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São Raimundo Nonato, located in the state of Piauí, is a city that attracts tourists interested in history, culture, archaeology and nature.
São Raimundo Nonato is the main gateway to the Parque Nacional da Serra da Capivara, one of the most important archaeological sites in Brazil and the world.
The city’s residents are proud to call it the ‘capital of prehistory’.
The gateway to the Serra da Capivara National Park, São Raimundo Nonato thrives on tourism and activities related to the conservation of the site.
Here, as in the rest of the region, the seasons are well defined – there is the dry season, between May and November, when the vegetation loses its leaves and takes on light grey tones, and the rainy months, between December and May, when everything greens up.
It is during the dry season that the municipality’s most important events take place: the patron saint’s festival in August, when the town is filled with banners, and the Serra da Capivara International Festival in September, with music, theatre and visual arts exhibitions from around the world.
Video – São Raimundo Nonato Tourist Attractions
Tourist Guide to São Raimundo Nonato PI
1. Serra da Capivara National Park
São Raimundo Nonato’s main tourist attraction is the Serra da Capivara National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The park is famous for being home to one of the largest concentrations of prehistoric archaeological sites in the world.
1.1. Archaeological sites
The park has more than a thousand archaeological sites, many of which contain cave paintings that are more than 10,000 years old. The paintings depict scenes from everyday life, such as hunting, rituals and human and animal figures, and are a window into the lives of the ancient civilisations that inhabited the region.
1.2. Trails and viewpoints
The park offers several trails that take visitors to archaeological sites and viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the rock formations and the hinterland landscape. Some trails are short and accessible, while others are longer and more challenging, ideal for adventurers.
1.3. Museum of the American Man
Located in São Raimundo Nonato, the museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting archaeological finds from the Serra da Capivara. The collection includes fossils, artefacts and replicas of cave paintings, offering an in-depth understanding of the region’s prehistory.
Opened in 1998 and run by the Museu do Homem Americano Foundation in São Raimundo Nonato, which is responsible for maintaining the national park, the museum offers an effective introduction to the importance of Piauí’s rich archaeological and geological heritage.
Its two floors display panels, photographs and, above all, samples of lithic material that summarise thirty years of research and discoveries in the region.
The funerary urns and human fossils are impressive, especially Zuzu, the name by which the 10,000-year-old skeleton found in the Coqueiros burrow is known. Sérgio Motta Cultural Centre, s/n, Campestre.
2. Culture and History
In addition to the Serra da Capivara National Park, São Raimundo Nonato has a rich cultural and historical heritage that is well worth exploring.
- Historic Centre: The town has a small but charming historic centre, with colonial buildings and cobbled streets. Here, you can visit the Church of São Raimundo Nonato, the city’s patron saint, and learn a little more about local history.
- Local Handicrafts: The region is known for its handicrafts, especially pieces made from clay and ceramics, which reflect the cultural traditions of the sertão. Visitors can buy these pieces in local shops and fairs.
3. Nature and Adventure
In addition to its archaeological wealth, the São Raimundo Nonato region offers opportunities for ecotourism and adventure activities.
- Boqueirão da Pedra Furada: One of the most famous sites within the Serra da Capivara National Park, Pedra Furada is a natural rock formation that is a symbol of the region. In addition to its scenic beauty, the surrounding area offers trails that allow you to explore the local flora and fauna.
- Ecological Trails: The region is perfect for hiking and ecological trails. You can explore the hinterland and observe the rich biodiversity of the caatinga, with endemic plants and a variety of animals such as birds, reptiles and mammals.
4. Events and Festivities
São Raimundo Nonato is also known for its festivities, which mix popular culture and religious traditions.
- Festa de São Raimundo Nonato: Celebrated in August, it is the town’s main religious festival, attracting faithful from all over the region. The festival includes masses, processions and cultural events involving the entire community.
5. How to get there
São Raimundo Nonato is located around 530 kilometres from Teresina, the capital of Piauí. The city has a small airport, Serra da Capivara International Airport, with regular flights from Teresina and other cities in the Northeast. For those who prefer to travel by land, there are buses leaving from Teresina and other cities in the state.
6. Accommodation
The city offers a variety of accommodation options, from simple inns to more comfortable hotels, ideal for those who want to explore the Serra da Capivara in peace.
- Hotel Real: One of the best known hotels in the city, it offers comfortable accommodation and good service, with easy access to the centre and the National Park.
- Pousada Zabelê: A cheaper option, but with good service and a cosy atmosphere, ideal for tourists looking for a simple and practical stay.
7. Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit São Raimundo Nonato and the Serra da Capivara is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this period, the temperatures are milder and the trails are in better condition.
- Local Guides: It is recommended to hire local guides to explore the Serra da Capivara National Park. They offer valuable information about the archaeological sites and guarantee a safer and more enriching experience.
São Raimundo Nonato is a destination that combines ancient history, rich culture and natural beauty. It is the perfect place for those looking for a trip that is both educational and inspiring, delving into the origins of humanity in a stunning natural setting.
Oeiras and São Raimundo Nonato Travel and Tourism Guide
