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5 Brazilian Places Every Geology Lover Should Visit

July 30, 2025

Mapa do Brasil com representação da paisagem

Brazil is a country of continental dimensions and unparalleled geological wealth. Its natural landscapes hide veritable open books on the history of the planet, revealing geological eras, tectonic processes, ancient volcanism, sedimentary cycles, and much more. For geologists, students, researchers, and geoscience enthusiasts, visiting a geosite is like taking a trip back in time - complete with breathtaking landscapes.

Here we have selected five outstanding Brazilian geosites, recognized both for their scientific importance and their natural beauty. These are must-see destinations for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the geological wonders of our country.

Arco rochoso no Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades

1. Sete Cidades National Park (PI)

A record of tectonics and the action of time

Located in northern Piauí, Sete Cidades National Park is a veritable open-air museum of Brazilian sedimentary geology. Its intriguing rock formations, shaped by erosion over millions of years, create a surreal landscape reminiscent of ancient ruins – hence the name “Sete Cidades” (Seven Cities).

Geological significance:

  • The rocks in the park are mostly silicified sandstones from the Serra Grande Group, formed about 400 million years ago.
  • The park displays typical features of physical and chemical weathering, including canyons, columns, and caves.
  • Noteworthy are the records of paleocurrents, cross-stratifications, and sedimentary structures that tell the story of ancient river environments.

Beyond geology:

  • The region is home to ancient cave paintings.
  • The park is a federal Conservation Unit with good visitor infrastructure.
Vista aérea do Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina

2. Chapada Diamantina National Park (BA)

Where geology meets adventure

Chapada Diamantina is one of the most emblematic regions of Brazilian geology. Located in the heart of Bahia, it combines mountains, deep valleys, rivers, and waterfalls—all shaped by millions of years of geological processes.

Geological significance:

  • Espinhaço Supergroup: a prominent sedimentary sequence dating back to the Paleoproterozoic.
  • The region is a classic example of post-rift structuring, with impressive folds and faults.
  • Presence of quartzites, sandstones, pelites, and conglomerates rich in visible sedimentary structures.
  • Historical diamond mining has shaped the human landscape and revealed part of the geodiversity.

Beyond geology:

  • Famous trails, such as Vale do Pati and Cachoeira da Fumaça.

Historical and cultural relevance to the cities of Lençóis and Mucugê.

Formação rochosa no Parque Nacional de Vila Velha

3. Vila Velha National Park (PR)

The beauty of sculpted sandstone

In the state of Paraná, Vila Velha State Park is one of the most famous places to observe geological formations sculpted by time. Its sandstones, with shapes resembling cups, camels, and towers, are a visual spectacle and a true field of geomorphological studies.

Geological significance:

  • The Furnas Formation, part of the Paraná Group, dates back to the Devonian period (around 400 million years ago).
  • The sandstones underwent intense erosion, giving rise to tafoni features, honeycombing, and isolated columns.
  • The Furnas – collapse pits with deep lakes – and the karstified water caves reveal interactions between rocks and groundwater.

Beyond geology:

  • The park is well structured for visitors, with walkways, trails, and specialized guides.

Proximity to Curitiba facilitates tourist and educational access.

Peça em exposição no Parque Geológico Araripe

4. Araripe Geological Park (CE)

The cradle of Brazilian fossils

Located in the south of the state of Ceará, Araripe Geopark is the first Geopark in the Americas to be recognized by UNESCO. With an impressive combination of paleontological richness, geological diversity, and cultural value, the park is a must-see destination for Earth science scholars.

Geological significance:

  • The geopark is located in the Araripe Basin, one of the most studied sedimentary basins in Brazil.
  • The Santana Formation, present at the site, is world-famous for its exceptionally preserved fossils – including fish, insects, reptiles, and even pterosaurs.
  • The layers of laminated limestone act as a “geological book,” with records from the Lower Cretaceous period (about 110 million years ago).
  • The sedimentary deposits also provide important evidence about the process of separation between the continents of South America and Africa.

Beyond geology:

  • The geopark encompasses nine main geosites open to visitors, supported by interpretation centers and museums, such as the URCA Paleontology Museum in Santana do Cariri.

The region has a strong cultural identity and is rich in northeastern traditions, integrating geodiversity and intangible heritage.

Vista aérea do Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses

5. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (MA)

Dynamic and living geology

Although often recognized for its scenic beauty, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is also a natural laboratory for sedimentology and coastal dynamics. Located in Maranhão, it is one of the few humid deserts in the world, where dunes are constantly shifting and lagoons form amid the aridity.

Geological significance:

  • A system of shifting sand dunes covering more than 1,500 km².
  • The combined influence of winds, tides, and intense tropical rains creates landscapes that are constantly changing.
  • Deposits of finely selected sand, originating from marine and fluvial reworking.
  • Studies in the region help to understand coastal sediment dynamics and climatic interactions with the relief.

Beyond geology:

  • It is one of Brazil's most iconic natural landscapes.
  • The best time to visit is between June and September, when the lagoons are full.

The importance of knowing our geosites

Geosites are not just beautiful landscapes: they are living records of the planet's history, with high scientific, educational, cultural, and tourist value. The appreciation of these spaces contributes to the preservation of geodiversity, the development of geotourism, and the formation of a more solid environmental awareness.

In Brazil, initiatives such as the Geoparks project (by UNESCO and CPRM) are gaining momentum. The recognition of geoparks helps to ensure the protection of geological heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and scientific education.

Final thoughts

These five geosites represent only a small fraction of Brazil's immense geodiversity. Each region of the country has unique formations, with histories dating back billions of years. For those passionate about geology, visiting them is more than just a tour—it is a true immersion in the processes that shaped the Earth as we know it today.

Want to continue exploring Brazil through a geological lens? Follow our blog and social media for more content on geosciences, mineral sustainability, responsible mining, and industry innovations.

 

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