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Aparados da Serra National Park: Brazil's Canyon Country

Discover Brazil's Grand Canyon: Hiking, wildlife, and breathtaking canyon views await in Aparados da Serra National Park.

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Aparados da Serra National Park, nestled on the border of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, is a breathtaking landscape of dramatic canyons, rich biodiversity, and unique geological formations. Established in 1959 to protect the Itaimbezinho canyon, the park offers hiking trails with panoramic views, diverse flora and fauna, and a chance to connect with nature.

A brief summary to Aparados da Serra National Park

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (April to September) for mild temperatures and less rainfall, ideal for hiking.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and warm clothes.
  • Check bus schedules in advance if relying on public transportation, as they can be limited.
  • Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially during peak season.
  • Be prepared to pay an entrance fee to support park maintenance.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Cambará do Sul, follow the RS-429 road for approximately 18 kilometers on a dirt road to the park entrance. The drive takes around 30 minutes. Be aware that the road can be narrow and unpaved in sections. Parking is available at the visitor center. Parking fee is approximately R$20.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    From Cambará do Sul, hire a local taxi or use ride-sharing apps like Uber to reach the park entrance. Provide the driver with the address: Rodovia RS 429, s/n - Zona Rural, Cambará do Sul - RS, 95480-000. The trip takes about 30 minutes and typically costs between R$50 and R$70.

  • Public Transport

    From any location in Zona da Mata, you can take a bus to Juiz de Fora. Once in Juiz de Fora, transfer to a bus heading to Porto Alegre. Ask the bus driver to drop you off at the nearest stop for Cambará do Sul. From Cambará do Sul, you may need to take a taxi or a local bus to reach the entrance of Aparados da Serra National Park located at Rodovia RS 429, s/n. It's advisable to check bus schedules in advance, as they can vary.

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Discover more about Aparados da Serra National Park

Aparados da Serra National Park, established in 1959, protects a stunning portion of the Serra Geral mountain range in southern Brazil. Straddling the border between Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, the park's 10,250 hectares encompass a dramatic landscape of deep canyons, towering cliffs, and lush forests. The name 'Aparados da Serra' reflects the region's unique topography, where high plateaus meet the coastal plain. The park's main draw is the Cânion Itaimbezinho, a 5,800-meter-long canyon with sheer parallel escarpments that plunge to depths of 600 to 720 meters. Waterfalls cascade into this geological incision, carved by the Rio Perdiz over millennia. Other notable canyons within the park include Fortaleza, Malacara, and Índios Coroado. The park's diverse ecosystems host a wide array of plant and animal life. The Atlantic Forest biome thrives here, featuring Araucaria trees, bromeliads, orchids, and grasslands. Over 250 bird species have been recorded, along with mammals like pumas, ocelots, and the endangered maned wolf and red-spectacled amazon parrot. Visitors can explore the park's natural wonders via a network of hiking trails. The Trilha do Vértice offers views of the Itaimbezinho Canyon and the Cascata do Andorinhas waterfall. The Trilha do Cotovelo passes by the Véu de Noiva waterfall, providing vistas of the canyon. For a challenging experience, the Trilha do Rio do Boi follows the canyon's base, requiring a professional guide and caution due to potential flooding. Aparados da Serra National Park is a haven for ecotourism, emphasizing low-impact activities like trekking and mountain biking.

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