When we think of the Brazilian Northeast, we often do not include the coast of Piauí in the list of the most coveted destinations in the region, which is a great waste!
In addition to being more economically accessible options , when compared to other famous destinations, the beaches of Piauí are home to paradisiacal natural beauties, in addition to offering different types of attractions.
Here in our guide, you will find out more about one of the greatest environmental assets in Brazil, where one of the most important Environmental Protection Areas in the country was created.
Check now what awaits you in Delta do Parnaíba, PI, one of the most beautiful places in the world!
What is the Piauí Delta?
To understand what the Parnaíba Delta means, it is necessary to understand what a delta is and how it is divided.
A delta corresponds to the outflow of a river in a region where its water course divides into some, or several, arms.
In the case of the Piauí Delta, the Parnaíba River is divided into five arms , which include more than 70 river islands.
Similar to an open hand, the fingers correspond to the bars of: Tutóia, Caju, Igaraçu, Canárias and Melancieira, which flow into the open sea.
Also known as the Delta of the Americas, the Parnaíba Delta is second only in size to the Nile Delta, in Egypt, and the Mekong River Delta, in Vietnam.
Therefore, we are talking about the third largest oceanic delta on the planet, where the Delta do Parnaíba Environmental Protection Area was created , a federal conservation unit that covers the states of Piauí, Maranhão and Ceará.
Where is the Delta do Parnaíba?
Considered one of the main tourist attractions on the Route of Emotions, the Delta do Parnaíba is located between the states of Piauí and Maranhão .
With an area of over 300,000 hectares, the attraction encompasses ten municipalities (many of them with beautiful beaches) located in the aforementioned states, and also in Ceará.
They are: Parnaíba, Ilha Grande, Cajueiro da Praia and Luís Correia, in Piauí; Araioses, Tutóia, Paulino Neves and Água Doce do Maranhão, in Maranhão; Barroquinha and Chaval, in Ceará.
When is the best time to visit Delta do Parnaíba?
If you intend to visit the Parnaíba Delta, when to go should be one of the main questions asked during your planning.
After all, we’re talking about a coastal destination, and nobody wants the rains to get in the way of their trips around the region.
To take advantage of the best weather conditions during your trip, the ideal is to schedule your tour between the months of May and August .
During this period it rains less in the region and the lakes are full.
The other months can also be good alternatives, but be prepared for the increase in the number of tourists in the region, especially during school holidays.
If your goal is to observe the local fauna, schedule your visit during the wettest months, between February and May .
How to do the Delta do Parnaíba tour?
As we are talking about a large region, which encompasses different cities and numerous attractions, it is normal for questions such as what to do in the Parnaíba Delta to appear when planning your itinerary.
To help you enjoy the best of the Delta of the Americas, we have separated some suggestions of unmissable tours to do during your trip. Check out!
Flock of the Guarás
This is one of the attractions that definitely cannot be left out of your itinerary.
The tour consists of appreciating the flight of the Guarás during sunset, when they come together to rest on one of the islets in the region.
The enchantment is mainly due to the great beauty of the birds, which in their adult phase have plumes with an intense reddish color.
The color is the result of the animals’ diet, which feed on small animals such as crabs, snails and insects.
Porto das Barcas
Located in the city of Parnaíba, Porto das Barcas is considered the gateway to the Parnaíba Delta, and houses some buildings dating from the 20th century.
In addition, it is the ideal place for those who want to go shopping and guarantee some souvenirs, since the structure now houses inns, handicraft stores and other types of establishments.
Cashew Island
One of the unmissable tours in the Parnaíba Delta is definitely Ilha do Caju, which offers impressive scenery and great biodiversity.
There, it is possible to find different types of ecosystems, which guarantee beautiful landscapes.
In all there are five of them: the fields, the forests, the mangroves, the dunes and the salt water marshes. Don’t miss out!
Pedra do Sal beach
Located on Ilha Grande de Santa Isabel, Praia da Pedra do Sal is ideal for all types of bathers .
Due to its rocky walls, which divide the region into two parts, it is possible to find calm waters on one side and agitated waters on the other.
In other words, we are talking about a place where it is possible to spend the day with children, or take the opportunity to catch some waves.
canary island
Located in Araioses, in the Maranhão part of the Delta of the Americas, the Canary Island is the second largest island in the region, and the ideal destination for lovers of ecological tourism, offering a great cultural and environmental diversity .
A little more than 1,700 people live there, who survive on fishing and collecting crabs from the mangroves, divided into four villages: Passarinho, Canárias, Caiçara and Torto.
Being in an area of environmental preservation, the island has a great biodiversity, where it is possible to observe plants and animals that only exist there. An unmissable tour!
Traditional Delta tour
It is one of the busiest in the region, and passes through different points of the Delta do Parnaíba.
With a duration of 6 hours, the boats leave from Porto dos Tatus and pass through rivers, streams and mangroves, stopping for baths in the sea, on Ilha dos Poldros, and fresh water, in Morro Branco.
Atalaia Beach
Considered the main beach in Piauí, Praia do Atalaia is located in the municipality of Luís Correia and has excellent infrastructure.
In addition, the beach attracts many kite surfers, due to its good weather conditions and strong winds in the region.
It is one of the beaches in Piauí that you need to visit!