The rock art capital of Pernambuco has 13 official routes […]
To celebrate National Caatinga Day, this April 28, the Travel by fare recalls the Catimbau Valley, one of the most powerful journeys of this exclusively Brazilian biome.
It may seem like something from another world, but it is a destination 290 kilometers from Recife (PE), a region of scenic-looking trails and home to the second largest group of rock paintings in Brazil.
Buíque is the gateway city to the Catimbau National Park, a preserved area of 62 thousand hectares with 13 official trails, which must be followed with a guide, and 30 archaeological sites cataloged by IPHAN (Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage), which gave Catimbau the title of Capital of Pernambuco for Rock Art.
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WHAT TO DO IN THE CATIMBAU VALLEY
Sanctuary Path
This medium-difficulty seven-kilometer return walk is one of the most popular, especially for the natural stone amphitheater that was once a sacred place for indigenous rituals.
Also known as the Valley of the Moon, this rocky sandstone arena is a result of the region’s time as the sea floor, approximately 450 million years ago.
The walk on flat terrain, which to a certain extent can be shortened by traveling in a 4×4 car, passes through natural viewpoints overlooking the sea of rocks that extends to the horizon.
Torres Trail
More challenging, this 2.5 kilometer (round trip) walk takes place over uneven terrain with varying altitudes, the highest point of which is the Lapiás sector, a colorful wall sculpted by the action of wind and rain.
“There are different layers of sediments that have been deposited on top of each other, which is why we found red, white and yellow layers in these porous rocks,” explains Hirandir guide João de Lima e Silva.
Another strong point is the hilly plateau where there are the tower-shaped rocks that give the path its name and natural panoramic points with 360° views of the Catimbau valley, from where it is possible to see the classic Pedra do Cachorro.
Chapadão Trail
It is a 2.5 kilometer walk of low difficulty, round trip, the highlight of which is the natural viewpoint at 300 meters above sea level, in one of the highest points of the Catimbau valley.
Considered one of the most popular attractions to watch the sunset, the place overlooks the Brejo São José, in a horseshoe-shaped valley.
Small church path
The best news for those making this short 700 meter journey (round trip) is the easy access by car, which practically parks in front of this orange formation with a hole in the middle.
In the local definition, it is a “gothic church door of a medieval castle” (and it gives you “stubbornness of the imagination” to visualize these wind-sculpted sculptures).
Casa de Farinha and Loca da Cinza trails
These two paths give access to two of the only five archaeological sites that can be visited in the Vale do Catimbau.
Historically known as Pedra Pintada, Casa de Farinha is located in an ancient rock shelter used by local residents to produce flour.
In total there are four kilometers of walking, round trip, and a low level of difficulty.
Raw art
Scenario of productions such as soap operas Sertao Sea and the long ones Dry movie AND Great castthe Catimbau valley also inspires.
It is there, for example, that the artisans Simone de Souza and Luiz Benício create their sculpted works, on the site of the Fazenda Velha, near the Pedra do Cachorro, in Buíque.
The couple is known for their sculptures, furniture and decorative pieces made from umburana and jackfruit, which seem like an extension of the outdoor scenery.
“I started 23 years ago by polishing my art and adding paint pigments, but I felt the need for more rustic art. Then I removed the sandpaper and today my job is to cut with machete and chisel,” says Benício.
Source: Terra
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