Seridó

Seridó is a region full of tradition, history and pre-history. It’s an area of draughts and desertification. Its unique caatinga vegetation and its low bushes lose their leaves in the hot summer and get green again in the rainy season. Temporary rivers, dams, cisterns and irrigation, have helped people on living by agriculture and raising cattle since the first Portuguese begin to settle in the 17th century. Prehistoric natives had lived there for thousands years and left their ancient drawings in the stones. Lately the region has shown its vocation to ecotourism. Many preserved old towns, beautiful trails, nice hostels, very old cave drawings and hospitable people, make it a perfect place for visiting. With the help of Sebrae (organization that helps small business), the region has improved its tourist structure. The city of Currais Novos used to export minerals like scheelita. Nowadays the mines are being transformed into tourist spots. The Brejuí mine provides tours inside the old tunnels. Visit one of the seven wonders of the RN State: “The Apertados”, a millenary stone canyon at the Acauã bed river. Serra de Santana (Santana Mountains) is attracting lovers of radical sports. The climate is cooler and there is a nice hostel. The city of Acari with its breathtaking Gargalheira Dam (another wonder) is considered one of the cleanest cities in Brazil. In the beginning of the 20th century, the wise farmer Francisco Raimundo, developed a native cotton fiber named Mocó that was the redemption of local economy, exported to the USA and Europe at that time. Caicó is the biggest city of the region and a place for radical sports. Try the local cachaça Samanaú considered one of the best in Brazil.