Parnaíba

Parnaíba is a city in Piauí. Most tourists pass by here for visiting the river delta, or on their way between Lençois Maranhenses and Jericoacoara. However, Parnaíba has its own charm, including nearby beaches, and could be worth a couple of days.

By bus
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. 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).
 * 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.

By boat
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

 * 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
The northern part of the center, near the bridge and Praça Nossa Senhora das Graças, is quite pleasant with well preserved colonial buildings.

Do
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
Local handicraft specialties are made from a certain palm tree's leaves.

Drink

 * The liveliest area is Beira Rio, 1 km north of the center, with several restaurants-come-bars.

Sleep
A few places opposite the bus station, not very convenient unless you are only staying a night or two in between buses: Following Av Dep Pinheiro Machado north there are several more, and then a couple along Avenida São Sebastião: Higher standard options near and in the center, but also a few low costs, including a youth hostel:

Go next

 * 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.