The Município of Paulo Afonso includes 17 km of the natural canyon of the Rio São Francisco. Its granite walls are more than 110 m high. The Monumento Natural do Rio São Francisco, established in 2009, also reflects the area's connection to the river: the protected area covers about 26,000 hectares along the riverbed and banks and includes Paulo Afonso, among other places.

Experience the canyon and river

The canyon can be viewed from the Ponte Metálica on the BR-110, a bridge linking Bahia and Alagoas. A trip on the Catamarã Raso da Catarina takes you through the canyon. It lasts about three hours and includes a one-hour swimming break. This timeframe is useful for planning; confirm current operating arrangements locally.

The view from the bridge and the river trip are different ways to experience the canyon. Which one you plan depends in part on whether you prefer a multi-hour trip with a swimming break or a viewpoint.

Archaeology and local culture

Paulo Afonso has rock paintings dating back about 9,000 years, protected by the Museu de Artes Rupestres. The Cidade das Pedras project is based on the large concentration of archaeological sites in the Município; IPHAN has identified and registered about 190 sites there. Dozens of rock inscriptions in the Cidade das Pedras area point to the presence of human groups about 3,000 to 12,000 years ago.

Malhada Grande also gives the area's history its own character: the district preserves an old tradition of hand weaving. The birthplace of Maria Gomes de Oliveira, the cangaceira Maria Bonita, is in the rural Povoado Malhada da Caiçara, 38 km from the city center. The building, with its original rammed-earth architecture, became the Museu Casa de Maria Bonita and was opened to the public. Check whether visits are currently possible before making the trip.

Hydropower, parks and Prainha

The Complexo Hidrelétrico de Paulo Afonso is considered an engineering landmark; visits are possible by prior appointment. The Usina Hidrelétrica de Paulo Afonso I, inaugurated in 1955, was the complex's first facility. During a guided visit, you can see turbines and some original panels. Confirm visiting arrangements in advance.

Parque Belvedere, also known as Jardim dos Namorados, is a recreational area with large trees, ornamental plants and a fountain. Prainha is visited year-round by residents and tourists and has bars and kiosks. At Prainha, Rancho da Carioca serves regional cuisine featuring fish from the Rio São Francisco and traditional home-style cooking. Check current offerings and operating hours before visiting.

Excursions in the surrounding area

Two specific distances are given for destinations outside the city center. Serra do Umbuzeiro is in Povoado Riacho, about 20 km from the city center; a walk there leads to a cross at the highest point. Sítio Arqueológico Capela, about 25 km from the city center, is part of the Complexo Arqueológico de Paulo Afonso. It was the first archaeological site in the region to be prepared and developed for tourist visits. These offer a choice between a walk to the cross and an archaeological visit.

If you are looking for accommodation in Paulo Afonso, destinations within the city and distances explicitly measured from the center can help with planning. This makes it easier to decide in advance which visits to prioritize and where to allow extra time.

Discover more destinations: Boninal, Taperoá, Catu, Tianguá, Porto Seguro, Maraú, Araças, Dias d'Ávila.

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