Home » Rio Grande do Norte Travel Guide » Seridó, Rio Grande do Norte: A Comprehensive Tourist Guide

The Seridó region of Rio Grande do Norte is one of the most authentic and fascinating regions of the north-eastern semi-arid region. Situated in the interior of the state, the region boasts landscapes of caatinga scrubland, imposing mountain ranges, iconic dams, archaeological sites, historic towns, a rich regional cuisine and cultural traditions that preserve the identity of the Potiguar hinterland.

Although historically associated with a dry climate, the Seridó region is surprisingly diverse. Today, the region is an established destination for nature tourism, geotourism, culinary tours and cultural tourism. Comprising approximately 24 to 25 municipalities, the Seridó region of Rio Grande do Norte offers a deep immersion into life in the sertão.

Access from Natal is via the motorways linking the capital to the interior (such as the BR-226 or BR-427). To explore the region, we recommend planning for at least three to four days, using towns such as Caicó, Currais Novos or Acari as strategic bases for your trip. If you’re combining this with other destinations in the state, do also take a look at our 8-day itinerary in Rio Grande do Norte.

Things to do in Seridó, Rio Grande do Norte: top attractions

The economy of Seridó, characterised by livestock farming, cotton cultivation and mining, has left a vibrant legacy. Today, this heritage is the driving force behind local tourism.

Among the unmissable experiences are:

• Gargalheiras Reservoir (Acari): One of the most beautiful sights in Rio Grande do Norte. In April 2024, the dam overflowed for the first time in 13 years (the previous overflow had been in 2011), forming a spectacular ‘bridal veil’ over the 20-metre-high wall and attracting thousands of visitors to the region.
• Seridó Geopark (UNESCO): Recognised by UNESCO on 13 April 2022, the Seridó Geopark comprises 21 geosites spread across six municipalities — Acari, Carnaúba dos Dantas, Cerro Corá, Currais Novos, Lagoa Nova and Parelhas — making it ideal for geotourism enthusiasts.
• Country cuisine: Rennet-curd cheeses and butter, sun-dried beef and local butter are a must-try.
• Brejuí Mine (Currais Novos): Explore the underground passages of South America’s largest scheelite mine.
• Archaeological sites: The chance to see ancient rock paintings dating back thousands of years, particularly in Carnaúba dos Dantas.

Climate, geography and landscapes of the Sertão

The Seridó region has a hot and semi-arid climate. The landscape is characterised by the caatinga, with vegetation adapted to the dry season, mountain ranges, rocky outcrops and large water reservoirs, which are vital both for the local economy and for tourism.

The landscape of mountains and valleys creates unique microclimates and spectacular viewpoints. The weather conditions make the region perfect for those looking for hiking trails, nature photography and stargazing.

Video about Seridó in Rio Grande do Norte

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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

Take a look at the tourist map of Rio Grande do Norte

Tourist towns in the Seridó region

1. Acari: The Laughing Giant

Acari gained national attention following the ‘sangria’ (overflow) of the Açude Gargalheiras in April 2024. The site is now one of the state’s leading nature tourism destinations, offering a breathtaking view of rocky cliffs and waters that transform the landscape.

As well as the reservoir, the Acari Historical Museum, housed in a two-storey townhouse dating from 1887 (the former Town Hall and Prison, listed by IPHAN in 1964), is an essential stop for anyone wishing to understand the history of the municipality. The Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário (1738) rounds off the cultural itinerary with its beautiful collection of religious art.

2. Caicó: The Capital of Seridó

Caicó is the region’s main town and the heart of Seridó’s identity — although, curiously, it is not part of the official area of the UNESCO-recognised Seridó Geopark. With its comprehensive infrastructure, it is the best place to experience the authentic cuisine of the sertão.

The town is famous for its award-winning cheeses, its top-quality carne de sol and the hand-embroidery created by local craftswomen. A visit to the Açougue Público Augusto Frade is a genuine cultural experience, where you can find the best meat in the region.

3. Currais Novos: Mineral History and Geotourism

Currais Novos is one of the main geotourism hubs in the Seridó region. The town is world-renowned for the Brejuí Mine, considered the largest scheelite mine in South America, which was founded in 1954. Today, the site operates as a tourist complex and memorial, offering guided tours that recount the history of mining in the sertão — alongside the Mario Moacyr Porto Mineral Museum, which houses part of the region’s geological collection.

The town is also home to the Cânion dos Apertados, considered one of the “7 wonders of Rio Grande do Norte” and recognised as the world’s only granite canyon. Formed by the erosion of the River Picuí in the Serra da Timbaúba, the canyon offers walking trails and natural pools for those seeking ecotourism and adventure.

4. Carnaúba dos Dantas: Archaeology and Faith

This town is a centre for historical conservation and one of the six municipalities within the Seridó Geopark (UNESCO). The Xique-Xique Archaeological Site is home to rock paintings dating back more than 9,000 years, bearing witness to prehistoric human occupation in the region. In addition, Monte do Galo attracts thousands of worshippers and tourists, offering one of the most beautiful views in the Seridó region.

How to Plan Your Trip to Seridó, Rio Grande do Norte

• Distance from Natal: Caicó is about 260 km from the capital; Currais Novos, about 172 km; Acari, about 220 km — all accessible via tarmac roads (BR-226 or BR-427).
• Suggested itinerary: Acari (Gargalheiras Dam and historic centre) → Currais Novos (Brejuí Mine and Cânion dos Apertados) → Carnaúba dos Dantas (Sítio Xique-Xique) → Caicó (cuisine and crafts), on a 3- to 4-day trip.
• How to get around: A private or hire car is the most comfortable way to explore the countryside and reach the geosites, as public transport between the towns of Seridó is limited.
• Combine with a trip to the coast: if you have more time, you can combine a visit to the Seridó region with a trip to the coast of Rio Grande do Norte — see our guide to tourism in Natal or the comprehensive guide to Rio Grande do Norte.

Tips for your trip to Seridó

• Best time to visit: Between June and August, the weather is milder and the June festivals bring the whole region to life.
• How to get around: A car – whether your own or a hire car – is the most comfortable way to explore the countryside.
• Please note: Check the opening times of attractions such as the Brejuí Mine before you travel, as opening times are subject to change.
• Respect: When visiting archaeological sites such as Xique-Xique, always follow the advice of local guides to help preserve the rock paintings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Seridó, Rio Grande do Norte

Where is Seridó, in Rio Grande do Norte?

Seridó is a region in the hinterland (sertão) of Rio Grande do Norte, in the south-central part of the state, comprising around 24 municipalities, including Caicó, Currais Novos, Acari and Carnaúba dos Dantas. It can be reached from Natal via the BR-226 or BR-427 motorways.

What is the Seridó Geopark and when was it recognised by UNESCO?

The Seridó Geopark was recognised by UNESCO on 13 April 2022 for its geological heritage, comprising 21 geosites across six municipalities: Acari, Carnaúba dos Dantas, Cerro Corá, Currais Novos, Lagoa Nova and Parelhas.

When did the Gargalheiras Reservoir last overflow?

The Gargalheiras Reservoir, in Acari, overflowed in April 2024 for the first time in 13 years — the previous overflow had occurred in 2011. The event attracted thousands of visitors to the region.

When is the best time to visit Seridó?

The period between June and August tends to have milder weather, and also coincides with the June festivals, which bring the whole region to life. It is worth noting that Seridó has a semi-arid climate all year round, with hot days and cooler nights.

Is it possible to visit the Brejuí Mine?

Yes. The Brejuí Mine in Currais Novos, considered the largest scheelite mine in South America, offers guided tours of the tourist complex and memorial. It is advisable to check the opening hours before travelling, as they are subject to change.

The Seridó region of Rio Grande do Norte is much more than just the state’s interior; it is a land of resilience, unforgettable flavours and landscapes that linger in the memory.

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 →

Published on 16/01/2013 · Updated on 20/08/2026

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