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Serra da Capivara
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The Serra da Capivara National Park in Piauí state contains one of the world's most significant concentrations of prehistoric rock art. Established as a national park in 1979 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991, it covers over 1,200 square kilometers of rugged terrain. The park is home to more than 1,000 archaeological sites, with thousands of rock paintings depicting daily life, animals, and complex rituals, some dating back tens of thousands of years. The pioneering work of archaeologist Niède Guidon at sites like Boqueirão da Pedra Furada has challenged traditional theories about the timing of human arrival in the Americas, suggesting a presence much earlier than previously thought. The landscape is characterized by spectacular sandstone cliffs, plateaus, and the unique semi-arid Caatinga biome. Beyond its cultural importance, the park serves as a critical sanctuary for biodiversity, including jaguars and diverse bird species. The Museum of the American Man serves as a major research center, showcasing the artifacts and scientific discoveries found within the park's boundaries.
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A postcard from Serra da Capivara
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- Highlights: Sítio Barreirinho · Mirante da Zabele · Mirante das Mangueiras
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 30 | 29 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 110 | 112 | 110 | 61 | 12 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 25 | 60 | 75 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The park contains over 1,200 registered archaeological sites as of current records.
- Some rock paintings in Serra da Capivara are estimated to be over 25,000 years old.
- UNESCO added the park to the World Heritage list in 1991 for its cultural significance.
- The Museum of the American Man was founded by Niède Guidon to preserve and study the findings.
- Pedra Furada is the park's most famous natural sandstone arch and archaeological site.
- Discoveries of ancient charcoal suggest human activity in the area dating back 50,000 years.
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Sights in the town Serra da Capivara (10)
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Frequently asked questions
What is Serra da Capivara?
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Serra da Capivara: where is it located?
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