Do you love trekking and engaging with nature? Find out the top hiking trails in Brazil in this carefully curated list!
Brazil is the best place on the planet for adventure travel, according to US News & World Report. The list ranked the country higher than places known worldwide for their tourism attractions when it comes to hiking, like New Zealand, Australia, Nepal, Costa Rica, Switzerland and the United States. The publisher also mentions Brazil’s attributes to justify the #1 placing: locals’ friendliness, good opportunities to have fun, pleasant climate and scenic views.
Although Rio de Janeiro might be Brazil’s most famous city, there are other incredible destinations that are perfect for tourism and, most importantly, for ecotourism, due to their undeniable beauty and remarkable biodiversity.
Since most landmasses dedicated to trekking are conservation areas, travelers can fully enjoy the experience without hurting natural resources and even promoting awareness for sustainable tourism.
Are you a hiker at heart and can’t wait for your vacation in Brazilian lands? Then check our list with the 8 best hikes in Brazil and start your travel plans right now!
1 – Vale do Pati, Chapada Diamantina (BA)
If you don’t go to Vale do Pati, in Chapada Diamantina National Park, you’re not getting the full experience of hiking in Brazil. This amazing destination in the state of Bahia holds some of the most challenging, but exciting hikes in the country.
The trails cross breathtaking views, going through mountains, rock formations, caves, lookouts, rivers and waterfalls so beautiful some might say they look just like paintings.
Swimming and bathing in Funil and Cachoeirão waterfalls are must-have activities for every traveler. Morro do Castelo, a 1280 meters high cliff, is also a key highlight of a Chapada Diamantina trek.
On average, a Vale do Pati trek requires 15 kilometers of walking per day, but it’s possible to extend (22 km) or shorten (8 km) this number. It all depends on how long you’re staying, what do you want to see and how much you’re willing to walk.
Chapada Diamantina tours last 3 to 6 days in Vale do Pati, with tailor-made schedules for every need.
2 – Lençóis Maranhenses (MA)
The sand dunes and rainwater lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses can make anyone fall in love. The landscapes are almost otherworldly, with such an impressive beauty it’s hard to describe the feeling they bring – and that’s exactly why this is one of the best hikes in Brazil.
During your Lençóis Maranhenses trek across the white sand, you’ll get a glimpse of the vegetation and native animals, as well as interact with attentive locals that will make you feel right at home. Feeling warm and tired? Take a break to cool off and swim in lagoons that can reach a meter deep.
The best time to visit is between May and September, when the lagoons are full, the sun is bright and tourist activities are slower, which means fewer people and more peacefulness.
With the support of 4×4 vehicles and expert guides, it generally takes 3 to 5 days to explore this extraordinary place.
Photo: Paraíso do Caju
3 – Petrópolis-Teresópolis, Serra dos Órgãos (RJ)
A common mistake is assuming Rio de Janeiro is all about Copacabana Beach, Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. While the city holds these amazing attractions, the state of Rio is full of natural secrets that every travel junkie should visit.
Petrópolis and Teresópolis are two inland cities divided by Serra dos Órgãos National Park, one of the best places for trekking in southeastern Brazil. Its massive set of trails reaches more than 200 kilometers, and there are options for every level of difficulty, including suspended trails and special access for disabled people.
Waterfalls (Véu da Noiva, Andorinhas), natural wells (Paraíso, Capela, Sossego, Ponte Velha, Preguiça) and mountains are a part of the experience. Travelers can also enjoy some mountain climbing on Verruga do Frade, Pico do Garrafão and the world-famous Dedo de Deus, a 1,692 meters high mountain whose name translates to “finger of God” due to its elongated shape pointing upwards.
4 – Ilha Grande (RJ)
Ilha Grande is an island in the municipality of Angra dos Reis, in Rio de Janeiro. There are 16 hiking trails of different levels of difficulty that cross secluded areas of tropical forest.
Another highlight is Lopes Mendes Beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. Surfers love it, but so does hikers. To get there, you can choose trails T10 (Grande de Palmas and Mangues beaches), T11 (Pouso Beach) or T12 (Castelhanos Lighthouse).
Circuits in Ilha Grande range from 4 to 7 days, which allows flexibility for a faster pace or a thorough exploration.
5 – Monte Roraima (RR)
Mount Roraima is a mountain in the triple border of Brazil, Venezuela and Guyana. The highest point is 2,810 meters above sea level, which presents a real challenge for trekkers who are hungry for adrenaline. On average, Roraima treks last 4-5 hours per day – but they can take up to 8 hours depending on the itinerary. Tours span from 6 to 10 days.
Photo: @jkerada
The natural pools are one of the reasons why this is one of the main destinations for adventure travel in South America. The clear waters of pool jacuzzis are perfect for bathing, floating and letting all your troubles be washed away.
Another unforgettable experience is meeting the Valley of Crystals. Since Mount Roraima is a giant block of sandstone, temperature changes and erosion along the years formed an impressive crystal formation that attracts tourists from all over the planet due to its beauty and supposed energy powers.
6 – Serra Fina (SP/MG/RJ)
Steep climbs and high altitudes are some of the reasons why Serra Fina is always included in lists with the best hikes in Brazil.
With trails that range from 7 to 26 kilometers, this is also one of the most challenging treks in the country. Pico dos Três Estados trail, for example, is located in the border of the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. This specific tour take 3-4 days to be completed.
Such a demanding adventure requires great physicality. Hikers tend to prepare their bodies for months before going to Serra Fina, making sure to eat well, improve their physical fitness and doing regular medical follow-ups.
All this effort is worth it – the views are beautiful and the victorious feeling of conquering such a challenge couldn’t be any sweeter.
7 – Chapada dos Veadeiros (GO)
Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, in Goiás, offers some of the best trekking routes in Brazil. With great diversity, there are options of easy, moderate and difficult hikes for every type of traveler. Canyons, natural wells, lookouts, valleys and waterfalls work together as puzzle pieces to create jaw-dropping scenarios that will surely capture your heart.
Speaking of waterfalls, there are plenty you have to see for yourself: Cristais, São Bento, Encantado, Almécegas (I and II), Rei do Prata, Sertão Zen, Mirante da Janela, Vale da Lua, Santa Bárbara, Catarata dos Couros, etc.
Trekking in Chapada dos Veadeiros usually last 2 to 5 days. If you’re staying a bit longer, you can also enjoy some touristy schedules around the area, like buying hand-made souvenirs in the street markets of Vila de São Jorge and savoring a nice Brazilian meal in Alto Paraíso, the most famous town around the area.
8 – Pico da Neblina (AM)
Pico da Neblina, in the state of Amazonas, is the highest peak of Brazil, with 2,995 meters above sea level. The total hike distance to get to the very top is 36 km, which takes from 3 to 7 hours to conclude, depending on the group’s rhythm.
Camping in the forest is a part of the experience, and travelers can also cool off in Tucano Waterfall, explore the Amazon Rainforest and engage with local communities. This tour demands great physical effort, but if you love adventure, then it’ll definitely be worth your while.
The journey requires special permits and expert guides due to its location in Yanomami indigenous lands – so big and rich it takes 12 to 14 days to fully explore them. That’s why this is also a great sustainable hiking option in Brazil.
Discover the best hikes in Brazil with PlanetaEXO!
Now that you know that Brazil is a spectacular destination for adventure travel – especially for trekkers who can’t get enough of nature and adrenaline – shall we start planning your next vacation?
PlanetaEXO connects you with the finest professionals and most comfortable accommodations all around the country. Contact our team and create once in a lifetime experiences with us!
