Get in
[edit]By bus
[edit]A modern bus terminal lies on the southeastern outskirts of the city, where Rua Ceará Chaval and Avenida Deputado Pinheiro Machado intersect, about 5 km from the center. Most long distance buses are handled by Expresso Guanabara.
- To Teresina (5 hours) via Piripiri (2½ hours) every 2-3 hours.
- To Tutóia (from where you can move on to Paulino Neves and Lençóis Maranhenses) by São Francisco or Continental. R$ 14, 3 hours bumpy ride. This bus stops by the companies´ own bus station near the center, and waits there for half an hour before continuing.
There is also a flourishing market for "alternative" buses, at somewhat discounted prices, by the downtown end of Avenida Capitão Claro (a continuation of Avenida São Sebastião).
By plane
[edit]- 1 [formerly dead link] Parnaíba-Prefeito Dr. João Silva Filho International Airport (PHB IATA) (northern outskirts of the city). Azul Brazilian Airlines from Recife.
By boat
[edit]The only waterway alternative seems to be renting a motor launch at R$ 400 (up to 4 people). If you are on a budget, go by bus.
Get around
[edit]- Buses run from the bus station to the center via Avenida São Sebastião. Few buses after dark.
- Taxis don´t have meters, and are fairly expensive, but negotiable. Center to bus station should be about R$ 15.
- Mototaxis will take you anywhere in town for R$ 3-4, even with a large backpack.
See
[edit]The northern part of the center, near the bridge and Praça Nossa Senhora das Graças, is quite pleasant with well preserved colonial buildings.
- Salt Rock Beach (Praia Pedra do Sal).
Do
[edit]Take an evening stroll along Avenida São Sebastião, from the Balão (roundabout, also known by its restaurant, O Mirante.) towards the center. Dozens of snack bars.
There is a cinema around the corner from Hotel Delta, showing the most mainstream from Hollywood.
Buy
[edit]Local handicraft specialties are made from a certain palm tree's leaves.
Eat
[edit]- Flor de Liz, Avenida São Sebastião. Grilled meats and pizzas. Dishes for 2 at around R$ 25.
- Sabor e Arte (Right by the bridge). Pleasant environment, most of the art is for sale. Many dishes around R$ 25.
- Biola, Praça Santo Antônio, Center. Wide selection of burgers and sandwiches.
- Restaurante Popular de Parnaíba. Must be the cheapest place to eat in all of Brazil. R$1 for a full plate of food..
Drink
[edit]- The liveliest area is Beira Rio, 1 km north of the center, with several restaurants-come-bars.
- Pride Solutions. Gay
- Trilhu´s. Bar on the outside, club further in. One forró stage and one electronica room. Small draught beer R$ 2.
Sleep
[edit]A few places opposite the bus station, not very convenient unless you are only staying a night or two in between buses:
- Pousada Litoral, Avenida Deputado Pinheiro Machado (Right in front of the bus station.). Check-out: 12:00. Very basic. Rooms with fan (A/C) Single R$ 20 (28), double R$ 30 (40).
- Pousada Toca do Coelho, Avenida Deputado Pinheiro Machedo (200 m from the bus station). Bright and clean, good breakfast. Room with fan (others have A/C) single R$ 35.
- Hotel mar das Gaivotas, Rua 08, casa 04 (Sligthly on your right from the bus station), ☏ +55 86 3323 2812. Clean and friendly. Single w/fan R$ 30, double R$ 40, add R$ 10 for air con.
Following Av Dep Pinheiro Machado north there are several more, and then a couple along Avenida São Sebastião:
- Pousada Santa Luzia, Avenida São Sebastião 1436, ☏ +55 86 3322 3553. Bright and clean, high ceilings, restaurant. Good location. Single with fan (others have A/C) R$ 25. Also monthly rates..
Higher standard options near and in the center, but also a few low costs, including a youth hostel:
- [formerly dead link] Porto das Barcas. Single R$ 35, double R$ 55.
Go next
[edit]- There is an hourly bus (packed on Sundays) to the beach Pedra do Sal, about 15 km north of town. Many shacks selling drinks and fried fish.
- Tours to the delta of the river Parnaíba leave daily at around 09:00 from Porto de Tatus (Sometimes referred to as Morro de Mariana), around 15 km northwest of town (Taxi from center R$ 25), returning around 15:00. Several agencies arrange these at R$ 45, including pick up at your hotel. If you want to stay a night in the delta, Ilha das Canárias is an option, Ilha do Caju another, and Ilha dos Poldros a third.
- Minibuses leave every half hour or so from Praça Santo Antônio for Luís Correia and the beach of Atalaia, R$ 2, 30 minutes.
Routes through Parnaíba |
São Luís ← Tutóia ← | W E | → Barra Grande → Jericoacoara → Fortaleza |