Estrada da Cachoeira Serra da Capivara Circuit

The red sandstone canyons of Serra da Capivara hold 30,000-year-old cave paintings and some of Brazil’s most challenging backcountry navigation. This circuit winds through the Fundação Museu do Homem Americano research zone, crossing dry creek beds and scaling mesa tops where jaguars still hunt. The route passes the Toca do Boqueirão da Pedra Furada, a natural arch that’s become the park’s signature landmark, before descending through technical rock gardens that’ll test your spotter skills.

Moderate to difficult depending on seasonal rains — flash floods turn creek crossings deadly. High-clearance 4WD with rock rails essential, plus recovery gear and multiple spare tires. Dry season May through September offers the best conditions, though water sources become scarce. Park permits required, camping restricted to designated zones. What you get: exclusive access to humanity’s oldest art gallery and some of the most pristine caatinga wilderness left in Brazil.