As part of the New World, Brazil is often seen as a young country. But the history of Brazil goes back a long, long time before its "discovery" in 1500. The many important geological events of the South American continent have shaped Brazil's breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Ancient cultures have left their traces on Brazil's coast, in the interior and in the Amazon. Research into Brazil's prehistoric past is still limited, but what is being discovered offers some tantalizing glimpses into a lost world.

At the last census of the Brazilian Institute for National Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN) in 1998, more than 12.000 archeological sites were identified all over Brazil. Recent estimates put this number at more than 20.000. This includes one of the world's biggest collections of prehistoric rock art sites - paintings and engravings dating back from 2.000 to probably 40.000 years old. Indian burial grounds and artifact finds are also common. In the Northeast of Brazil you can also find the world's most prolific fossil sites of the Cretaceous period, located at Chapada do Araripe.

The diversity of Brazilian paleontological and archeological sites can surprise even the most experienced travelers For instance, 80 kilometers inland from João Pessoa, capital of the Paraíba state, you will find the magnificent Pedra de Ingá, a 20 meter long rock full of stone carvings representing animals and people and possibly also a calendar, which are about 10.000 years old. These rupestrian inscriptions called Itacoatiaras, are considered by specialist in the subject, the most intriguing inscriptions ever studied Also within range is the Cariri region, with the beautiful hollow boulders at Pai Mateus ranch, a place where you can feel a mystical power and visit paleontological and archeological sites.

Mysticism and mystery fascinate and challenge the curiosity of visitors of Father Mathew's Lajedo (Lajedo do Pai Mateus). A true exhibition of rocks sculpted through millions of years and home for a hermit in the eighteenth century. Located near the town of Cabeceiras, in the Cariri (an indian culture) region, Father Mathew's Lajedo is the ideal place for those who look for a landscape that characterizes this region. The cactus and bromeliad gardens, typical from the caatinga (a type of student spare forest found in the drought areas of the northeast of Brazil), hide innumerous traces of indigenous people and gigantic animals that lived in these places millions of years ago.

1- Arrival in Natal
Meet and greet at the airport and arrival transfer to your hotel. Your room will be ready by noontime, if you prefer we can also arrange you an early check-in (at a surcharge) and you will have your room ready upon arrival, so you can freshen up and rest before exploring Natal.

2- Natal - Ingá - Cariri
Departure from Natal at 07:00am to Ingá, in the state of Paraíba, to visit the largest and most awesome Brazilian archeological monument. It is a huge monolith, with beautiful prehistoric petroglyphs, carved by skillful hands thousands of years ago. Picnic at the site and continuation to a traditional region known as Cariri. At Sítio do Bravo you will visit granite hills decorated with small lakes and large boulders. Prehistoric man and huge mammals - such as mastodons and saber-toothed tigers - inhabited the area, leaving enigmatic relics of their passage, such as rock art, flint tools and fossilized bones. You will then proceed to the Hotel Fazenda Pai Mateus to relax in the swimming pool or firewood sauna. Cariri style food will be served at dinner. Admiring the sky allows guests to experience the starry Sertão night (Sertão is the Brazilian equivalent of the Australian Outback). Overnight at the Ranch.

3- Cariri
After breakfast you will take a pleasant short walk to Saca de Lã site. This unique rock formation resembles an enormous pile of wool packs. Nature or human made structure? We invite you to uncover this secret. After that you will visit Cabaceiras - a typical Sertão village. Stroll through the streets, meet local hospitable people. This is also an opportunity to buy interesting handcraft goods made from goat leather. Return to the Ranch for lunch. After a short rest you will visit a fantastic rocky landscape, where 70 huge boulders are found scattered throughout an area once inhabited by early tribes and an eighteenth century shaman, called Pai Mateus. The mystical landscape brings different thoughts and emotions to everyone while you experience a spectacular sunset. Return to the Ranch for dinner and overnight.

4- Cariri - Areia - Natal
After breakfast you will departure to Areia, a small colonial town where houses from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries have been preserved. There you will visit a small ancient beautiful theater, built with European cedar wood and a sugar mill from the slavery times. Lunch at a restaurant in Areia and departure to Natal. On route you will stop at a small town called Passa e Fica, located on the border of Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba States. From the road, you will admire Pedra da Boca - a granite hill with a huge prehistoric shelter that resembles a human mouth. Arrival in Natal around 07:00pm. Overnight in the hotel.

5- Depart Natal - Next City
Check-out at noon. Transfer to the airport in Natal. Homebound flight or proceed to your next destination.

Land-Only prices in US-Dollars per person in double occupancy (single supplement available), including:

• Regular roundtrip transfers Airport NAT in Natal/Hotel/Airport NAT in Natal featuring air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking guide.

• All mentioned activities in Ingá/Cariri/Areia as per description with experienced English speaking guide.

• From 1 to 4 persons services will be carried out in a Land Rover, from 5 to 9 persons it will be in a van and with more than 10 persons it will be in a minibus.

• Personal accident insurance.

• Visitation taxes.

• Accommodation in the hotel of your choice.

• Daily Brazilian buffet breakfast, unless indicated above.

• Meals as per description (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).

• Hotel taxes.

-> To reduce or extend number of nights in this package, please contact us for a specific quotation.

To receive more information, please email us at office@opcotours.com.