Page 51 - POR320Summer2018

Pedra Furada, Parque Nacional Serra da
Capivara, Estado do Piauí.
Tourist attractions in Piauí include:
• The Central Market (Mercado Central)
• Palácio do Karnak - for classic Greek and
Roman architecture enthusiasts
• The Piauí Museum

• Luís Correia – a quaint beach and coastal
village
• Parque Nacional das Sete Cidades -
where impressive archaeological ruins are
displayed
• The Zoo and Botanic Garden
• The National Park of Serra da Capivara - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades is located between Teresina and Parnaíba (nearest

town Piracuruca). Well worth a visit for its weird and wonderful rock formations and prehistoric
cave paintings. There is a guesthouse located within the national park, and another, larger one,
just outside the main gate. The best way to see the park is by bicycle, which can be rented at
the visitor's center. Other options include walking (a warning: it gets very hot) or by car. In
every case you must hire an official guide, who are all very friendly and well trained, although
its doubtful any will speak more than rudimentary English. They are always available at the
visitor's center.
The town of Pedro II, in the hills not far from Sete Cidades National Park. This is one of only
two Opel producing areas in the world (the other is in Australia). The town is pleasant,
sometimes called the "Switzerland of Piauí", somewhat of an exageration, but nice enough

anyway and cooler than the rest of the state also. Visit the Opel mines, all mined by hand, with
a local guide. Ask for one in any of the many stores selling Opel products. Pedro II is also
known for its weaving, with many stores and workshops spread around town.

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