Teresina

The 100-m (312-foot) lookout tower in the middle of the bridge is accessible by elevator with 360-degree views of the city and natural surroundings beyond.

The river Poti flows into the river Parnaíba on its way to the Atlantic, 8 km north of the center. In the dry season their colour difference is very distinct, and they continue flowing side by side, even when merged into one body. There is a floating restaurant, a monument over local fishermen´s legend and boat trips are offered for R$3. The meeting is easily accessible from the city at Av. Boa Esperança.

This state museum is divided into a series of exhibition rooms devoted to the history of the state; religious art; popular art; archaeology; fauna, flora and minerals; and an eclectic assortment of antique radios, projectors and other ancient wonders. Hidden in the corner of one room is a pathetic cabinet containing a flag, kerchief and some scribbled notes from comunistas, a flexible term used here to describe a group of independent thinkers, who were wiped out by the government in 1937.

The botanical park is on the road going north from Teresina towards União. The zoo part of the park is fifty years behind the West with bored unhappy animals (including a blind lion) in cages and insects on pins. Happily the armadillos (tatu) are not in cages and are free to wander around the park with the visitors. Don’t swim in the lake – it is full of caimans (jacaré). The main attraction of the park is the collection of local flora.

Potycabana Park is Teresina’s exercise park, situated in front of Teresina Shopping. You can play soccer, volleyball, and basketball, as well as take a jog, stroll, or roller blade around its winding paths. Roller blades are available for rent. It fills up in the early mornings and evenings due to Teresina's scorching climate.

This a place to exchange your kitchen sink for an old bicycle rather than buy a memento of Brazil. The market started under the vast fig tree that now stands behind the permanent roofing, on the banks of the River Parnaíba. It is fun for those who like a good rummage; the more refined may wish to give it a miss.