Seridó, Brazil: towns, UNESCO Geopark, map and things to do

Published on January 16, 2013 · Updated on October 22, 2026

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Seridó (RN): towns, UNESCO Geopark, map and things to do

Seridó is a region in the sertão (the semi-arid backcountry) of Rio Grande do Norte, in the south-central part of the state, made up of about 25 municipalities. There, in fact, the caatinga (dry scrub forest) shares space with mountain ranges, rock outcrops, reservoirs, archaeological sites and historic towns. In addition, the region has a UNESCO-recognized Geopark and famous sertão cuisine, with cheeses, carne de sol (sun-dried salted beef) and manteiga da terra (clarified country butter).

Quick summary – Seridó (RN)

Where it is: in the interior of Rio Grande do Norte, about 180 to 280 km from Natal.
Base towns: Caicó, Currais Novos and Acari.
Seridó Geopark: recognized by UNESCO in 2022, with 21 geosites in 6 municipalities.
Highlights: Açude Gargalheiras, Mina Brejuí, Cânion dos Apertados and the rock paintings of Xique-Xique.
Suggested time: 3 to 4 days, preferably by car, because the distances are long.
Best time to go: June to August, with milder weather and the June festivals.

Video about Seridó in Rio Grande do Norte

Seridó - Sertão do Rio Grande do Norte04:34

Seridó no RN12:44

Conheça o cânion dos Apertados em Currais Novos

Mina Brejuí em Currais Novos RN

Castelo Di Bivar - Carnaúba dos Dantas RN

The Seridó region

Historically, the region’s economy relied on cattle ranching, cotton and mining. Today, this legacy drives cultural tourism, geotourism and food trails. That is why Seridó has become an established destination for anyone who wants to experience the real sertão.

In general, the climate is hot and semi-arid, and the landscape is shaped by the caatinga, which is adapted to drought. However, the mountains and valleys create viewpoints and microclimates, and the large reservoirs supply water for the economy and for leisure. As a result, the region is great for hiking, nature photography and stargazing.

Map of Seridó

See the tourist map of Rio Grande do Norte

Things to do in Seridó

Açude Gargalheiras (Acari): one of the most beautiful settings in the state and a filming location for Bacurau.
Seridó Geopark: geotourism routes through 21 geosites.
Mina Brejuí (Currais Novos): a visit to the complex of one of the largest scheelite mines in Brazil.
Cânion dos Apertados (Currais Novos): trails and natural pools between granite walls.
Archaeology: rock paintings thousands of years old, especially in Carnaúba dos Dantas.
Food: finally, try queijo de coalho (squeaky grilling cheese), queijo de manteiga (butter cheese), carne de sol and manteiga da terra.

Seridó Geopark (UNESCO)

In April 2022, UNESCO recognized the Seridó Geopark for its geological heritage. Since then, it has been part of the global network of geoparks. Altogether, it brings together 21 geosites in six municipalities: Acari, Carnaúba dos Dantas, Cerro Corá, Currais Novos, Lagoa Nova and Parelhas. Interestingly, Caicó, the largest town in the region, lies outside the official area of the Geopark.

Tourist towns of Seridó

1. Acari and Açude Gargalheiras

Acari made national headlines on 3 April 2024, when the Açude Gargalheiras reservoir overflowed its spillway again after 13 years; the previous overflow had been in May 2011. With more than 44 million cubic meters, the reservoir then formed a curtain of water over a dam wall more than 20 meters high and drew thousands of visitors. Incidentally, it was there that Bacurau was filmed in 2019, when the reservoir was dry.

Meanwhile, in the town center, the 18th-century Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário was listed as a heritage site by IPHAN in 1964. In addition, the Museu Histórico de Acari helps you understand how the town developed.

Museu Histórico de Acari in Rio Grande do Norte

Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário in Acari, Rio Grande do Norte

2. Caicó, the capital of Seridó

As the largest town in the region, Caicó has the best infrastructure and is therefore the ideal base for tasting sertão cuisine. After all, the town is famous for its award-winning cheeses, its carne de sol and the embroidery of local craftswomen. For a truly local experience, moreover, it is worth stopping by the Açougue Público Augusto Frade.

3. Currais Novos: mining and geotourism

Next, Currais Novos is one of the main hubs of geotourism. First of all, it is home to the Mina Brejuí, mined since the 1940s and one of the largest scheelite mines in Brazil. Today, the complex also works as a tourist site and memorial, with guided tours and the Museu Mineral Mario Moacyr Porto.

In addition, the town is home to the Cânion dos Apertados, carved by the erosion of the rio Picuí in the Serra da Timbaúba. According to local promotion, it is a rare granite canyon, with trails and natural pools.

4. Carnaúba dos Dantas: archaeology and faith

One of the six municipalities in the Geopark, Carnaúba dos Dantas is home to the Sítio Arqueológico Xique-Xique, with rock paintings thousands of years old. Meanwhile, the Monte do Galo attracts pilgrims and tourists, especially for its view, one of the most beautiful in Seridó.

Carnaúba dos Dantas in Rio Grande do Norte

How to plan your trip

Distances from Natal: Currais Novos is about 180 km away, Acari about 210 km and Caicó about 280 km, via the BR-226 or BR-427.
Suggested itinerary: over 3 to 4 days, go from Acari to Currais Novos, then Carnaúba dos Dantas and, finally, Caicó.
Getting around: since public transport between the towns is limited, a car is the best option.
Attractions: before you go, check the opening hours of the Mina Brejuí and the geosites.
Archaeological sites: above all, always follow the guides’ instructions to help preserve the paintings.
Coast: finally, if you have more time, combine the trip with Natal or follow our 8-day itinerary in Rio Grande do Norte.

Frequently asked questions about Seridó

Where is Seridó?

Seridó is in the interior of Rio Grande do Norte, in the south-central part of the state, with about 25 municipalities.

Among its main towns, for example, are Caicó, Currais Novos, Acari and Carnaúba dos Dantas.

What is the Seridó Geopark?

It is a territory recognized by UNESCO in April 2022, with 21 geosites in six municipalities.

For this reason, it is the state’s main geotourism destination.

When did the Açude Gargalheiras overflow?

On 3 April 2024, for the first time since May 2011.

At the time, in fact, thousands of people went to Acari to see the curtain of water.

When is the best time to visit Seridó?

In general, from June to August, when the weather is milder and the June festivals take place.

Even so, the days are hot all year round, while the nights are cooler.

Can you visit the Mina Brejuí?

Yes. In Currais Novos, in fact, the mine complex offers guided tours.

However, check the opening hours before you travel.

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Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →