Vale dos Dinossauros Travel Guide

This guide provides everything you need to know about Vale dos Dinossauros in Paraíba, Brazil, including popular attractions, hiking and biking routes, where to stay, best time to visit, local culture, and more.


Introduction to Vale dos Dinossauros

Located in the northeastern state of Paraíba, Brazil, Vale dos Dinossauros (Dinosaur Valley) is a 4.5-hectare theme park that brings visitors back in time to the prehistoric era. The park features life-size replica dinosaurs and exhibits that showcase the history of the region and its connection to the dinosaurs that once roamed the area.

Vale dos Dinossauros is a unique destination for dinosaur lovers, families, and anyone interested in the history of our planet. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit, hiking and biking routes, where to stay, what to eat and drink, local culture, safety and health information, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Vale dos Dinossauros

Here are some of the top attractions and places to visit in Vale dos Dinossauros:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Fossil Museum - This museum features original fossils, as well as replicas of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures from the region.
  • Paleontological Museum - Here, visitors can learn about the fossils and creatures discovered in the area, and the work that goes into uncovering them.
  • Pedra do Ingá - Located nearby, this prehistoric site features rock carvings that are believed to have been created over 6,000 years ago.

Natural Attractions of Vale dos Dinossauros: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lajedo de Pai Mateus - This beautiful rock formation is a popular attraction for hikers and adventure seekers.
  • Mirante do Vale - This lookout point offers stunning panoramic views of the region.
  • Trilha dos Dinossauros - This trail takes visitors through a lush forest and past life-size replicas of dinosaurs that once roamed the area.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Vale dos Dinossauros

Vale dos Dinossauros is a great spot for hikers and bikers to explore the area. Trilha dos Dinossauros is a popular hiking route that takes visitors past replicas of dinosaurs and through a beautiful forest. For those who prefer biking, Lajedo de Pai Mateus is a popular trail that offers stunning views of the region.

Best Things to Do in Vale dos Dinossauros: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, Vale dos Dinossauros offers a number of other activities and tours:

  • Dinosaur Safari - This tour takes visitors through the park in a safari jeep, where they can see replicas of interactive dinosaurs up close.
  • Dino Adventure - This tour takes visitors on a dinosaur-themed adventure, complete with a zip-line and treetop obstacle course.
  • Jurassic Camp - This overnight experience allows visitors to camp out in the park and take part in a number of dinosaur-themed activities and attractions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Vale dos Dinossauros

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long visit to Vale dos Dinossauros:

  • Day 1: Arrival and check-in at a local hotel or guesthouse
  • Day 2: Visit the Fossil Museum and Paleontological Museum
  • Day 3: Hike Trilha dos Dinossauros and explore the Lajedo de Pai Mateus
  • Day 4: Dinosaur Safari tour and visit to Pedra do Ingá
  • Day 5: Dino Adventure tour and visit to Mirante do Vale
  • Day 6: Jurassic Camp overnight experience
  • Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Vale dos Dinossauros

The local cuisine in Vale dos Dinossauros is influenced by the region’s history and culture, with dishes that incorporate local ingredients and flavors. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Carne-de-sol - A traditional Brazilian dish made with sun-dried beef that is seasoned and grilled.
  • Cuscuz de milho - A dish made with cornmeal, vegetables, and sometimes meat or cheese.
  • Tapioca - A snack made with cassava flour and various sweet or savory fillings.

Local Beverages

  • Cachaça - A distilled spirit made from sugarcane that is often mixed into cocktails.
  • Guaraná - A popular soft drink made with a local fruit that has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.

Where to Stay in Vale dos Dinossauros: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are a variety of accommodation options for visitors in Vale dos Dinossauros, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Vale dos Dinossauros Pousada - This guesthouse is located within the park and offers comfortable accommodations and breakfast.
  • Pousada Carcará - This cozy guesthouse is located nearby and offers beautiful views of the region.
  • Hotel Serrano - This hotel is located in the nearby town of Serra Negra and offers comfortable rooms and a swimming pool.

What to Buy in Vale dos Dinossauros: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are a number of souvenirs and local products that visitors can bring home from Vale dos Dinossauros:

  • Dinosaur toys and figurines
  • Locally made handicrafts, such as woven baskets and pottery
  • Bottles of cachaça or other local spirits

Local Culture and Customs of Vale dos Dinossauros

Paraíba is known for its cultural traditions, music, and arts. Visitors may have the opportunity to attend a local festival or event, such as the Festa de São João, a celebration of Saint John’s Day that is held throughout the state. The people of Paraíba are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are encouraged to learn about and respect the local customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Vale dos Dinossauros

The best time to visit Vale dos Dinossauros is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. This time of year offers comfortable temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the region.

Do’s and Don’ts of Vale dos Dinossauros

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for hiking and outdoor activities
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages

Don’t:

  • Remove or damage any park exhibits or artifacts
  • Leave trash or litter on hiking trails or in the park
  • Disrupt local wildlife or their habitats

Safety and Health

Safety in Vale dos Dinossauros

Vale dos Dinossauros is a safe destination for visitors, but it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when hiking or biking in the park. Visitors should also take the usual precautions when traveling, such as keeping their valuables safe and not walking alone at night.

Health in Vale dos Dinossauros

Visitors should take precautions to protect themselves from the sun and heat, especially during the summer months. It’s also important to stay hydrated and bring any necessary medications, as medical facilities in the area may be limited.

Getting to Vale dos Dinossauros: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Vale dos Dinossauros

The closest airport to Vale dos Dinossauros is Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport, which is located in João Pessoa, approximately 160 km away.

Bus Stations Near Vale dos Dinossauros

The closest bus station to Vale dos Dinossauros is located in the nearby town of Sousa, approximately 90 km away.

Other Options

Car rentals and private transportation services are also available in the area.

How to Get Around in Vale dos Dinossauros

The park is easily accessible on foot, and the hiking and biking trails are well-marked and maintained. For visitors who don’t want to hike or bike, tours and safari jeeps are available.

Where to Go Next from Vale dos Dinossauros: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors to Vale dos Dinossauros may also want to explore some of the nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Serra Negra - A nearby town known for its coffee plantations and stunning views of the region.
  • Canion do Rio Salgado - A beautiful canyon that offers hiking and sightseeing opportunities.
  • Praia de Pipa - A popular beach destination located approximately 270 km away.

Conclusion

Vale dos Dinossauros is a one-of-a-kind destination that offers something for everyone. From hiking and biking to dinosaur-themed adventures and cultural attractions, this park has it all. With this complete guide, visitors can plan their trip to Vale dos Dinossauros with confidence, knowing they have all the information they need to make the most of their visit.