Brazil🇧🇷 | national parksSerra da Capivara National ParkAncient rock shelters, archaeological sites, semi-arid terrain | things to do and best time to go

Boqueirão da Pedra Furada
This is the park’s headline act, and for good reason. The rock shelter here is home to some of the oldest known prehistoric art in the Americas—red ochre figures, animals, and geometric shapes, some dating back over 12,000 years. The sheer scale of the sandstone cliffs, riddled with natural arches and caves, is impressive even before you factor in the archaeological significance. The main trail is well-marked and manageable, but the midday sun is merciless. Go early, bring water, and don’t expect shade. If you only see one site, make it this one.





Baixão da Pedra Furada
Just down the slope from Boqueirão, this area is less crowded but equally rich in rock art. The setting feels more intimate—narrower canyons, denser vegetation, and a sense of being swallowed by the … read more 👉

Boqueirão da Pedra Furada
This is the park’s headline act, and for good reason. The rock shelter here is home to some of the oldest known prehistoric art in the Americas—red ochre figures, animals, and geometric shapes, some dating back over 12,000 years. The sheer scale of the sandstone cliffs, riddled with natural arches and caves, is impressive even before you factor in the archaeological significance. The main trail is well-marked and manageable, but the midday sun is merciless. Go early, bring water, and don’t expect shade. If you only see one site, make it this one.





Baixão da Pedra Furada
Just down the slope from Boqueirão, this area is less crowded but equally rich in rock art. The setting feels more intimate—narrower canyons, denser vegetation, and a sense of being swallowed by the landscape. The paintings here are vivid and surprisingly well-preserved, with some panels tucked into overhangs that require a bit of scrambling. Watch your footing on loose gravel. If you want to feel like you’ve stumbled onto something ancient and secret, this is the spot.





Baixão das Andorinhas
This is where the park’s wildlife steps into the spotlight. At dusk, thousands of swifts (andorinhas) spiral into the canyons to roost, filling the air with a rush of wings. The spectacle is short but unforgettable, and the surrounding cliffs are dotted with more rock art. The trail here is rougher, with some steep sections, but the payoff is worth it if you time your visit right. Bring binoculars if you have them, and don’t linger after dark—the trails are not forgiving.





Sítio do Meio
This site is a favorite among archaeologists for its deep excavation pits and evidence of ancient habitation. The rock art is less dramatic than at Pedra Furada, but the sense of history is palpable. You’ll see layers of occupation, stone tools, and hearths—proof that people have been living here for millennia. The walk in is straightforward, but the heat can be punishing. There’s little infrastructure, so come prepared.





Caldeirão dos Rodrigues
This is my personal favorite. The approach is longer and less traveled, which means you’re likely to have the place to yourself. The site is a natural amphitheater, with towering walls and a floor scattered with boulders. The rock art here is subtle—delicate figures and handprints—but the silence and scale of the place give it a gravity that’s hard to describe. It’s a good spot to sit, hydrate, and let the landscape sink in. If you want solitude and a sense of connection to the past, this is where you’ll find it.