'''Parnaiba''' is a city in Piaui. Most tourists pass by here for visiting the river delta, or on their way between Lencois Maranhenses and Jericoacoara. However, Parnaiba has its own charm, including nearby beaches, and could be worth a couple of days.
Get in
By bus
A modern bus terminal lies on the southeastern outskirts of the city, where Rua Ceara Chaval and Avenida Deputado Pinheiro Machado intersect, about 5 km from the center. Most long distance buses are handled by Expresso Guanabara [http://www.expressoguanabara.com.br].
To Teresina(5 hours) via Piripiri(2,5 hours) every 2-3 hours.
To Tutoia (from where you can move on to Paulino Neves and Lencois Maranhenses) by ''Sao Francisco'' or ''Continental''. R$ 14, 3 hours bumpy ride. This bus stops by the companies_L own bus station near the center, and waits there for half an hour before continuing.
There is also a flourishing market for "alternative" buses, at somewhat discounted prices, by the downtown end of Avenida Capitao Claro (a continuation of Avenida Sao Sebastiao).
By air
Airport at the northern outskirts of the city. Freshly launched airline ''Litoranea''[http://www.voelitoranea.com.br] has turboprops flying to Fortaleza, Sao Luis and Teresina thrice weekly, and Camocim and Barreirinhas (Lencois Maranhenses once a week. The chepest fares are from R$ 40 - 140, depending on destination.
By boat
There used to be a daily boat leaving for Tutoia on the western rim of the river delta. Now (August 2007) the only waterway alternative seems to be renting a motor launch at R$ 400 (up to 4 people). If you are on a budget, go by bus.
Get around
Buses run from the bus station to the center via Avenida Sao Sebastiao. Few buses after dark.
Taxis don_Lt have meters, and are fairly expensive, but negotiable. Center to bus station should be about R$ 15.
Mototaxis will take you anywhere in town for R$ 3-4, even with a large backpack.
See
The northern part of the center, near the bridge and Praca Nossa Senhora das Gracas, is quite pleasant with well preserved colonial buildings.
Do
Take an evening stroll along Avenida Sao Sebastiao, from the Balao (roundabout, also known by its restaurant, O Mirante.) towards the center. Dozens of snack bars.
There is a cinema around the corner from Hotel Delta, showing the most mainstream from Hollywood.
Buy
Local handicraft specialties are made from a certain palm tree_Ls leaves.
Eat
Flor de Liz. venida Sao Sebastiao. ishes for 2 at around R$ 25. Grilled meats and pizzas.
Sabor e Arte. ight by the bridge. any dishes around R$ 25. Pleasant environment, most of the art is for sale.
Biola. raca Santo Antonio, Center. Wide selection of burgers and sandwiches.
Drink
The liveliest area is '''Beira Rio''', 1 km north of the center, with several restaurants-come-bars.
Pride Solutions. Gay
Trilhu_Ls. mall draught beer R$ 2. Bar on the outside, club further in. One forro stage and one electronica room.
Sleep
A few places opposite the bus station, not very convenient unless you are only staying a night or two in between buses:
Pousada Litoral. venida Deputado Pinheiro Machado. ight in front of the bus station.. oon. ooms with fan (A/C) Single R$ 20(28) Double R$ 30(40). Very basic.
Pousada Toca do Coelho. venida Deputado Pinheiro Machedo. 00 m from the bus station. oom with fan (others have A/C) Single R$ 35. Bright and clean, good breakfast.
Hotel mar das Gaivotas. ua 08, casa 04. ligthly on your right from the bus station. 55 86 3323 2812. ingle w/fan R$ 30, double R$ 40, add R$ 10 for air con. Clean and friendly.
Following Av Dep Pinheiro Machado north there are several more, and then a couple along Avenida Sao Sebastiao:
Pousada Santa Luzia. venida Sao Sebastiao 1436. 55 86 3322 3553. ingle with fan (others have A/C) R$ 25. Also monthly rates.. Bright and clean, high ceilings, restaurant. Good location.
Higher standard options near and in the center, but also a few low costs, including a youth hostel:
Porto das Barcas. ttp://www.pousadaportodasbarcas.com.br/. ingle R$ 35, double R$ 55.
Get out
There is an hourly bus (packed on Sundays) to the beach '''Pedra do Sal''', about 15 km north of town. Many shacks selling drinks and fried fish.
Tours to the delta of the river Parnaiba leave daily at around 9 AM from ''Porto de Tatus'' (Sometimes referred to as ''Morro de Mariana''), around 15 km northwest of town (Taxi from center R$ 25), returning around 3 PM. Several agencies arrange these at R$ 45, including pick up at your hotel. If you want to stay a night in the delta, Ilha das Canarias is an option, Ilha do Caju another, and Ilha dos Poldros a third.
Minibuses leave every half hour or so from Praca Santo Antonio for Luis Correia and the beach of Atalaia, R$ 2, 30 minutes.