Discover the Parnaíba Delta: An ecological paradise in Brazil

The Parnaíba Delta, located between the states of Piauí and Maranhão, is one of the most impressive regions of Brazil. It is the only open sea delta in the Americas and the third largest in the world, after the Nile and Mekong Delta.

Formed by the Parnaíba River, which splits into five main branches before flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, the delta is an ecological paradise, with rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes and countless ecotourism opportunities.

Geography of the Parnaíba Delta

The Parnaíba Delta is located between the coasts of Piauí and Maranhão. The Parnaíba River empties into the sea, forming the only open sea delta in the Americas.

Ecosystems

As it approaches the Atlantic, the Parnaíba River branches into five arms, giving rise to a series of ecosystems totalling some 2,700 square kilometres, including beaches, dunes, rivulets and mangroves, surrounding more than eighty islands.

Regional importance

Although 65% of the Parnaíba Delta region belongs to the state of Maranhão, the city of Parnaíba, located 354 km from Teresina and 19 km from Luís Correia, is the main gateway for those wishing to visit.

Characteristics of the Delta

Delta formation

The Parnaíba Delta is an open sea delta, which means that the Parnaíba River splits into several channels as it approaches the Atlantic Ocean, forming several islands and river arms before flowing into the sea. It is the only open sea delta in the Americas and the third largest in the world.

Size and area

The delta covers an area of about 2,700 square kilometres. It stretches about 100 kilometres along the coast and extends about 80 kilometres into the sea, forming a complex system of islands, igarapés (small waterways), lagoons and beaches.

Arms of the river

The delta is formed by five main branches of the Parnaíba River: Timonha, Igaraçu, Canárias, Caju and Melancieiras. These branch off into several smaller channels, creating a vast network of fresh and brackish water that shapes the landscape of the region.

The islands

There are more than 70 islands in the Parnaíba Delta, the largest and most famous being Ilha Grande de Santa Isabel, Ilha das Canárias, Ilha do Caju and Ilha dos Poldros. The islands vary in size and characteristics, from large areas with human communities to small islets covered in native vegetation.

Ecosystems

The Delta is home to a rich diversity of ecosystems, including mangroves, sand banks, dunes, floodplains, forests and beaches. These ecosystems are vital habitats for a wide variety of animal and plant species, many of which are endemic.

The climate

The region’s climate is tropical, with two well-defined seasons: the rainy season, from January to June, and the dry season, from July to December. The rains are responsible for keeping river levels high and ensuring the vitality of local ecosystems.

Vegetation

The predominant vegetation includes mangroves, which are essential for coastal protection and as a habitat for various species of crustaceans and fish. There are also extensive areas of restinga and floodplain forest, as well as stretches of dunes covered with herbaceous vegetation.

The fauna

The fauna of the Parnaíba Delta is diverse and includes species such as the guará (red-plumed bird), herons, caimans, capybaras and a rich variety of fish and crustaceans. The delta is an important breeding and feeding area for many of these species.

River-sea interaction

The interaction between the waters of the Parnaíba River and the Atlantic Ocean creates a unique brackish water environment that supports a rich and complex biodiversity. The tides play a crucial role in the dynamics of the delta, influencing the flow of water in the channels and access to certain areas.

Tourist Attractions of the Parnaíba Delta

1. Boat trips through the Delta

The main attraction of the Parnaíba Delta is the boat trips that explore the region’s canals, igarapés and islands. During these trips, visitors can observe the rich local fauna and flora, including guarás (birds with red plumage), caimans, monkeys and a wide variety of fish and birds.

2. Canary Island

One of the largest and most popular islands in the delta, Canary Island is a common stop on tours. Here you can hike, visit local communities and swim in the calm waters of the river.

Ilha das Canárias (Araioses-MA) is the second largest island in the Parnaíba River delta, after Ilha Grande in Piauí. It is home to a fishing village of more than 2,500 inhabitants.

The history of Canárias begins in 1806, when a fisherman from Acaraú in Ceará, together with three companions, was attracted by the abundance of fish and began to set up corral fishing in the bar of the Mergulhões, which later became known as Canárias, because of the large number of birds called canaries in the region and a plant called canarana that was used to feed the animals.

So people began to travel to the Canary Islands. Today, Ilha das Canárias is a nature reserve and part of the Delta do Rio Parnaíba Marine Reserve.

Its population is about 2,500 inhabitants, spread over four villages: Canárias, Passarinho, Torto and Caiçara. There are inns and restaurants, making it an ideal place for sightseeing.

3. Ilha Grande de Santa Isabel

Pedra do Sol Beach is the most popular beach in Parnaíba. Pedra do Sal, 8 km long, is located on Ilha Grande de Santa Isabel, 15 km from the centre of Parnaíba.

When you arrive at the beach, you will see a group of granite boulders that form a rocky outcrop that juts out into the sea, dividing the beach into two sides: a rough side, more frequented by surfers due to the strong waves, and a calm side, ideal for relaxing, fishing and watching the sunset.

4. Island of Caju

In 1847, the Englishman James Frederick Clark arrived in the Parnaíba Delta region to explore Carnauba. Not only did he settle on the 100 square kilometre island, but he also banned hunting and deforestation, creating a surprising little paradise.

Caju Island, 50 kilometres from Parnaíba, is part of the Araioses municipality of Maranhão and preserves six ecosystems: 18 kilometres of beaches, four types of mangroves, flooded fields, lagoons, dunes and forests.

There are foxes, armadillos, ocelots and flocks of guarás, the bright red birds that symbolise the delta.

To visit, you must book at the Ilha do Caju Ecological Refuge, the only lodge on the island, which offers boat transport and guides for walking, horse riding and jeep tours. We recommend you wear wellies, long-sleeved clothing, sunscreen and insect repellent.

5. Porto das Barracas

Port das Barcas is the popular gateway to the Parnaíba Delta. But it is much more than that!

Porto das Barcas is a conglomerate that combines memory, leisure, entertainment and culture. Here you’ll find the ruins of the former port, with its old warehouses, customs buildings, quays, courtyards and alleyways. The façade is neoclassical and the whole structure has stone walls and carnauba roofs.

6. Flock of guarás

One of the Delta’s most impressive spectacles is the flight of the guarás, birds with bright red plumage that return in large flocks at dusk to the islands where they sleep. The sight of the guarás flying against the sunset is unforgettable.

7. Wild beaches

The Delta also has virtually unspoilt beaches, such as Ilha do Caju and Ilha Grande de Santa Isabel. These beaches are ideal for those seeking tranquillity, contact with nature and paradisiacal landscapes.

8. Jericoacoara and Lençóis Maranhenses National Parks

The Parnaíba Delta is strategically located between two major tourist destinations in the Northeast: Jericoacoara National Park in Ceará and Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Maranhão. Many visitors take the opportunity to include all these destinations in a single trip.

Access to Lençóis Maranhenses

From the Parnaíba Delta, the Lençóis Maranhenses can be reached in two ways: from Parnaíba, towards the city of Barreirinhas, the gateway to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, in a three-hour road trip, recommended for cars with traction.

On the way, it’s worth stopping to visit the village of Paulino Neves, better known as Rio Novo, a fishing village where the dunes extend to the park.

The other, more strenuous option is the one used by the locals: take a boat (called a “gaiola”) from Porto das Barcas in Parnaíba and face the uncomfortable eight-hour journey to the city of Tutóia in Maranhão.

We recommend taking a hammock, water, snacks and insect repellent.

From the centre of Tutóia there are car departures to Rio Novo, Barreirinhas and Caburé, where there is accommodation for those wishing to visit the Lençóis Maranhenses.

Tips for visitors

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Parnaíba Delta is between July and December, when the climate is drier and conditions for boating are ideal. During the rainy season, from January to June, the water level rises but the scenery becomes even more beautiful with lush green vegetation.

Starting point

The city of Parnaíba in Piauí is the main starting point for exploring the Delta. Parnaíba has a good tourist infrastructure, with hotels, inns, restaurants and guide services.

Guided Tours

It is recommended that you tour the Delta with local guides who know the area well and can provide a safer and more informative experience. There are several options, from day trips to longer expeditions with overnight stays on islands.

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