Piranhas, Historic town in Alagoas, Brazil
Piranhas sits along the São Francisco River with a compact center of colorful houses spread across different heights. Narrow lanes connect the lower town to the upper area overlooking the river banks.
The town was established in 1891 and later renamed Piranhas after becoming the final landing point for river traffic. It grew important because boats could not pass beyond this spot due to rapids that blocked further navigation downstream.
The Sertão Museum occupies the former railway station and displays objects connected to daily life in this region. The collections show stories about the northeastern interior and important moments in local history.
Reach the town via the AL-225 paved road from Maceió or by boats that serve multiple ports along the São Francisco River. Walking through the center requires comfort with steep slopes and sturdy shoes.
From Piranhas, boat tours depart to explore the São Francisco River canyons nestled between hydroelectric dams. These trips reveal a landscape visitors would otherwise miss by staying only in town.
Location: Alagoas
Inception: 1891
Elevation above the sea: 201 m
Shares border with: Olho d'Água do Casado, Pão de Açúcar, São José da Tapera, Senador Rui Palmeira, Inhapi, Canindé de São Francisco, Poço Redondo
GPS coordinates: -9.62389,-37.75694
Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:03
Rio São Francisco Natural Monument
29.7 km
Canyon of Xingo
26.2 km
Museu do Sertão
334 mSítio Histórico e Paisagístico de Piranhas, Alagoas
233 mQuilombo Rua dos Negros
6.4 kmPR - 10
13.3 kmPR - 19
14.1 kmMuseu Regional Delmiro Gouveia
37.5 kmQuilombo Povoado Cruz
37.4 kmQuilombo Sítio Lages
6.3 kmQuilombo Serrinha dos Cocos
36.1 kmQuilombo Alto da Boa Vista
20.7 kmMuseu Guiomar Britto
15.6 kmPasseio de Lancha e Catamarã
16.8 kmMirante
377 mGrota do Angico
9.1 kmFilme de Benjamin Abraão
38.8 kmPrédio Dom Pedro II
110 mGiradouro
256 mMirante
196 mPraia da Dulce
16.8 kmCentro de Recepção de Xingó Chesf
3.1 kmMirante da Pedra do Sino
1.6 kmMirante
1.6 kmMirante da CHESF
887 mPraia de Canindé de São Francisco
3.8 kmVale dos Mestres
21.6 kmScenic viewpoint
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