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For those who already know the beach
Paraíba does not end at the seafront. Three inland towns draw travellers from all over Brazil — and none of them is a day trip from João Pessoa. This text is here so you know what is there, and plan properly.
Cabaceiras, the 'Northeastern Hollywood'
In the Cariri region, Cabaceiras has hosted film crews for decades — it was a location for O Auto da Compadecida, from Ariano Suassuna's play. The main church appears in several scenes.
- Lajedo de Pai Mateus — a vast rock formation in the middle of the caatinga, famous for its starry sky.
- Leather — leatherwork is the backbone of the local economy.
- Festa do Bode Rei — yearly, with goat's-milk food, music and traditional contests.
Araruna and the Pedra da Boca
In the Agreste, Araruna is known for the Pedra da Boca, a rock formation that draws adventure-sport fans — hang-gliding, paragliding and climbing. There are specialist local guides, and the outing should be done with them.
Maturéia and the highest point in Paraíba
In the Alto Sertão, Maturéia holds the Pico do Jabre, in the Serra do Teixeira: at 1,197 metresit is the highest point in the state. The view from the top takes in much of the backlands.
How to pair it with João Pessoa
Cabaceiras and Araruna are more than three hours' drive from the capital; Maturéia is about five. None can be done in a day from the beach.
The plan that works is to use João Pessoa as your base: fly into the capital, spend the first days on the seafront, head inland with two or three nights booked there, and come back to finish the trip at the beach. A calm sea after days of road and caatinga is the best possible ending.
