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—higher than destinations known for ecotourism like Nepal, Costa Rica, and New Zealand. The list also mentions the country’s attributes to justify the #1 placing: locals’ friendliness, great leisure opportunities, pleasant climate, and scenic views.
Ecological walks are among the favorite activities of any adventurer. The best hikes in Brazil offer breathtaking natural landscapes, including open fields, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, caves, and vast expanses of untouched vegetation.
As an ecotourism platform specializing in adventure tours in Brazil, PlanetaEXO knows all about the top trekking destinations for travelers who thirst for authentic connections with nature. See our list right below!
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 treks in the country.
Photo: Guillaume Leman
The trails cross breathtaking views, going through mountains, rock formations, caves, lookouts, rivers, and waterfalls. Swimming and bathing in Funil and Cachoeirão waterfalls are must-have activities for every traveler. Morro do Castelo, a 1280-meter-high cliff, is also a key highlight of a Chapada Diamantina hike.
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 type of experience you’re looking for, and how much you’re willing to walk.
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.
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During your hike through the white sand, you’ll come across stunning lagoons and interact with attentive locals who will make you feel right at home. On multi-day treks, visitors spend the night at the homes of residents who live within the national park, sleeping in hammocks and eating hot meals after the long journey.
The best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses is between May and September, when the lagoons are full, the sun is bright and the rain ceases. With the support of expert guides, it’s recommended that you stay at least 3 days to fully enjoy the experience.
👉 Explore the adventure: 3-day Lençóis Maranhenses Trek
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 destinations that every travel junkie should visit.
Photo: Carlos Perez Couto
Petrópolis and Teresópolis are two inland cities divided by Serra dos Órgãos National Park, one of the best places to hike in Brazil. Its massive set of trails reaches more than 200 kilometers, with options for every level of difficulty, suspended trails, and special access for disabled people.
Waterfalls (Véu da Noiva, Andorinhas), natural wells (Paraíso, Capela, Sossego, Ponte Velha, Preguiça), and mountains are all 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-meter-high peak 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.
@fernando.ilhagrande
Another highlight is Lopes Mendes Beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. Surfers love it, but so do 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 more thorough exploration.
👉 Read more: When is the Best Time to Visit Brazil?
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.
@roraimaadventures
The natural pools are one of the reasons why this is one of the best mountain hikes in South America. The clear waters are perfect for bathing, floating, and letting all your troubles be washed away.
Another unforgettable experience is visiting the Valley of Crystals, an area filled with white quartz that shimmers on the ground. 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.
👉 Explore the adventure: Mount Roraima Trek 8 days
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.
@bernardoespinhaco
With trails that range from 7 to 26 kilometers, this is also one of the most challenging treks in the country. The Pico dos Três Estados trail, for example, is located on the border of the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro. This specific tour takes 3–4 days.
Such a demanding adventure requires great physicality. Hikers tend to prepare themselves for months before going to Serra Fina, making sure to eat well, improve their physical fitness, and do 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 sweeter.
👉 Explore the adventure: 4-day Serra Fina Trekking
7 – Chapada dos Veadeiros (GO)
Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, in Goiás, offers some of the greatest experiences for trekking 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.
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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 lasts 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.
👉 Read more: Trekking Chapada dos Veadeiros
8 – Pico da Neblina (AM)
Pico da Neblina, in the state of Amazonas, is the highest peak of Brazil: 2,995 meters above sea level. To get to the very top, trekkers usually spend up to 15 days in the national park, depending on the group’s rhythm.
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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 the local culture. This tour demands great physical effort, but if you love adventure, then it’ll definitely be worth your while.
The journey also requires special permits and expert guides due to its location in Yanomami Indigenous lands.
👉 Explore the adventure: Pico da Neblina National Park Expedition
Discover the best hikes in Brazil with PlanetaEXO!
There’s no doubt that Brazil is one of the best places for hiking. Whether in white sand fields or mountainous regions that share space with waterfalls and natural pools, the adventure is always unforgettable.
PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in adventure tours in Brazil, connects you with the finest local operators to ensure an authentic, sustainable trip in some of the country’s most gorgeous nature destinations. Contact us now!
