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Aparados da Serra National Park: Brazil's Canyon Wonderland

Discover Brazil's Grand Canyon: Breathtaking canyon views, hiking trails, and unique wildlife 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 haven of dramatic canyons, diverse flora, and unique wildlife. It's home to the iconic Itaimbezinho Canyon, offering breathtaking views and hiking trails for all levels.

A brief summary to Aparados da Serra National Park

  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (April to September) for the best hiking conditions and fewer chances of trail closures.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring water, and pack warm clothes, as temperatures can vary.
  • Check bus schedules in advance if using public transport, as services can be limited.
  • Consider renting a car for easier access to the park and its various trails.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Cambará do Sul, follow the RS-427 (Itaimbezinho Road), a mostly unpaved road, for approximately 18 kilometers to the park entrance. Be prepared for a bumpy ride. Parking is available at the visitor center near Itaimbezinho Canyon. Parking fee is approximately R$20.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    From Cambará do Sul, taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber can take you to the park entrance. The trip is about 20 km and takes approximately 30 minutes. A taxi fare typically ranges from R$50 to R$70.

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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 states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, the park's 10,250 hectares encompass a landscape where vast pasturelands dramatically give way to a series of breathtaking canyons, some plunging to depths of 720 meters. The park's most famous attraction is the Cânion Itaimbezinho, a narrow, 5,800-meter-long canyon with sheer, parallel escarpments ranging from 600 to 720 meters. Formed by the Rio Perdiz, two waterfalls cascade into this impressive geological formation. The park also preserves one of Brazil's last remaining araucária forests, contributing to its protected status and rich biodiversity. Visitors can explore a variety of trails, including the Trilha do Vértice, a 2km hike to a canyon observation point, and the Trilha do Cotovelo, a 3km trail offering vistas of the Véu de Noiva waterfall. For a more challenging experience, the Trilha do Rio do Boi follows the canyon's base, requiring a professional guide and caution due to potential flooding during the rainy season. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Brazilian merganser and the southern muriqui. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting toucans, eagles, and the red-breasted toucan. Lucky visitors might even glimpse capybaras or jaguars. While the park offers incredible natural beauty, visitor infrastructure can be limited. However, ongoing efforts aim to improve accessibility and minimize environmental impact, ensuring the preservation of this natural wonder for future generations.

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