The Parnaíba River Delta in northern Brazil is a place that rarely (read: never) makes a top destinations list in South America.
Parnaíba, the second largest city in the Piauí, is nothing special. the beaches here aren’t like the Caribbean waters of northeast Brazil, and traveling to and from the region isn’t the quickest nor cheapest.
However, the Parnaíba River Delta is a true hidden gem that gets overlooked despite being perfectly nestled between two of Brazil’s most popular tourist destinations – Jericoacoara and Lençois Maranhenses National Park.
A stop in Parnaíba is the ideal way to break up your journey if you’re planning to visit either of those destinations. Jericoacoara, Parnaíba, and Lençóis Maranhenses together form the stunning coastal route known as the Route of Emotions (Rota das Emoções).
Parnaíba River Delta Guide
Touring the lush river delta, seeing the Scarlet Red Ibises in flight, and kitesurfing along the unique coastline will give you a different taste of Brazil.
The Parnaíba River Delta region draws visitors eager to explore a side of Brazil beyond the usual tourist hotspots. This guide is here to help you plan every aspect of your trip to the Parnaíba River Delta.
Keep reading to discover more about the region, the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, what to eat, and the top activities to enjoy during your stay in the Parnaíba River Delta and its surrounding areas.
What is the Parnaíba River Delta
Before talking about the Parnaíba River Delta, it’s best to define what is a river delta and why they’re important.
National Geographic describes deltas as “wetlands that form as rivers empty their water and sediment into another body of water, such as an ocean, lake, or another river.”
The Parnaíba River Delta is the only river delta in the Americas that opens into the ocean and is the third largest in the world – just behind the Nile River Delta in Eygpt and the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam.
You might be thinking, what about the Amazon River? Its delta must be larger since it’s the largest river in the world. A fun fact is that the Amazon River doesn’t have a delta because the Atlantic Ocean tides are too powerful.
The Parnaíba River Delta is fed by the Parnaíba River, which is over 1,000 miles long. The delta forms between the states Piauí and Maranhão.
River deltas are valuable ecosystems that do more than support a diverse population of plants and animals, they also naturally filter water and help reduce pollution in the waterways. Visitors to the Parnaíba River Delta can expect to see alligators, turtles, iguanas, monkeys, crabs, otters, herons, scarlet ibises, and other migratory birds.
The Parnaba River Delta forms 70 islands across 1,000 square miles. Tours of the Parnaíba delta depart from the Tatus Port on Ilha Grande (Grande Island). The two primary islands visited on tours are Ilha das Canárias, which is home to 3,000 residents, and Ilha do Caju.
Where is the Parnaíba River Delta
The Parnaíba River Delta is spread across two states in northern Brazil – Piauí and Maranhão.
The city of Parnaíba is the second largest in Piauí and is considered the “capital” of the delta. Nearby towns like Luis Correia, Macapá, and Barra Grande also have tourism draws, and many visitors choose to stay outside of Parnaìba during their trip to the delta region.
How to Travel to the Parnaíba River Delta
Flights to Parnaíba
The Parnaíba River Delta region sits between two major airports in northern Brazil – Fortaleza’s International Airport and São Luis’s International Airport. If flying into either of these cities, expect a 6-7 hour drive to reach Parnaíba.
Jericoacoara’s airport is closer but flights to and from this destination are often some of the most expensive in Brazil. From Jericoacoara, the drive is shorter but still about 3 hours.
Parnaíba has a small airport that services the city, Parnaíba International Airport (PHB), with direct flights a couple of times a week to and from Belo Horizonte in Minas Gerais. If you aren’t planning on visiting Jericoacoara, São Luis, or Fortaleza during your travels to Parnaíba, then booking this direct flight is the best option to avoid long drives.
Buses to Parnaíba
The Guanabara bus company has routes from Fortaleza, Jericoacoara, and São Luis to Parnaíba. However, the bus rides will be longer than driving or private transfers with several stops along the way. These fares start around R$140 one way.
Private Transfers to Parnaíba
Using a private transfer is the most convenient and, most likely, fastest option. Many roads in this area of Brazil are unpaved and unmarked, and cell phone service is limited, making Google Maps unreliable.
A local transfer service will help you reach your destination without worrying about the road conditions or directions. A private transfer from Jericoacoara to Parnaíba costs around R$750. Most private transfers are 4×4 SUVs or trucks.
If you’re interested in reserving a private transfer, check out the following companies:
Rental Car
A rental car is a good option if you want to make several stops between Fortaleza, Jericoacoara, or São Luis. There is a famous route known as the Route of Emotions or Rota de Emoções along the coast in this region of Brazil.
Some tour companies provide guided trips in SUVs along this route, but a car is absolutely necessary if you’re traveling the Route of Emotions on your own.
I recommend the company Localiza for car rentals in Brazil.
Traveling around Parnaíba
Renting a car isn’t essential in Parnaíba, as using Uber or coordinating with taxis is easy and affordable.
If you’re doing one of the guided activities listed below under the Best Things to Do in the Parnaíba Delta, your accommodations or tour guide can assist in arranging a taxi, especially if there’s a language barrier. When we visited, we relied on private transfers and taxis to get around town.
When to Visit the Parnaíba River Delta
The best time of year to visit the Parnaíba River Delta is during the dry season – between June and December.
If you can be picky about when you visit, July and August offer the best (read: cooler and dryer) weather and guarantee plenty of fresh water in the natural pools found in Lençóis Piauienses.
Overall, expect less rain between June and December and a greater chance of rain from January to May, with February, March, and April being the rainiest. The temperature doesn’t change much throughout the year and ranges between 75 F and 85 F.
The Best Things to do in the Parnaíba River Delta
1. Witness the magic of the “Revoada dos Guarás” in the Parnaíba River Delta
2. Go Kite Surfing at Macapá Beach in Parnaíba
3. Spend a day boating around the Parnaíba River Delta
4. Seek out adventure with an ATV ride through the Lençóis Piauienses
5. Enjoy a beach day along Parnaíba's 41 miles of coastline
For more details about the best things to do, the best attractions and tours, and the best spots to relax in Parnaíba River Delta, read my blog post – The 7 Best Things to Do in the Parnaìba River Delta.
Where to Stay in the Parnaíba River Delta
There is a variety of lodging options in the Parnaíba River Delta Region. Below are five areas I recommend considering for lodging during your stay. Each offers its own type of relaxation and adventure.
Macapá Beach
Just 50 minutes east of downtown Parnaíba lies Piauí’s hidden gem – Praia de Macapá or Macapá Beach. This relaxed village is home to small resorts and pousadas, mostly catering to kite surfers from July to December. It’s a popular spot for beginner and advanced kite surfers thanks to its proximity to the river lagoon.
Even if you’re not a kite surfer, Macapá Beach is still an ideal place to stay if you value being close to the beach in a peaceful setting. It’s perfect for travelers looking to kite surf and explore the river delta.
Where to stay in Macapá:
Pousada Iansã
Pousada Theodora
Mansur Hotelaria de Charme
Pousada Iansã is a true sanctuary of peace and tranquility. The owners have thought of every detail and go above and beyond to ensure you feel at home.
Though the property is small, it is beautifully designed and meticulously maintained. Guests stay in cozy bungalows with a private outdoor area with hammocks. The breakfast and dinner are delicious and not to be missed during your stay!
Historic Center of Parnaíba
For a central base while exploring the Parnaíba River Delta, staying in downtown Parnaíba is your best option. While you won’t be able to walk to the beach, you’ll be just steps away from historical sites in the old town and only a short drive from the region’s top attractions.
Where to stay in Parnaíba
Casa de Santo Antônio Hotel Boutique
Pousada Vila Parnaíba
Pousada Porto das Barcas
Parnaíba Hostel
Canárias Island
Ilha das Canárias (Canárias Island) is the second-largest island in the Parnaíba River Delta, home to around 3,000 residents. A 25-minute boat ride from the Delta’s main port, Porto dos Tatus, will take you to the island. It’s an ideal spot for travelers looking to fully immerse themselves in the delta’s untouched natural beauty.
Luís Correia
Centrally located and just steps from the beach, Luis Correia offers a lot of appeal. Some of the region’s most popular beaches, including Coqueiro Beach, are located here.
You can choose to stay closer to the town center at Pousada Vila Cajuína, or opt for a more secluded beach resort like Casa Della. If you want to stay by the beach but prefer not to be as far as Macapá or Barra Grande, Luis Correia is the perfect choice!
Where to stay in Luís Correia
Pousada Villa Coqueiro
Vila Itaqui
Aimberê Eco Resort Hotel
Casa Della
Pousada Vila Cajuína
Barra Grande
Barra Grande is one hour from downtown Parnaíba and 90 minutes from the river delta port, Porto dos Tatus. This small, semi-isolated town lies along stunning beaches, surrounded by nature, and is popular with kite surfers.
Barra Grande offers a variety of accommodations, from upscale all-inclusive resorts to cozy, family-run pousadas. A hotel here is best suited for those primarily visiting to kite surf and not planning to spend much time exploring the delta or Parnaìba.
Where to stay in Barra Grande
Pousada Villa Zen
Mero Hotel Boutique
Pousada Manatí
Pousada Titas
Where to eat in the Parnaíba River Delta
The cuisine around the Parnaíba River Delta offers a combination of seafood and traditional northeastern Brazilian flavors, making it a great place for food lovers to explore authentic regional cuisine.
Recommended food and dishes to try during your trip include:
- Seafood: stingray, crab, shrimp, lobster, and fresh and saltwater fish
- Carne de sol: A traditional meal with dried meat, rice, beans, and cassava
- Baião de dois: A traditional meal from the region combining rice, beans, a brazilian cheese called queijo coalho, and dried meat like in Carne de Sol
- Arroz Maria Isabel: A popular dish that included rice, dried meat, and seasonings
- Cashews: Piauí is one of the biggest growers of cashews or cajus in Brazil. Many drinks, desserts, and dishes incorporate them.
Where to eat in the Parnaíba River Delta region:
Downtown Parnaíba
Restaurante Mangata
Restaurante Don Ladino
Picanharia 23
Food Park Beira Rio
Nacestta Café
Faustino Parnaíba
Macapá
Pousada Iansã
Bar e Restaurante Chico Izaura
Tempero da Marly
Quintal Mediterrâneo
Lella Italian street food
Luis Correia
Sorveteria Araújo
Churrascaria Alemão do Litoral
Picanharia O Alemão
Canarias Island
Restaurante da Doca
Where to go from Parnaíba River Delta and the Route of Emotions
The Route of Emotions (Rota das Emoções) is a scenic tourist route in Brazil that spans over 300 miles, passing through 14 cities in the states of Maranhão, Piauí, and Ceará.
Each state boasts a standout destination that draws visitors to the region. Those destinations are Jericoacoara, Parnaíba River Delta, and Lençois Maranhenses. Beyond the principal destinations, the route highlights beautiful beaches, rivers, wetlands, parks, and towns in northeastern Brazil.
I strongly recommend pairing your visit to the Paranaíba River Delta with trips to Jericoacoara and Lençóis Maranhenses, crafting your unique version of the Route of Emotions.
While visiting all 14 cities along the route isn’t necessary, it is undoubtedly one of Brazil’s most unique and lesser-known destinations—one you won’t regret exploring.
For more details about the best things to do, the best attractions and tours, and the best spots to relax in Parnaíba River Delta, read my blog post – The 7 Best Things to Do in the Parnaìba River Delta.
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