The park's name, 'Catimbau', is derived from the Tupi language, referencing the 'magic of the pajés' or indigenous shamans.
The sandstone formations within the park display unique 'ruiniform' shapes, creating natural labyrinths and towers.
Paleontological excavations have uncovered fossils of megafauna that inhabited the region during the Pleistocene epoch.
The park spans approximately 62,300 hectares across the municipalities of Buíque, Ibimirim, and Tupanatinga.
It is the only national park in Brazil exclusively dedicated to the protection of the Caatinga, a biome found nowhere else on Earth.
Catimbau National Park, established in 2002, is the second-largest national park in Brazil and protects an expansive area of the Caatinga biome. The landscape features deep canyons, sandstone rock formations sculpted by erosion, and high-altitude plateaus. The park is renowned for its significant archaeological heritage, containing over 2,000 prehistoric rock paintings and engravings across hundreds of identified sites. These archaeological remnants date back up to 6,000 years, providing insight into early human occupation in the semi-arid interior of Pernambuco. The ecosystem serves as a biological reserve for diverse endemic species, including cacti and specialized shrubs adapted to extreme arid conditions. The park occupies a transition zone between the humid Atlantic Forest and the dry Sertão, contributing to its unique biodiversity. Access to the most remote rock art sites is restricted and requires the accompaniment of authorized local guides.
The 'Pedra do Cachorro' formation at sunset.
Hire a certified local guide from the village of Catimbau, as they are mandatory for accessing most archaeological trails.
Wear high-traction hiking boots, as the sandy and rocky terrain can be slippery and uneven.
Carry at least three liters of water per person, as there are no sources of potable water within the park boundaries.
Attempting to explore unmarked trails without a guide, as the landscape is complex and easy to get lost in.
Strict 'leave no trace' policy; touching or marking rock art is prohibited by federal law.
