Salgado River Canyon in Lavras da Mangabeira, Ceará

Published on January 7, 2021 · Updated on August 23, 2026

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The state of Ceará is home to natural treasures that extend far beyond the coastline. In the heart of the Cariri region, the municipality of Lavras da Mangabeira is home to one of the state’s most impressive geological landscapes: the Salgado River Canyon. If you’re planning to visit other destinations in the region, do also take a look at our tourist guide to the Cariri region of Ceará.

Commonly known as Boqueirão, this natural monument is a must-see destination for anyone seeking ecotourism, tranquillity and adventure amidst a landscape of imposing rock faces and waterways cutting through the hinterland.

Cânion do Rio Salgado em Lavras da Mangabeira — Salgado River Canyon in Lavras da Mangabeira

What is the Salgado River Canyon?

The Salgado River Canyon, often referred to as Boqueirão do Rio Salgado or simply Boqueirão, is a unique geological formation. With a width of up to 44 metres in some places and rock faces reaching an impressive 109 metres in height, the site forms a natural ‘gorge’ that is truly awe-inspiring.

The term ‘boqueirão’ is a common geographical term used in the sertão to describe these openings in mountain ranges and plateaus, but few places in Ceará offer such a striking visual experience as this one.

Cânion no Rio Salgado no Ceará

The beauty of this spot, where the main tributary of southern Ceará, the River Salgado, flows between rock formations, offers a unique contrast between the ruggedness of the rock and the fluidity of the water, forming perennial pools that invite contemplation.

Em alguns trechos do Cânion do Rio Salgado, a largura é de 44 metros e a altura da rocha chega a 109 metros. — In some sections of the Salgado River Canyon, the width is 44 metres and the rock face reaches a height of 109 metres.

Ecotourism and Activities in the Salgado River Canyon

For adventure tourism enthusiasts, the Boqueirão de Lavras da Mangabeira has established itself as a key destination in the Cariri region. Since 2020, the site has gained prominence as a venue for activities such as:

Abseiling: thanks to the height of the cliffs, the location is ideal for vertical sports, offering spectacular views.
Kayaking and canoeing: paddling through the calm waters of the Salgado River inside the canyon offers a completely new perspective on the rock formation.

Geological Formation: A Rarity in the Sertão

The origin of the Boqueirão is linked to a geological fault which, millions of years ago, split the rock, allowing the river to flow through. According to experts such as the geologist Yarley Brito, this fracture created not only scenic beauty but also permanent water sources, which are essential to the region’s biodiversity.

The History of Lavras da Mangabeira and its Cultural Legacy

As well as its lush natural surroundings, Lavras da Mangabeira has a rich history, set against the backdrop of the colonisation of the Ceará hinterland.

Mapa administrativo e político do Ceará — Administrative and political map of Ceará

From the Indigenous Peoples to the Gold Rush

Originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, such as the Kariris, the region was the scene of intense waves of colonisation in the 17th and 18th centuries. The discovery of gold nearby, in Missão Velha (São José dos Cariris Novos), attracted Portuguese prospectors and entire families in search of prosperity, accelerating settlement and the founding of towns.

The Emergence of the Town: Chapel of Saint Vincent Ferrer

With the decline of gold mining in 1758, the region reinvented itself. It was in the area around Boqueirão that the foundations were laid for the urban centre that would eventually become Lavras da Mangabeira. The construction of the Chapel of São Vicente Ferrer was a key milestone in the growth of the new community, and it became the historic heart of the town.

Paróquia São Vicente Ferrer em Lavras da Mangabeira — St Vincent Ferrer Parish in Lavras da Mangabeira

Tips for your visit to the Salgado River Canyon

Lavras da Mangabeira, part of the Cariri Planning Region (Central-Southern Cariri), still retains the feel of a ‘hidden gem’. As it is an area of unspoilt natural beauty, we recommend:

Local guide: for adventure activities (abseiling/kayaking), always hire an accredited local guide.
Best time of year: check river conditions and the weather, avoiding periods of extreme flooding.
Conservation: as this is a natural heritage site, please help to keep the area clean by collecting any rubbish you produce.

If you’re planning a trip through the interior of Ceará, the Rio Salgado Canyon in Lavras da Mangabeira is a must-see for anyone who appreciates history, geology and being close to nature. Combine your visit with other destinations on the Cariri region tourist itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Salgado River Canyon

Where is the Salgado River Canyon?

The Salgado River Canyon, also known as Boqueirão, is situated in the municipality of Lavras da Mangabeira, in the Cariri region of Ceará, around 6 km from the town centre.

How high is the Salgado River Canyon?

In some places, the canyon is up to 44 metres wide and the rock faces rise to a height of 109 metres above the water’s surface.

What sort of activities can you do at Boqueirão de Lavras?

Since 2020, the site has offered abseiling (making the most of the height of the cliffs) as well as kayaking and canoeing trips along the River Salgado within the canyon. For these activities, it is always recommended that you hire an accredited local guide.

Is Lavras da Mangabeira part of the Cariri Metropolitan Region?

No. At present, the Cariri Metropolitan Region (RMC) comprises just nine municipalities (Juazeiro do Norte, Crato, Barbalha, Jardim, Missão Velha, Caririaçu, Farias Brito, Nova Olinda and Santana do Cariri), and Lavras da Mangabeira is not amongst them. The municipality forms part of the so-called Cariri Planning Region (Cariri Centro-Sul), a different and broader administrative division.

How did the Salgado River Canyon come into being?

According to geologist Yarley Brito, the Boqueirão was formed by a geological fault which, millions of years ago, split the rock and allowed the river to flow through, also creating permanent waterholes in the region.

What is the historical origin of Lavras da Mangabeira?

The region was inhabited by the Kariri peoples before Portuguese colonisation. The discovery of gold at Missão Velha (then known as Minas de São José dos Cariris Novos) attracted prospectors in the 18th century. With the end of mining in 1758, the construction of the Chapel of São Vicente Ferrer, on the outskirts of Boqueirão, gave rise to the settlement that would become the town.

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 →