Rio São Francisco Natural Monument protects Brazilian canyons and Caatinga

The Monumento Natural do Rio São Francisco is a major conservation unit in the Brazilian Northeast, established in 2009 to protect approximately 26,000 hectares along the riverbed and banks. Spanning the states of Alagoas, Sergipe, and Bahia, the area includes municipalities such as Piranhas, Canindé de São Francisco, and Paulo Afonso.

The region is home to some of the largest navigable canyons in the world, characterized by reddish rock walls exceeding 50 meters in height and emerald-green waters. Beyond its geological significance, the monument plays a vital role in preserving the Caatinga biome and protecting endemic aquatic and terrestrial species of the semi-arid region.

Cultural and historical elements are also central to the area, including archaeological sites with rock paintings and historical trails related to the Cangaço, such as the route to Grota do Angico. Visitors can access the region via international airports in Aracaju or Maceió.