archaeological site · Pacaraima, RR
Pedra Pintada
A rock formation dozens of meters tall in the middle of the lavrado, with a shelter at its base covered in thousands-of-years-old rock paintings that reveal very ancient human occupation. It is in the São Marcos Indigenous Territory, and visits require authorization from Funai.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Pedra Pintada
The Pedra Pintada is a huge granite boulder standing alone in the lavrado, the savanna of northern Roraima, near the bank of the Rio Parimé. It is in the São Marcos Indigenous Territory, in the municipality of Pacaraima, and is considered one of the state's main archaeological sites.
At the base of the rock there is a shelter, a kind of cave, and the walls hold rock paintings about 4,000 years old. Some of them are high up on the rock, which still puzzles researchers today. Excavations in the 1980s found pottery fragments, stone tools, food remains, ornaments and burials, signs of very ancient human occupation.
The place is also sacred to the region's Indigenous peoples. Since it is on Indigenous land, visits are not open: they require authorization from the community and Funai, and are usually made with tour agencies from Boa Vista that handle the permit.
The outing is worthwhile for anyone who enjoys archaeology, history and open landscapes. The surrounding ground is flat, but there are no tourist facilities on site. Look at the paintings without touching: they are fragile and protected by law.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Plan on a few hours on site, plus the drive from Boa Vista.
Best time
In the dry season, when the dirt roads are in better condition; early in the morning the sun is gentler on the lavrado, which has little shade.
How to get there
It is north of Boa Vista, in the São Marcos Indigenous Territory, in Pacaraima. Access is via the BR-174, toward Venezuela, and then a dirt road; visits require authorization from the Indigenous community and Funai, so the most practical option is to go with an agency from Boa Vista.
Tip
Bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water: the lavrado has little shade. Do not touch the paintings or use flash near them.
A look at the place
Pedra Pintada in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pedra Pintada
Where is the Pedra Pintada in Roraima?
In the São Marcos Indigenous Territory, in the municipality of Pacaraima, north of Boa Vista, near the Rio Parimé. Access is via the BR-174, toward Venezuela.
Do I need permission to visit the Pedra Pintada?
Yes. Since it is on Indigenous land, visits require authorization from the community and Funai. The most practical option is to go with a tour agency from Boa Vista.
How old are the paintings at the Pedra Pintada?
The rock paintings are about 4,000 years old, according to archaeological studies at the site.
What was found at the Pedra Pintada?
Excavations in the 1980s found pottery, stone tools, food remains, ornaments and burials, as well as the paintings in the shelter at the base of the rock.
Can you touch the rock paintings?
No. The paintings are fragile and protected by law; look and take photos without flash and without touching.