The Rio Poti flows through the states of Piauí and Ceará in northeastern Brazil, offering two distinct paddling environments: an urban stretch near Teresina and a dramatic canyon section near Buriti dos Montes on the Piauí-Ceará border.

In Teresina, organized kayak tours depart from Raul Lopes Avenue and run approximately two hours on the river. A notable stop along this urban stretch is the fossil forest of Teresina, a paleontological site containing logs from the Permian period dating back more than 270 million years. Tours include equipment and basic safety instruction.

The Cânion do Rio Poti near Buriti dos Montes presents a more remote and visually striking experience. The canyon is characterized by distinctive rock formations and dark, clear water. Boat tours through the canyon are available, with private guided options recommended. Access to the embarkation point is via a paved and marked road.

Seasonal timing is a critical planning consideration for the canyon section. During the rainy season, the river can rise by up to 3 meters, rendering navigation through the canyon impossible. Tours and paddling in this section are therefore limited to the dry season. Paddlers planning a canyon trip should confirm current seasonal conditions before visiting.

The Poti River basin holds significant archaeological and historical interest. Thousands of rock carvings and rock paintings in shelters throughout the canyon region indicate that this corridor served as a migratory route for early inhabitants of the Americas, connecting the plains of Piauí and Maranhão with the semi-arid regions of Ceará, Pernambuco, and Bahia. The canyon area supports additional adventure activities including abseiling and climbing, which may be relevant for multi-day trip planning.