Araruna: A Hidden Gem in Paraíba, Brazil

Araruna: Discover the tourist attractions and biodiversity of the Pedra da Boca State Park

Araruna is a Brazilian municipality located in the State of Paraíba, in the Mesoregion of Agreste Paraibano and the Microregion of Curimataú Oriental.

This area is made up of Araruna, Cacimba de Dentro, Solânea, Dona Inês, Tacima, Casserengue and Riachão. Araruna is rich in nature, history, events, gastronomy, handicrafts and culture, which are present in practically every corner.

Location and demographics

The city of Araruna is located at the top of the Serra da Araruna mountain range, which is approximately 590 metres above sea level.

With an estimated population of 20,000 in 2023, according to IBGE data, Araruna preserves the tranquillity typical of towns in the Brazilian interior, as well as the unique hospitality of the people of Araruna.

The municipality is one of the most important in the region, serving as a polarising point for the neighbouring towns of Curimataú and Seridó potiguar, and borders four municipalities in Rio Grande do Norte.

It is located 165 kilometres from João Pessoa, 110 kilometres from Campina Grande and 120 kilometres from Natal. Araruna was founded on 10 July 1876.

mapa turistico da Paraíba — Tourist Map of Paraíba

Climate and Landscape

Araruna is known for its cold and mild climate, which sets it apart from the rest of the semi-arid region, making it a true climate island.

Its beautiful landscapes include the Serra da Araruna and Serra da Confusão mountains, as well as the Pedra da Boca State Park.

The municipality of Araruna is also famous for its traditional events, such as the São João na Serra, the Araruna Moto Fest and the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Patron festival.

Cidade de Araruna na Paraíba — City of Araruna in Paraíba

Tourist attractions in Araruna PB

Araruna na Paraíba - Guia de Turismo

Parque estadual da Pedra da Boca na Paraíba

Parque Estadual da Pedra da Boca10:03

Mercado Cultural Professor Arnaldo Rodrigues

História de Araruna e o Parque Estadual da Pedra da Boca01:41

Pedra da Macambira
Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Conception
Professor Arnaldo Rodrigues Cultural Market
Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
Maquiné Farm
Church of St Anthony
Pedra da Boca State Park

1. Macambira Rock

The Pedra da Macambira is a huge granite boulder located north of Araruna, in the Calabouço River Valley region.

Magnitude da Pedra da Macambira — Size of Pedra da Macambira

Pedra da Macambira is about 100 metres long and 80 metres wide, and is one of the largest rock outcrops in the municipality of Araruna.

Pedra da Macambira em Araruna — Pedra da Macambira in Araruna

Located on the border between Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte, this natural monument is home to a rich biodiversity, including the macambira plant (Bromelia laciniosa), which is essential for the local fauna, especially during periods of drought.

Bromelia laciniosa — From the bromeliad family, the macambira trees give Pedra its name.

2. Shrine of Our Lady of the Conception

The Shrine of Our Lady of the Conception is a landmark in the history of Araruna. Its construction began in 1876 and, after several renovations, it was finally completed in 1907.

Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Conceição em Araruna PB — Shrine of Our Lady of the Conception in Araruna PB

Recognised for its historical value, the shrine was listed as a landmark in 1999 and elevated to the status of a shrine in 2001, becoming an important point of faith and religious tourism in the Araruna region.

Igreja Matriz antes da reforma de 2000 — Mother church before renovation in 2000

Igreja Matriz em 1955 - Araruna PB — Mother church in 1955 – Araruna PB

3. Professor Arnaldo Rodrigues Cultural Market

The Professor Ar naldo Rodrigues Cultural Market represents the urban evolution of Araruna and was inaugurated in 1909.

Mercado Cultural Professor Arnaldo Rodrigues em Araruna PB — Professor Arnaldo Rodrigues Cultural Market in Araruna PB

Originally intended for commerce, the market has undergone several transformations and now serves as a cultural centre where artistic and social activities take place, in homage to a former teacher from the town of Araruna.

Fachada principal do Velho Mercado Público. Fotografia de 1934 - Araruna PB — Main façade of the old public market. Photograph taken in 1934 – Araruna PB

O Velho Mercado de Araruna, e seus arredores. Fotografia de 1940 — The old market of Araruna and its surroundings. Photo from 1940

Detalhes da arquitetura original da Praça João Pessoa em 1940 - Araruna PB — Details of the original architecture of João Pessoa Square in 1940 – Araruna PB

Velho Mercado de Araruna e feira livre em seu redor na década de 1960 — Araruna’s old market and the free market around it in the 1960s

Mercado Cultural em 2018, quando recebeu nova pintura, e uma atenção especial com seus detalhes em alto relevo na fachada - Araruna PB — The cultural market in 2018, when it received a new coat of paint and special attention with its details in high relief on the facade – Araruna PB

4. The Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima

Inaugurated on 13 May 2010, the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is located in the Pedra da Boca Ecological State Park.

Santuário de Nossa Senhora de Fátima em Araruna PB — Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Araruna PB

This place is an important point of religious tourism, attracting pilgrims and visitors who take part in the monthly celebrations and religious festivals.

5. Maquiné Farm

Located just 2 km from the centre of Araruna, Fazenda Maquiné is a historical and cultural treasure.

Fazenda Maquiné em Araruna PB — Maquiné Farm in Araruna PB

Originally a mill, the farm has a chapel built in 1897 which is of great architectural and historical value.

Capela da Fazenda Maquiné — Maquiné Farm Chapel

Fazenda Maquiné e todo sua beleza — Maquiné Farm and all its beauty

6. Church of St Anthony

The Church of Santo Antônio, also known as the former Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, marks the beginning of the urbanisation of Araruna.

Igreja de Santo Antonio em Araruna PB — Church of Santo António in Araruna PB

Built in the mid-19th century, it is an example of rural baroque style, reflecting the local faith and culture.

7. Pedra da Boca State Park

Pedra da B oca State Park is an ecological reserve, home to a rich biodiversity and one of the most important geological heritage sites in Paraíba.

mapa turístico do Parque Estadual da Pedra da Boca - Araruna — Tourist Map of Pedra da Boca State Park – Araruna

Created in 2000, the park is known for its rock formations, such as the famous Pedra da Boca, and for its potential for adventure tourism, attracting visitors for activities such as abseiling, hiking and observing rock inscriptions.

Tourist Attractions in Pedra da Boca State Park

Pedra da Boca State Park offers a variety of attractions that appeal to visitors seeking adventure, nature observation and cultural experiences. The main attractions include

Pedra da Boca: The imposing rock formation, ideal for climbing and photography, with stunning panoramic views.
Rock Inscriptions: Traces of the indigenous civilisations that inhabited the region, located on Pedra do Letreiro.
Trails and Walks: Several trails that allow you to get in touch with nature and observe the local fauna.
Extreme Sports: Opportunities for climbing, abseiling and mountain biking attract the adventurous.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima: An important point of faith and religious tourism.
Visitor Centre: Information on local attractions, biodiversity and cultural events.
Events and Festivals: Celebrations promoting local culture, music and gastronomy.

Pedra da Boca no Parque estadual da Pedra da Boca — Pedra da Boca in Pedra da Boca State Park

Pedra da Caveira no Parque Estadual da Pedra da Boca — Pedra da Caveira in the Pedra da Boca State Park

Biodiversity of the Park

Pedra da Boca State Park is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Native plants include several species of caatinga, such as cacti, bromeliads and xerophytic shrubs adapted to the semi-arid climate.

The fauna is equally diverse, including birds such as the caracara hawk and the sabiá, and mammals such as the fox and the armadillo.

The park plays a crucial role in preserving these ecosystems, serving as a refuge for endangered species and contributing to the environmental conservation of the Araruna region.