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Sete Cidades National Park, located in the state of Piauí, Brazil, is a fascinating tourist destination that combines natural beauty with unique geological formations and a rich historical and cultural heritage.
The Sete Cidades National Park, in Piracuruca, around 200 kilometres from Teresina in Piauí, is home to around 500 cave paintings on one of the large rock walls, which date back between 6 and 10 thousand years and are preserved.
Sete Cidades National Park in Piauí, created in 1961 and covering more than 6,000 hectares, is home to an extraordinary wealth of rock formations, rock art, fauna and flora.
In the 6221 hectares of the Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades, there are impressive geological monuments and a rare archaeological heritage, amidst the fauna and flora of the transition area between the cerrado and the caatinga, 22 springs and many small watercourses.
The general landscape can be appreciated from the viewpoint of the Second City: there, to the amazement of the traveller, you can see shapes similar to roofs, chimneys, castles, fortresses, houses, as well as figures of animals and people, especially mysterious at dusk, when the rocks reflect golden tones in plays of light and shadows.
As well as taking on impressive shapes, the rocks preserve cave inscriptions that are between 5 and 10 thousand years old: mixing shades of red and yellow, they represent geometric symbols and animals.
The vegetation, green from January to July, turns yellow during the dry season, from August to November.
It is possible to visit the entire park by car, crossing its 12 kilometres in a period of three hours, including breaks for small trails.
However, travelling around Sete Cidades on foot, in a three or six hour route, can prove to be quite an adventure. There is also another option: hire a bicycle in the park itself.
Why the name Sete Cidades National Park?
The name ‘Sete Cidades’ for the Sete Cidades National Park comes from the layout and shapes of its impressive rock formations, which resemble the ruins of ancient cities. When the site was first explored, these formations were divided into seven groups or ‘cities’, each with distinct characteristics, as if they were neighbourhoods or areas of a real city.
The ‘cities’ are actually large groups of rocks that have been moulded by erosion and the natural elements over millions of years. These formations have been given specific names based on their shapes, which resemble human figures, animals and other structures, stimulating the imagination of visitors and explorers who have given them names.
The division into seven ‘cities’ was a way of organising and categorising these formations so that it would be easier for visitors to explore and identify them. Each of the seven ‘cities’ has its own peculiarities, offering a variety of landscapes and attractions within the park.
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Tourist Attractions in the Sete Cidades National Park
1. Rock formations
The park is famous for its impressive rock formations, which resemble ancient cities, hence the name ‘Sete Cidades’. These formations are the result of millions of years of erosion and resemble human figures, animals and buildings, stimulating the imagination of visitors.
- First City: This is where the Riachão waterfall is located, with a drop of 21 metres. The rocks resemble twisted cannons.
- Second City: Richer in rock inscriptions. Here you’ll find the rock called Arco do Triunfo (or the Arch of Desire), 18 metres high, and a 45-metre high lookout point.
- Third City: Here you’ll find the Map of Brazil, the Head of Dom Pedro I and access to the Solsticial Hole trail, where the winter sun (June) has a special effect.
- Fourth City: Among the rocks, the one that resembles two lizards kissing and the one that resembles the map of Brazil stand out.
- Fifth City: Rich in rock inscriptions and rock monuments, it includes, among other formations, the furna do índio and the stones of the Camel and the Emperor.
- Sixth City: The biggest attraction is the perfect polygons that make up the Turtle stone; there you’ll also find the Dog stone and the Elephant stone with its calf.
- Seventh City: This is where the rock inscriptions are clearest, most of them in red. Among the impressive formations, the Casario and the Pajé cave stand out.
2. Trails and Outdoor Activities
The park has several trails that allow you to explore the rock formations, cave paintings and the local fauna and flora. The trails are of varying levels of difficulty and are accessible to both beginners and experienced adventurers. In addition to the trails, visitors can enjoy swimming in waterfalls and crystal-clear rivers.
3. Rock Paintings
In Sete Cidades National Park, there are a large number of rock paintings dating back thousands of years, leaving an important legacy about the prehistoric cultures that inhabited the region. These paintings are an unmissable attraction and can be seen in various areas of the park.
4. Fauna and Flora
The park’s biodiversity is another highlight. The park is home to a variety of species from the caatinga and cerrado, and you can see birds, reptiles, small mammals and even endangered species. The flora is made up of trees typical of these regions, such as aroeiras and cacti.
5. Guided Tours
To get the most out of your visit, it is advisable to hire a local guide. They offer valuable insights into the rock formations, the history of the cave paintings and the park’s biodiversity. Guides can also personalise the tour according to the interests of the group.
6. Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Sete Cidades National Park is during the dry season, from May to September, when the trails are more accessible and the temperatures are more pleasant. During the rainy season (December to March), some areas of the park can be difficult to access.
7. How to get there
The park is located about 190 kilometres from Teresina, the capital of Piauí. It can be reached by car, and there are bus options from Teresina and other nearby towns. The nearest airport is Teresina Airport.
8. Infrastructure
Although the park is relatively remote, it offers a basic infrastructure for visitors, such as rest areas, toilets and a small souvenir shop. In the vicinity of the park, there are simple inns and restaurants that offer accommodation and meals for tourists.
Visiting Sete Cidades National Park is an opportunity to connect with nature and learn about Brazil’s geological and cultural history, in a setting that seems straight out of a fantastic tale.
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Sete Cidades National Park Tourist Guide
