1. Pedra da Gavea
- Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Starting point: Parque Nacional da Tijuca
- End point: Pedra da Gavea summit
- Time needed: 5-7 hours.
- Distance and Type: 8 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Difficult
- When to Hike: Best to hike during the dry season (May to September).
- Where to Stay: Rio de Janeiro has many options for accommodation, including hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals.
Pedra da Gavea is a challenging hike that offers stunning views of Rio de Janeiro and the Atlantic Ocean. The trail is steep and rocky and includes a section of exposed rock climbing. The trail starts at the entrance of Parque Nacional da Tijuca and follows a well-marked trail through the forest before reaching the rocky summit of Pedra da Gavea. The view from the top is well worth the effort, but hikers should be aware of the potential dangers and should take precautions to stay safe.
Crossfit gym: CrossFit Ipanema and here is the link to their instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crownipanema
2. Morro do Pai Inácio
- Where: Bahia, Brazil
- Starting point: Parking area at Morro do Pai Inácio
- End point: Summit of Morro do Pai Inácio
- Time needed: 1-2 hours.
- Distance and Type: 1.5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: Year-round, but best in dry season (June-October).
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby town of Lençóis, including hostels, guesthouses, and hotels.
The hike to the summit of Morro do Pai Inácio is a popular activity for visitors to Chapada Diamantina National Park. The trail is relatively easy, with some steep sections, and takes hikers through beautiful landscapes with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the park, including the famous Vale do Pati.
Crossfit gym: Crossfit Lençóis and here is the link to their instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossfitlp
3. Pico da Bandeira – Terreirão
- Where: Espirito Santo, Brazil
- Starting Point: Parking lot in the Terreirão area.
- End Point: Summit of Pico da Bandeira.
- Time Needed: 6-8 hours.
- Distance and Type: 12 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Difficult
- When to Hike: The best time to hike Pico da Bandeira is during the dry season, from May to September. However, it can be hiked year-round, although conditions can be more challenging during the rainy season.
- Where to Stay: There are camping areas near the trailhead and in the park, as well as nearby lodges and guesthouses.
The Pico da Bandeira trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that takes you to the highest peak in both Espirito Santo and Minas Gerais states. The trail starts at the parking lot in the Terreirão area and follows a steep incline through the beautiful Caparaó National Park. Along the way, you will pass through diverse ecosystems, including rainforest and savannah, and encounter stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The final section of the trail involves a scramble over boulders to reach the summit, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
4. Pico do Papagaio
- Where: Serra da Mantiqueira, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Starting point: Entrada do Maromba
- End point: Pico do Papagaio summit.
- Time needed: 5-7 hours.
- Distance and Type: 11 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to Hike: The best time to hike is during the dry season, from May to September, to avoid the rainy season and slippery trails.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations available in the nearby town of Visconde de Mauá, including guesthouses, hostels, and camping sites.
The trail starts at Entrada do Maromba and takes hikers through lush forests and streams, ascending steep slopes and rocky terrain towards the summit of Pico do Papagaio. The final climb to the summit requires some scrambling, but the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys make it all worthwhile. The hike is challenging but rewarding, and it’s one of the most popular hikes in the Serra da Mantiqueira region.
5. Trilha do Ouro
- Where: Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Starting Point: Ponte Branca
- End Point: Mambucaba
- Time Needed: 4-6 hours (depending on pace)
- Distance and Type: 11 kilometers point to point
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Best to hike during the dry season (May-September).
- Where to Stay: Paraty town has a range of accommodation options.
Trilha do Ouro (Gold Trail) is a historic trail that was used during the colonial era to transport gold and other valuable commodities. The trail passes through dense forest, rivers, and waterfalls, and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The trail can be quite challenging in some parts, with steep ascents and descents. Hikers are advised to wear appropriate footwear and carry plenty of water and snacks. The trail ends in Mambucaba, a small village with a beautiful beach and some restaurants.
6. Cachoeira da Fumaça
- Where: Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil
- Starting Point: Vale do Capão
- End Point: Cachoeira da Fumaça
- Time Needed: 6-8 hours.
- Distance and Type: 12 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Difficult
- When to Hike: The best time to hike is during the dry season from May to September when the waterfall is less powerful, and the weather is cooler.
- Where to Stay: Vale do Capão offers various accommodation options including guesthouses, hostels, and campsites.
Cachoeira da Fumaça is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Brazil, with a height of 340 meters. The hike starts from the Vale do Capão, a small village in the heart of Chapada Diamantina. The trail goes through the stunning landscape of the region, passing by rivers, waterfalls, and dense forests. The final destination is the breathtaking Cachoeira da Fumaça, where visitors can admire the stunning views and take a refreshing dip in the natural pools. The hike is challenging, with steep ascents and descents, but the scenery and experience make it worth it.
7. Morro Dois Irmãos
- Where: Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Starting Point: Praia do Boldró
- End Point: Morro Dois Irmãos summit
- Distance and Type: 2.5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- When to Hike: Year-round, although the dry season (September to March) is recommended for better weather conditions.
- Where to Stay: There are various accommodations options on the island, ranging from hostels to resorts.
The Morro Dois Irmãos hike offers stunning views of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago. The trail starts at Praia do Boldró and climbs up to the summit of Morro Dois Irmãos, which resembles two rock formations side by side. The ascent can be steep and rocky, but the views at the top make it well worth the effort. Along the way, hikers can also spot native wildlife such as iguanas and various bird species. It’s recommended to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and proper footwear.
8. Cânion do Itaimbezinho
- Where: Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Starting Point: Visitor Center of Aparados da Serra National Park
- End Point: Itaimbezinho Canyon
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 6 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: The best time to hike is during the dry season (May to October), when the weather is more stable, and the trails are easier to navigate.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in the nearby town of Cambará do Sul.
The Cânion do Itaimbezinho trail offers stunning views of one of the largest canyons in Brazil. The trail starts at the Visitor Center of Aparados da Serra National Park and follows a well-marked path through the forest before reaching the edge of the canyon. The canyon walls rise to 700 meters above the valley floor, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is moderately challenging, with some steep and rocky sections, but is well worth the effort for the stunning views.
9. Morro da Urca
- Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Starting Point: Praia Vermelha
- End Point: Morro da Urca
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours.
- Distance and Type: 1.5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to Hike: Year-round, but best to avoid during extreme heat or heavy rain.
- Where to Stay: Rio de Janeiro has a range of accommodation options, depending on your budget and preferences.
Morro da Urca is a popular tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro, located next to the famous Sugarloaf Mountain. The trail to the summit of Morro da Urca is short and relatively easy, offering stunning views of the city and Guanabara Bay along the way. The trail is well-maintained and marked, and there are also rest areas and viewpoints along the way. At the summit, there is a restaurant and souvenir shops, as well as a cable car that takes visitors to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.
10. Trilha da Lagoinha do Leste
- Where: Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- Starting Point: Pantano do Sul Beach
- End Point: Lagoinha do Leste Beach
- Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 7 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: The trail can be hiked year-round, but it’s best to avoid the rainy season from December to March.
- Where to Stay: There are plenty of accommodations in Florianopolis, including hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals. Some options near the trail include Pousada Pântano do Sul and Pousada dos Sonhos.
The Trilha da Lagoinha do Leste is a popular hiking trail in Santa Catarina, known for its scenic views and secluded beach. The trail begins at Pantano do Sul Beach and winds through lush forests and hillsides before reaching the pristine Lagoinha do Leste Beach. Along the way, hikers will encounter waterfalls, streams, and diverse wildlife, including capuchin monkeys and toucans. The trail is moderately difficult, with some steep and rocky sections, but the stunning views of the beach and surrounding hillsides make it well worth the effort.
