Museu de Paleontologia da Universidade Regional do Cariri

The Museu de Paleontologia da Universidade Regional do Cariri is a research institution displaying fossils recovered from the Araripe Basin geological formation. Visitors can examine remains of pterosaurs, dinosaurs, ancient sharks, rays, scorpions, and petrified tree trunks excavated from Missão Velha and Santana rock layers.

The museum was established in 1985 by Professor Plácido Cidade Nuvens while he served as mayor, then transferred to the Regional University in 1991. The collection preserves life forms from a period when this region was covered by a tropical sea millions of years ago.

The institution functions as a research center for paleontological studies, conducting systematic fossil excavations throughout the Araripe Basin region of Brazil.

The museum is accessible in town and offers guided tours for educational groups and university students to enhance the learning experience. Visitors should allow adequate time to explore the extensive collection thoroughly.

The fossils date to approximately 110 million years ago when warm seas dominated this region and supported diverse marine life. This geological period is so thoroughly preserved in the Santana Formation that researchers worldwide use it for comparative studies.

Location: Santana do Cariri

GPS coordinates: -7.18617,-39.73627

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:44