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.
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