Brazil: 10 canyons and peaks to venture into nature – 06/07/2023 – Tourism

With peaks that rise almost three kilometers above sea level and canyons that reach 700 m in height, Brazil is a paradise for those who want to explore these formations of different landscapes, colors and beauties.

In the seventh chapter of the series of articles about one hundred unmissable places to visit in Brazil, the Sheet it lists peaks and canyons —from the most accessible to the most challenging— that invite you to an adventure in nature. See below.

Mount Roraima (RR)

In the extreme north of the country, on the triple border with Venezuela and Guyana, this gigantic plateau measuring 55 km² at an altitude of 2,734 m is the largest flat mountain in the world. The ascent takes place on the Venezuelan side, where a 4km long “ramp” helps overcome the approximately 1,000 meters between the base and the top of the mountain. The journey starts in the village of Paraitepuy, 105 km from Pacaraima (RR), lasts six days (round trip) and allows you to observe everything from trails full of bromeliads to unique rock formations with caves and natural pools.
Pacaraima is 213 km from Boa Vista, via BR-174

Pico da Neblina (AM)

The highest peak in Brazil is almost 3 km above sea level, on the border of the Amazon with Venezuela. Getting there is not simple at all: departing from São Gabriel da Cachoeira, on the Rio Negro, six hours of pure mud on the BR-307 and another six hours by voadeira (a type of speedboat) take you to the Yanomami village where the expeditions depart, that last for eight days in dense and often flooded forest. The adventure requires excellent physical fitness and costs around R$30,000, but the few who make it to the top report an ecstasy that they can’t wait to relive.
São Gabriel da Cachoeira is 850 km from Manaus and receives direct flights from the capital of Amazonas

Morro do Segredo (TO)

From this 250 meter high peak in the city of Lajeado, one can see one of the most beautiful views of the Tocantins River. The trail to the summit is relatively short (4 km), but getting there and back takes three to four hours and requires hiring a guide. From there, the sunrise and sunset are spectacular, but those who go at dawn face much milder temperatures.
Lajeado is 60 km from Palmas

Morro do Pai Inacio (BA)

The classic postcard of Chapada Diamantina, with the sunset illuminating the cliffs of Vale do Capão, is usually clicked from the top of this hill, one of the most sought after in the region. The trail is steep, but short: it is only 2 km, covered without a guide in just over 30 minutes.
The entrance to the trail is 25km from Barreiras and 27km from Lençóis, via BR-242; tickets at the gate for R$12

Bandeirinhas Canyon (MG)

The Serra do Cipó National Park, just 100 km from Belo Horizonte, was once called by Burle Marx the “garden of Brazil”. The rugged topography and the many springs form rivers that, when meeting canyons like the Bandeirinhas, form beautiful natural pools and waterfalls. A dirt road of 12 km connects the entrance of the park to this canyon, in a path that can be traveled on foot, by bicycle and even on horseback.
The entrance to the park is at km 94 of the MG-10 highway

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Pico da Bandeira (MG and ES)

The third highest mountain in Brazil, at 2,892 meters above sea level, is located in the Caparaó National Park, between Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo. Even steep and with the air already thin, the trails to the top of the peak are 4 km to 7 km depending on the access point. It is possible to make a day trip or to camp in the park by booking on the ICMBio website. The visit is most pleasant from April to October, when it almost doesn’t rain, but the almost negative temperatures demand suitable clothing.
The park is accessible by Alto Caparaó, 320 km from Belo Horizonte, or by Dores do Rio Preto, 250 km from Vitória

Pedra da Gávea (RJ)

Corcovado and Pão de Açúcar may even be the most emblematic peaks of the Rio de Janeiro landscape, but seeing them from the top of Pedra da Gávea, 844 meters above sea level —right down there —, is among the most dazzling experiences in the world. Rio de Janeiro. The trail there is about 3 km long, but it is quite steep, including sections that demand physical conditioning and a lot of attention, such as the dreaded Carrasqueira climb, a wall over 30 meters high.
The entrance to the trail is on Sorimã road, 936, in the Itanhangá neighborhood

Pedra do Baú (SP)

Of the various peaks of Serra da Mantiqueira, between São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, this formation, at 1,195 meters above sea level, is among the most accessible —at least for contemplation. Climbing it requires scheduling a visit, hiring a guide and using appropriate equipment. But from the Bauzinho and Ana Chata hills, which make up the Natural Monument of Pedra do Baú, it is possible to see all the grandeur of the star of the trio facing lighter trails, from 1.5 to 4 km long.
Access via the Baúzinho road, 22 km from the center of São Bento do Sapucaí

Funnel Canyon (SC)

A gorge about 300 meters high separates the viewpoint from the famous “inverted funnel”, which reaches 1,590 meters in altitude, forming a cinematographic landscape. As it is on private property, access to the trail costs BRL 60 per person, but the good news is that it is possible to drive almost to the viewpoint, walking just the last kilometer of the path.
Access via SC-390, 6 km southeast of Bom Jardim da Serra

Green Canyons (SC and RS)

Since 2021, the national parks of Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral, between Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, have been privatized and grouped under the nickname Cânions Verdes. It is there that some of the most beautiful canyons in the country are located, which have even been the setting for soap operas, such as Itaimbezinho, the largest in the country, and Cânion Fortaleza. As the three visitation areas are far from each other, the salty ticket (R$94) allows up to three accesses to the parks in a period of seven days.
Access to the Green Canyons is via Cambará do Sul (RS), 200 km from Porto Alegre, and Praia Grande, 130 km from Jaguaruna airport