed.
The easiest access to Canindé is via Piranhas, located on the opposite bank of the São Francisco River, in the state of Alagoas.
Video about Canindé de São Francisco
Attractions in Canindé de São Francisco
1. São Francisco Canyon
Catamaran or Schooner trips depart from Canindé and travel along the São Francisco River Canyon, a 65-million-year-old geological formation considered the fifth largest in the world and the most navigable in the world. It is the city’s main attraction.
The tours, which can also be done by speedboat, take about three hours.
The trip includes a 40-minute stop at Paraíso do Talhado, a section of the canyon that resembles a giant swimming pool, ideal for diving and boat trips.
Look out for beautiful rock formations such as the Gavião and Japonês rocks and the Morro dos Macacos.
When choosing a boat, bear in mind that the schooner offers shelter from the sun, while the catamaran has a “natural pool” – a net that descends into the water of the river, allowing bathers to enjoy the journey.
2. Xingó Hydroelectric Power Station
A guided tour of the Xingó Hydroelectric Complex, just 5 kilometres from Piranhas, is a fascinating experience.
The São Francisco Hydroelectric Company (Chesf) viewpoint in Canindé offers an impressive view and is a must for anyone travelling between Paulo Afonso in Bahia and Piranhas.
The visitor centre features a wooden model of the hydroelectric plant, an auditorium and a video room. There are sculptures made from local stone in the well-kept gardens.
3. Xingó Archaeological Museum
The Xingó Archaeological Museum houses the largest concentration of prehistoric human skeletons in Latin America, the oldest of which date back to 7,000 BC.
The collection, made up of 191 pieces, was found in archaeological sites such as Justino and São José.
Divided into six rooms, the museum contains tools, necklaces and domestic utensils, some of which are over 11,000 years old.
After the visit, tourists can watch a 15-minute video about the excavation and recovery work carried out at the site. Inaugurated in 2000, MAX is part of the Federal University of Sergipe and operates in partnership with the São Francisco Hydroelectric Company, receiving around a thousand visitors a month.
4. Grota do Angico
The Grota do Angico takes its name from the presence of angicos, typical trees of the region.
The term “grota” refers to a small valley or depression, often with dense vegetation, common in semi-arid areas such as the northeastern Sertão.
In addition to its etymology, Grota do Angico is historically and culturally important because it was the place where, on 18 July 1938, Virgulino Ferreira da Silva, known as Lampião, his wife Maria Gomes de Oliveira (Maria Bonita) and nine other cangaçeiros were ambushed and killed at Fazenda Angicos.
This event marked the history of the cangaço in Brazil, and for this reason the cave is also a point of tourist and historical interest, attracting visitors who want to learn more about the life and death of Lampião and the culture of the cangaço.
To reach the site, you must take a boat or catamaran from Piranhas.
The boat docks in front of the only restaurant in Angicos and the journey to the grotto where the ambush took place is on foot.
During the trip, the guide recounts the historical events and many tourists become emotional when they reach the grotto, where they say their prayers.
In honour of the Cangaceiros, the municipality has erected two crosses on the site with the names of all the dead.
The tour lasts about four hours and must be booked in advance, with a minimum of fifteen people. The Xingó Parque Hotel is responsible for this tour.
5. Valley of the Masters
Famous for its archaeological sites with cave paintings and natural pools, the Vale dos Mestres provides a unique experience for tourists wishing to explore the history and natural beauty of the region.
6. Canindé beach
Prainha de Canindé and Orla Salomão Porfírio Britto are excellent places to relax and enjoy beautiful views of the river, and are popular with tourists.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Canindé de São Francisco is between May and August, when the weather is milder and the experience more enjoyable.
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