Piauí: Discover Unique Tourism Experiences

Discover the wonders of tourism in Piauí

Tourism in Piauí is a rich and diverse experience, offering everything from natural beauty to a vast historical and cultural heritage. Despite being a lesser-known state compared to other destinations in the Northeast, Piauí has much to offer visitors looking for something unique and authentic.

Geography and history

It is the only state in the Northeast whose capital, Teresina, is not bathed by the sea. Unlike the rest of the Northeast, its territory was gradually occupied by the Hinterland. In fact, Piauí has the smallest coastline in the region – 66 kilometres.

The colonisation of Piauí (“river of piaus” in Tupi, a reference to a fish abundant in the state) was due to the action of explorers who set out from Bahia and Pernambuco in search of new pastures in the early 16th century.

The city of Oeiras bears witness to this period and is known for its colonial heritage and cultural festivals, such as the Festival of the Holy Spirit.

Historic towns and attractions

Other cities sprang up, and the Parnaíba River, the second largest in the northeast, was the link between them, helping to create modern cities such as Floriano, Amarante and Teresina, the capital since 1852.

The Parnaíba, affectionately known as the Old Monk, rises in the Serra das Mangabeiras, on the border with Tocantins and Bahia, and flows for 1,480 kilometres until it reaches the Atlantic Ocean.

Where it empties into the sea, it forms the Parnaíba Delta, the largest open sea delta in the Americas and the only one in the region, making it one of the most interesting parts of the Brazilian coast.

Natural beauty

The hot, arid lands of the Piauí h Interland hold magnificent surprises, such as the rock formations of the Sete Cidades National Park and the glistening walls of the Serra das Confusões National Park.

The greatest jewel, however, is the collection of rock engravings in the Serra da Capivara National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1991.

Mapa Turístico do Piauí — Tourist Map of Piauí

Main Tourist Attractions

Guia de Turismo do Piauí06:47

Principais Pontos Turísticos do Piauí06:20

Piauí’s main tourist attractions include

Serra da Capivara National Park: Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to one of the largest concentrations of rock art in the world, with thousands of inscriptions and paintings.
Sete Cidades National Park: Known for its impressive rock formations and rich biodiversity, it is an ideal place for hiking and nature adventures.
Delta do Parnaíba: The largest open sea delta in the Americas and the only one in the region, it offers boat trips, bird watching and stunning beaches.
Teresina: The state capital, famous for its vibrant culture, gastronomy and tourist attractions such as Potycabana Park and Karnak Palace.
Oeiras: Known as the first capital of Piauí, it has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with several colonial buildings and traditional festivals.
Floriano: An important cultural and economic centre, with charming architecture and traditional events such as the Divino Espírito Santo festival.
Poti River Canyon: An ideal place for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and canoeing, with stunning landscapes and scenic beauty.
Serra das Confusões: A protected area with rich fauna and flora and breathtaking scenery, it is a popular destination for nature lovers.