Catimbau National Park

Catimbau Overview

Catimbau National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional do Catimbau, is located in the northeastern Brazilian state of Pernambuco. Encompassing roughly 206 square miles, or approximately 534 square kilometers, the park lies between the municipalities of Buíque, Ibimirim, and Tupanatinga.

It is the second-largest archaeological site in Brazil and one of the most visually striking semi-arid landscapes in the country. The park falls within the Caatinga biome, a unique dry forest ecosystem found only in Brazil, offering a window into a rich ecological and cultural past that is still largely unexplored by mass tourism.

The terrain of Catimbau National Park is a mix of sandstone plateaus, cliffs, canyons, and deep valleys. The landscape is shaped by centuries of erosion, which have carved out towering rock formations and labyrinthine ravines.

Among its most notable features are the Vale do Catimbau, a vast valley marked by sculpted rock formations, and the Serra do Cafundó, a prominent ridge offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. The area also features ancient rock shelters and over two thousand archaeological sites, many of which contain prehistoric cave paintings and carvings that speak to a human presence dating back at least six thousand years.

Vegetation within the park is dominated by hardy species adapted to the semi-arid climate, such as bromeliads, cacti, and twisted shrubs typical of the Caatinga. During the rainy season, the park briefly comes alive with green undergrowth and blooming wildflowers.

Catimbau National Park supports a surprising diversity of wildlife, especially given its arid climate. It is home to several mammal species, including the collared peccary, foxes, and armadillos. Occasionally, more elusive animals such as pumas and ocelots may be spotted, though they tend to remain hidden.

The birdlife is especially vibrant, with over 200 recorded species. Notable birds include the red-legged seriema, the turquoise-fronted amazon parrot, and several species of hummingbirds. The mix of open spaces and rocky outcrops provides ideal nesting grounds for raptors such as hawks and falcons, while the dense thorn scrub shelters many smaller birds.

Popular features of the park include guided tours of the archaeological sites, hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints, and opportunities for photography and birdwatching.

Visitors are often drawn to the Pedra da Concha and the Igrejinha rock formations, whose shapes resemble shells and chapels. Cultural tourism is also a growing draw, with some trails incorporating stories of indigenous heritage and local folklore.

Visitors typically explore the park on foot with the help of local guides, as many trails are unmarked and rugged. Trekking, rock climbing, and ecological tours are the primary ways people engage with the park. Specialized birdwatching excursions and cultural heritage tours also offer immersive experiences tailored to different interests.

Despite its significance, Catimbau faces ongoing conservation challenges. Illegal logging, land encroachment, and limited funding for enforcement pose threats to both its natural and archaeological resources.

However, partnerships between local communities, researchers, and the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation have led to increased awareness and some successful conservation initiatives.

Efforts to promote sustainable tourism and involve local residents in park management have improved stewardship and created economic opportunities tied to preservation rather than exploitation.

Park Map

Catimbau National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Catimbau National Park, located in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, lies within the semi-arid Caatinga biome—a unique ecosystem characterized by thorny vegetation, sandstone canyons, and dry forests. Despite the harsh conditions, the park hosts an extraordinary variety of resilient and specialized wildlife adapted to the hot, dry climate and rugged terrain.

Maned Wolf
Tall, slender, and fox-like, the maned wolf roams the park’s open landscapes, hunting rodents and insects and supplementing its diet with fruit. Its long legs help it navigate through tall, dry vegetation.

Rock Cavy
This hardy rodent is common in rocky outcrops and feeds on leaves, bark, and dry-season fruits. Social and adaptable, it shelters in crevices and contributes to seed dispersal throughout the region.

Crab-eating Fox
Nocturnal and omnivorous, this fox is well adapted to the dry environment. It forages for small animals, insects, and fruit, and plays a role in controlling pest populations.

Puma
Also known as the mountain lion or cougar, the puma is the top predator in the park. Elusive and solitary, it hunts a wide range of prey, from armadillos to deer, across the varied terrain.

Six-banded Armadillo
This armored mammal digs deep burrows to escape the midday heat and predators. It forages mostly at night, feeding on insects, worms, and fallen fruit.

Brazilian Three-banded Armadillo
An iconic Caatinga species, this smaller armadillo is known for its ability to roll into a tight ball for protection. It is endangered due to habitat loss and limited distribution.

South American Coati
Active during the day and often seen in groups, coatis use their long snouts and sharp claws to forage for insects, fruits, and eggs. They thrive in the park’s scrubby vegetation and rocky areas.

Common Opossum
This adaptable marsupial emerges at night to scavenge and hunt for small prey. It can survive in a variety of microhabitats and is known for its prehensile tail and scavenging behavior.

Tayra
A large, agile mustelid, the tayra climbs trees and hunts across a broad range of terrain. It is omnivorous, feeding on fruit, small mammals, and birds, and is rarely seen due to its secretive habits.

Gray Brocket Deer
Small and shy, this deer browses on leaves and shoots in the park’s drier woodlands. It is most active at dawn and dusk and relies on camouflage and cover for protection.

Birds

The semi-arid Caatinga habitat of Catimbau National Park supports a rich and specialized bird community, many of which are endemic to the region. Adapted to dry forests, cacti thickets, and cliffs, these birds fill niches that are rare elsewhere in Brazil.

Caatinga Parakeet
Endemic to the Caatinga biome, this bright green parakeet with a bluish crown nests in tree cavities and cliff crevices. It travels in noisy flocks and feeds on seeds, fruits, and blossoms.

Spotted Nothura
A ground-dwelling tinamou, this bird is cryptically colored and relies on stealth to avoid predators. It feeds on insects and seeds and is most active during cooler parts of the day.

Cactus Parakeet
Found among cacti and dry shrubs, this small parrot is often seen in pairs or small flocks. It feeds on fruit and cactus seeds and is highly adapted to arid environments.

Blue-crowned Trogon
Brightly colored with shimmering green, blue, and red feathers, this bird prefers wooded patches and dry forest edges. It feeds on fruit and insects and perches quietly in the mid-canopy.

Red-legged Seriema
These tall, terrestrial birds are known for their loud, trumpeting calls and their habit of smashing prey—often snakes—against the ground. They are frequently seen striding through open areas.

White-naped Jay
A highly intelligent and social bird, the white-naped jay moves through forest patches in chattering groups. It feeds on fruits, insects, and small animals and is known for its curiosity.

Pale-bellied Tyrant-Manakin
This small, flycatcher-like bird is a Caatinga endemic and performs elaborate courtship displays. It lives in dry forest understory, often flitting between low branches in search of insects.

Ferruginous Pygmy Owl
A fierce predator despite its small size, this owl hunts songbirds, insects, and lizards. Active by day and night, it often draws the attention of mobbing birds when spotted.

Red-cowled Cardinal
Endemic to the Caatinga, this striking bird has a vivid red head and chest contrasting with a gray body. It frequents dry woodlands and thickets and is a familiar sight around villages and forest edges.

Great Xenops
A rare and specialized bird, the great xenops uses its powerful beak to pry insects from bark. It moves along trunks and branches in a woodpecker-like fashion, often unnoticed due to its quiet habits.