Hiking in Brazil
Including Aparados da Serra National Park (Itaimbezinho Canyon), Carrancas Waterfall Circuit, and Catimbau National Park. On the map.
The vibe
Hiking here feels like a raw immersion into dense, humid ecosystems where the trails are often rugged paths carved by nature rather than manicured walkways. The cooler, drier months from May to September offer the most comfortable trekking conditions, keeping the mud manageable and the skies clear. You will find a mix of well-trodden paths near popular hubs and vast, quiet wildernesses where you are largely left to navigate on your own.
Some national parks require a pre-booked entry ticket or a registered guide.
Aparados da Serra National Park (Itaimbezinho Canyon)
Rio Grande do Sul
Germano Roberto Schüür / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Home to some of Brazil's most dramatic canyon scenery, featuring sheer vertical basalt cliffs plunging hundreds of meters into forested valleys. Trails run along the rim and down into the canyon floor, revealing roaring waterfalls and misty gorges.
Access. Located near Cambará do Sul in Rio Grande do Sul. Accessible by car via unpaved park roads from town.
Notes. Trails can be closed during heavy fog or severe storms for safety.
Carrancas Waterfall Circuit
Minas Gerais
Claudio JJ / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A network of scenic trails connecting dozens of crystal-clear waterfalls, natural swimming pools, and smooth stone slide cascades. The rolling highland terrain provides rewarding day walks with frequent swimming opportunities.
Access. Starts directly from the town of Carrancas in Minas Gerais, with most trailheads accessible by short drives on unpaved roads or by hiring local guides.
Notes. Watch for slippery rock surfaces near waterfalls and sudden flash floods during heavy summer afternoon storms.
Catimbau National Park
Pernambuco
Paulo Souza / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Canyon and desert-like valley hiking through striking sandstone cliffs, prehistoric rock art sites, and sparse caatinga vegetation. Trails wind along sandy canyon floors and up to dramatic mesa viewpoints.
Access. Located in Pernambuco, easily reached by car from Buíque. Local guides from nearby communities are required for exploring the deeper canyon trails and cave art sites.
Notes. Extreme heat and intense sun exposure year-round; carry ample water and start hikes early in the morning.
Chapada Diamantina National Park (Vale do Pati)
Bahia
Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Consistently rated as one of South America's greatest multi-day treks, the Vale do Pati route crosses table-top mountains, deep green canyons, and remote river valleys. Trekkers stay overnight in simple homes of local residents, experiencing authentic sertão hospitality amidst stunning geological formations.
Access. Typically starts from the villages of Guatte, Capão, or Andaraí. Accessible from Salvador via bus or car to Lençóis.
Notes. Multi-day trek requiring local guides, proper endurance, and basic backcountry preparation.
Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park
Goiás
Jairo Valverde / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
An ancient plateau of dramatic quartz crystal formations, plunging canyons, and powerful waterfalls surrounded by Cerrado savanna. Trails lead hikers across high plateaus, deep river gorges, and stunning natural swimming pools beneath cascading drops.
Access. Fly to Brasília and drive about 3 hours north to the base town of Alto Paraíso de Goiás or São Jorge.
Notes. Guides are mandatory for certain remote trails within the national park.
Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park (Atalaia Trail)
Pernambuco
dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
An exclusive coastal trek leading across volcanic rock formations and pristine marine pools on a protected oceanic island. Walkers experience dramatic Atlantic coastal cliffs, crystal-clear tide pools, and rich endemic birdlife.
Access. Fly to Fernando de Noronha from Recife or Natal. Park entry permits and advance booking at the ICMBio office are strictly required.
Notes. Visitor numbers are strictly limited daily to preserve the fragile ecosystem; snorkeling is typically integrated into the trail experience.
Ilha do Mel State Park
Paraná
Nathan Chor / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Car-free island walking trails connecting pristine Atlantic rainforest, historical fortresses, and secluded sandy beaches. The flat sandy paths and coastal footpaths make for relaxed, scenic day walks.
Access. Take a public ferry or speedboat from Pontal do Paraná or Paranaguá to the island. No vehicles are allowed, so all exploration is done entirely on foot or by bicycle.
Notes. Bring sun protection and insect repellent; walking between distant beaches can take several hours in sandy terrain.
Ilhabela State Park (Trilha do Bonete)
São Paulo
Boris Karpuk / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A classic jungle trek across Ilhabela's rugged interior, connecting remote golden sand beaches through dense Atlantic rainforest. The trail crosses several streams, climbs jungle ridges, and passes hidden waterfalls before descending into the isolated fishing community of Bonete.
Access. Take the ferry from São Sebastião to Ilhabela, then drive to the trailhead at Prainha de Santa Tereza. Return by boat taxi is common.
Notes. Can be muddy and slippery after heavy tropical rains; watch out for borrachudos (sandflies) and bring insect repellent.
Itatiaia National Park (Pico das Agulhas Negras)
Minas Gerais
Gabrielrvallim / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Brazil's oldest national park features rugged alpine granite peaks, dramatic rock formations, and sweeping views from Pico das Agulhas Negras. The trails wind through high-altitude grasslands and rocky ridges above the cloud line, offering challenging scrambles and technical summit routes.
Access. Accessible via the town of Itamonte or Engenheiro Passos. A rental car is recommended to reach the park gates and upper plateau trailheads.
Notes. Weather can change rapidly at high elevations; proper mountaineering gear and early starts are essential.
Jericoacoara National Park (Coastal Dunes and Pedra Furada)
Ceará
Claudio Oliveira Lim… / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A scenic coastal walking route traversing golden sand dunes, wind-sculpted rock formations, and deserted Atlantic beaches. The highlight is walking along the shore to the iconic Pedra Furada rock arch carved by ocean waves.
Access. Fly to Jericoacoara or take a 4x4 transfer from Fortaleza to the car-free village of Jericoacoara, where trails begin directly from the beach.
Notes. Best done during low tide to ensure full access along the rocky shorelines.
Juruena State Park
Mato Grosso
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Remote rainforest trekking along wild rivers and massive Amazonian waterfalls. Trails cut through dense, untouched jungle offering an authentic expedition feel far off the standard tourist trail.
Access. Accessible via specialized expedition operators based in Cuiabá or Alta Floresta, often requiring light aircraft or 4x4 river transport to reach trailheads.
Notes. Remote wilderness with zero infrastructure; self-sufficiency, medical preparedness, and experienced local jungle guides are strictly required.
Lencois Maranhenses National Park (Coastal Trek)
Maranhão
FiloVasconcellos / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Multi-day dune trekking across a vast expanse of white sand dunes interspersed with thousands of freshwater lagoons. Hikers traverse shifting desert landscapes, camping under the stars in remote oasis communities.
Access. Expeditions typically depart from Barreirinhas or Santo Amaro do Maranhão with experienced local guides who know the shifting dune routes.
Notes. Best hiking window is during and right after the rainy season (June to September) when lagoons are full; intense sun reflection requires strong UV protection.
Morro Dois Irmãos Trail, Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Wilfredor / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
A popular and rewarding day hike climbing one of Rio's most recognizable twin peaks. The trail winds through the forested slopes of Vidigal, opening up to panoramic summit views over Ipanema, Copacabana, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Access. Take transport to the entrance of Vidigal favela in Zona Sul, then a local van to the trailhead at the top of the community.
Notes. Best hiked with a local guide from the community for safety and cultural context.
Serra da Bocaina National Park (Gold Trail near Paraty)
Rio de Janeiro
Kamila Penha Pereira de Novaes / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Historic stone-paved colonial trails built by enslaved people and tropeiros winding through dense Atlantic rainforest. The route features moss-covered ruins, rushing jungle streams, and refreshing hidden waterfalls.
Access. Located near Paraty in Rio de Janeiro state; easily accessible by local bus or car to the park trailheads along the Cunha-Paraty road.
Notes. Slippery historic stone steps require sturdy footwear; leeches can be present in damp jungle sections.
Serra da Capivara National Park
Piauí
Claudia Regina / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mesa and canyon hiking amidst world-famous UNESCO prehistoric rock art sites and unique semi-arid caatinga wilderness. Well-maintained trails lead across dramatic elevated plateaus and down into eroded sandstone gorges.
Access. Fly or drive to São Raimundo Nonato in Piauí, where licensed park guides and transport can be easily hired for the trail network.
Notes. Park regulations require an accredited guide for all hiking trails to protect fragile archaeological sites.
Serra do Corvo Branco and Canyon trails
Santa Catarina
Ricardo Gomes Faraco / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Dramatic cliffside walks and ridge hikes along the sandstone escarpments of southern Brazil. The trails wind through ancient Araucaria pine forests and offer sweeping views down into deep canyon corridors.
Access. Reachable by car from Urubici in Santa Catarina. Trailheads begin near the famous mountain passes and require coordination with local landowners or mountain guides.
Notes. Weather can change instantly with thick mountain fog rolling in; sturdy footwear and windproof layers are essential.
Serra dos Orgãos National Park (Petrópolis-Teresópolis Traverse)
Rio de Janeiro
paulsmithrj / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Famous for the classic Petrópolis-Teresópolis mountain traverse, this dramatic range features jagged peaks, sheer granite walls, and dense Atlantic forest. Hikers tackle steep ridgelines, exposed ladders, and high mountain bivouacs with breathtaking views over Rio de Janeiro state.
Access. Begin at the Bonfim entrance in Petrópolis or the park headquarters in Teresópolis. Easily reachable from Rio de Janeiro by bus or car.
Notes. The traverse is a demanding multi-day trek requiring advance booking, reservations, and often a certified mountain guide.