Rock paintings
At least 6,000 years old.
Dalvacir Gomes Pereira Leite — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Walter Joliveira — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Qu1ntino — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Rocmayer — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Maria Teresa Bezerra Amorim — CC BY-SA 4.0
Catimbau National Park, or the «Catimbau Valley», protects about 62,300 hectares of semi-arid caatinga deep in Pernambuco, split between Buíque, Ibimirim and Tupanatinga, next to the land of the Kapinawá indigenous people. Wind and rain have carved its sandstone walls into graded shapes and colours, leaving a landscape of canyons, lone rocks and arches. The valley is Brazil's second-largest archaeological site, with more than 2,000 caves and 28 registered areas of prehistoric rock painting, including Pedra da Concha, whose art dates back at least 6,000 years; the national heritage body has listed it as archaeological heritage. Among its best-known landmarks are the Morro do Elefante and Morro do Cachorro rocks and the Serra das Torres ridge. The best base is Catimbau village in Buíque, about four hours' drive from Recife, which has simple guesthouses. Trails vary in difficulty, and a guide from the local guides' association is recommended, as the archaeological sites are scattered and the tracks sandy; carry plenty of water and sun protection.
At least 6,000 years old.
Canyons and arches.
Semi-arid scrub.
Catimbau village, Buíque, Pernambuco
Catimbau village in Buíque, about four hours' drive from Recife, with a local guide.