Trilha do Capim Açu Travel Guide

The Trilha do Capim Açu, located on the southwestern tip of Fernando de Noronha, offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for seasoned hikers. This 8-kilometer (5-mile) trail, shaped like a U, takes approximately 6 to 8 hours to complete, traversing varied terrains and showcasing the island's most isolated and pristine landscapes.The trail begins near the entrance to Praia do Sancho, proceeding along a historical path with sections of packed earth, stones, and rocky coastline. Hikers will encounter steep ascents and descents amidst lush vegetation, leading to incredible viewpoints that offer panoramic views of both sides of the island. These unique perspectives reveal the dramatic geography of the archipelago, a sight exclusive to this trail.Along the way, hikers can visit the Sapata Lighthouse, accessible only via this route. The trail descends to natural pools for a refreshing dip and provides a close look at the impressive Capim Açu cave. The final stretch, nearly 3 kilometers (1.9 miles), tests endurance as it crosses unstable terrain of volcanic rocks, culminating at Praia do Leão, one of the island's most secluded beaches and a nesting site for sea turtles under the Projeto Tamar.Note that access to the trail is restricted from March to July due to the rainy season, which makes the trails muddy and more difficult to traverse.