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The Parnaíba Delta, located between the states of Piauí and Maranhão, is one of Brazil’s most impressive regions. It is the only open sea delta in the Americas and the third largest in the world, after the Nile and Mekong delta. Formed by the Parnaíba River, which splits into five main branches before flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, the delta is an ecological paradise with a rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes and countless ecotourism options.
Geographical formation of the Parnaíba Delta
The Parnaíba Delta lies in a nook between the coast of Piauí and Maranhão, where the Parnaíba River meets the ocean and forms the only open sea delta in the whole of the Americas.
As it approaches the Atlantic, the Parnaíba opens up into five branches and gives rise to a set of ecosystems totalling around 2,700 square kilometres, comprising beaches, dunes, igarapés and mangroves that surround more than 80 islands.
Although 65% of the Parnaíba delta region belongs to the state of Maranhão, the city of Parnaíba, 354 kilometres from Teresina and 19 km from Luís Correia, is the main gateway for those wishing to visit.
1. Deltaic formation
The Parnaíba Delta is an open sea delta, which means that the Parnaíba River splits into several channels as it approaches the Atlantic Ocean, forming several islands and river arms before flowing into the sea. It is the only open sea delta in the Americas and the third largest in the world.
2. Extent and Area
The delta covers an area of approximately 2,700 km². It stretches for around 100 kilometres along the coast and goes approximately 80 kilometres into the sea, forming an intricate system of islands, igarapés (small waterways), lagoons and beaches.
3. River arms
The delta is made up of five main branches of the Parnaíba River: Timonha, Igaraçu, Canárias, Caju, and Melancieiras. These arms branch off into several smaller channels, creating a vast network of fresh and brackish water that shapes the region’s landscape.
4. Islands
There are more than 70 islands in the Parnaíba Delta, the largest and best known being Ilha Grande de Santa Isabel, Ilha das Canárias, Ilha do Caju, and Ilha dos Poldros. The islands vary in size and characteristics, from large areas of land with human communities to small islets covered in native vegetation.
5. Ecosystems
The delta is home to a rich diversity of ecosystems, including mangroves, sandbank areas, dunes, floodplain forests and beaches. These ecosystems are vital habitats for a wide variety of species of fauna and flora, many of which are endemic.
6. Climate
The region’s climate is tropical, with two well-defined seasons: the rainy season, from January to June, and the dry season, from July to December. The rains are responsible for keeping river levels high and guaranteeing the vitality of local ecosystems.
7. Vegetation
The predominant vegetation includes mangroves, which are essential for coastal protection and as a habitat for various species of crustaceans and fish. There are also extensive areas of restinga and floodplain forest, as well as stretches of dunes covered in herbaceous vegetation.
8. Fauna
The fauna of the Parnaíba Delta is diverse and includes species such as the guará (red-plumaged bird), herons, caimans, capybaras and a rich variety of fish and crustaceans. The delta is an important breeding and feeding ground for many of these species.
9. River-sea interaction
The interaction between the river waters of the Parnaíba River and the Atlantic Ocean creates a unique brackish water environment that favours a rich and complex biodiversity. The tide plays a crucial role in the dynamics of the delta, influencing the flow of water in the channels and access to certain areas.
The Parnaíba Delta is a region of great ecological importance, with landscapes that combine the exuberance of the vegetation with the beauty of the waters, and is an impressive example of how natural processes mould and sustain life in a coastal region.
Videos – Tourist attractions in the Parnaíba Delta
Delta do Parnaíba - Documentário
Ilhas das Canarias no Delta do Parnaíba
Delta do Parnaíba - Guia de Turismo
Rota das Emoções - Delta do Parnaíba a Barra Grande
Delta do Parnaíba no Piauí e Maranhão01:41
Porto das Barcas em Parnaíba02:14
Ilha do Caju
Passeio de barco no Delta do Parnaíba
Parnaíba Delta
1. Tourist Attractions
1.1. Boat trips through the Delta
The main attraction of the Parnaíba Delta are the boat trips that explore the region’s canals, streams and islands. During these trips, visitors can observe the exuberant local fauna and flora, including guarás (red-plumaged birds), caimans, monkeys and a wide variety of fish and birds.
1.2. Canary Island
One of the largest and most popular islands in the delta, Canary Island is a common stop on tours. There you can go hiking, visit local communities and enjoy a swim in the calm waters of the river.
The Ilha das Canárias (Araioses-MA) is the second largest island in the Parnaíba River Delta, second only to Ilha Grande in Piauí. It is home to a fishing village with over 2,500 inhabitants.
The history of Canárias begins in 1806, when a fisherman from Acaraú in Ceará, together with three companions, were attracted by the abundant fish production and wanted to set up a corral fishery in the barra dos mergulhões, which later came to be called Canárias, due to the large number of canary birds in the region and a plant that served as food for the animals, called canarana.
So people began travelling to the Canary Islands.
Today the island of Canárias is an environmental preservation area, part of the Parnaíba River Delta marine extractive reserve, and its population is approximately 2,500 inhabitants distributed in four villages: Canárias, Passarinho, Torto and Caiçara. There are inns and restaurants and it is an ideal place for holidaymakers to visit.
1.3. Ilha Grande de Santa Isabel
Praia Pedra do Sol is Parnaíba’s most popular beach, Pedra do Sal, 8 km long, located on Ilha Grande de Santa Isabel, 15 km from the centre of Parnaíba.
Arriving at the beach, you can see a group of granite rocks, nothing more than a hill of stones that juts out into the ocean, dividing the beach into two sides: the rough side, more frequented by surfers because it has strong waves, and the calm side, ideal for relaxing, fishing and watching the sunset.
1.4. Caju Island
In 1847, Englishman James Frederick Clark entered the Parnaíba delta region to explore carnauba.
Not only did he settle on the 100 square kilometre island, but he also banned hunting and deforestation. Finally, he created a small, surprising paradise.
Caju Island, 50 kilometres from Parnaíba, is part of the municipality of Araioses, in Maranhão, and preserves six ecosystems: 18 kilometres of beaches, four types of mangroves, flooded fields, lagoons, as well as dunes and forests.
There are foxes, armadillos, ocelots and flocks of guarás, the intense red bird that symbolises the delta.
To get to know it, you must book at the Ilha do Caju Ecological Refuge, the only inn on the island, which provides boat transport and guides for walking, horse riding and jeep tours. The use of wellies, long-sleeved clothing, sunscreen and insect repellent is recommended.
1.5. Porto das Barracas
Porto das Barcas is the gateway to the Parnaíba Delta, which in itself is very popular. But it’s much more than that!
Porto das Barcas is a conglomerate that unites memory, leisure, entertainment and culture. Here you’ll find the ruins of what was once the harbour, with its old warehouses, customs buildings, quays, patios and alleys. Its façade is neoclassical and its entire structure involves stone walls and a carnauba roof.
1.6. Flight of the Guarás
One of the delta’s most impressive spectacles is the flight of the guarás, birds with vibrant red plumage that return in large flocks at dusk to the islands where they sleep. The sight of the guarás flying against the sunset is unforgettable.
1.7. Wild beaches
The delta also has virtually untouched beaches, such as Ilha do Caju and Ilha Grande de Santa Isabel. These beaches are ideal for those seeking tranquillity, contact with nature and paradisiacal landscapes.
1.8. Jericoacoara National Park and Lençóis Maranhenses
The Parnaíba Delta is strategically located between two other major tourist destinations in the Northeast: the Jericoacoara National Park in Ceará and the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Maranhão. Many visitors take the opportunity to include all these destinations in a single trip.
From the Parnaíba Delta to the Lençóis Maranhenses
From the Parnaíba Delta you can reach the Lençóis Maranhenses in two ways: from Parnaíba, towards the town of Barreirinhas, the gateway to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, on a three-hour road journey recommended for cars with traction.
On the way, it’s worth a stop to visit the village of Paulino Neves, better known as Rio Novo, a fishing community where the dunes extend as far as the park.
The other, more tiring option is the one commonly used by locals: take a boat (called a ‘gaiola’) from the port of Barcas, in Parnaíba, and face the uncomfortable eight-hour journey to the city of Tutóia, in Maranhão.
We recommend taking a hammock, as well as water, snacks and insect repellent.
In the centre of Tutóia, there are car departures to Rio Novo, Barreirinhas and Caburé, where there are accommodation options for those wishing to visit the Lençóis Maranhenses.
2. Tips
- Best Time to Visit:< The best time to visit the Parnaíba Delta is between July and December, when the climate is drier and conditions for boat trips are ideal. During the rainy season, from January to June, the water level rises, but the landscapes take on a unique beauty with greener vegetation.
- Starting Point: The city of Parnaíba, in Piauí, is the main starting point for exploring the delta. Parnaíba has a good tourist infrastructure, with hotels, inns, restaurants and guide services.
- Guided Tours: It is recommended to take tours of the delta with local guides, who know the region well and can provide a safer and more informative experience. There are various tour options, from one-day tours to longer expeditions with overnight stays on islands.
Tourist Guide to the Parnaíba Delta in Piauí
