Brazil is a country of the most incredible mountains and trails, which are inviting for those who are in quest of inhaling the tranquility of unspoiled nature. The country is bordered by the Amazon Basin in the north and Iguaçu Falls in the south. It has around 4,650 miles of coastline and an abundance of lovely tropical beaches.
Backpackers can have a great hiking trip abiding some standards of the country and knowing the access restrictions. It is to a kind note that these regulations are only for the safety of both hikers and locals. If you are first time hiker to Brazil, it is recommended to check out those regulations first and then take guided trekking tours offered by popular agencies. Below are some hiking gems in Brazil that include national parks, mountains, and waterfalls. Take a few things for climbing like karabiners, rope, and duct tape.
Itatiaia National Park
It is popularly known as the first national park of the country. It is situated near São Paulo and it is separated as Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. Geographically, its landscape is divided into the plains and plateaus. The most important summits are Maciço das Prateleiras (Shelves Massif) and Pico das Agulhas Negras. Shelves Massif is the gateway that leads to two trails to the summit, escarpments, rock formations, and caves. Pico das Agulhas Negras is the highest mountain in Itatiatia. From here, you may easily access to Paraiba do Sul RIver Valley, Pedra da Mina, and Bocaina. Stay for some time glaring at Poranga, Cachoeira, and Moramba Waterfalls.
The Atlantic Rainforest Discovery Coast
It is an UNESCO certified biodiversity site that shows the remnants of the Atlantic rainforests and has eight protected areas. It is located between the states Bahia and Espírito Santo. It has innumerable species of plants and animals that form an integral part of the ecosystem. While trekking, explore the shrub vegetation; three geomorphologic areas that present magma outcrops, plateaus and tabular hills, and river and sea deposits; three national parks, such as Descobrimento, Monte Pascoal, and Pau Brasil; the federation reserves Sooretama and Una; and the three unique reserves Veracruz, Pau Brasil, and Linhares. It is noteworthy pointing that evolution of biodiversity has been entailed from the amalgamation of endemic species of the Atlantic Forest with those of the Amazon ecosystem.
The Amazon River
Start from Manaus to go deep into the world’s largest rainforest Amazon Forest, which has a total area of about 2 million square miles. To the east of Manuas flow the Negro and Solimões Rivers and to the west flows the Amazon River. Head to Anavilhanas National Park on the Negro River, which is one of the largest river archipelagos in the world. Wild animals like tapirs, otters, sloths, alligators, and wild bears may be seen in the Bariaú Trail and large trees in the Barro Branco Trail. Visit the largest mountain of Brazil Pico da Neblina during the trip to the Amazon Forest. Endemic species of plants and animals, stretches of flora, canyons, and valleys here will be a breathtaking experience. While trekking in the Amazon Forest, you may canoe in the calm Amazon waters, stay in a thatched house, explore fiendish tarantulas and jaguars, and dine under huts.
Chapada Diamantina
This idyllic national park has stunning blue lagoons, steep georges, grottoes, and red rock formations. You will be awe-inspired to see the flat top cliffs throughout the journey. The park is easily accessed from the bustling city of Lencois. Some striking waterfalls are Fumaça, Gruta da lapa Doce, Gruta da Pratinha, and Morro de Pai Inacio. Enjoy the zipline to Gruta da Pratinha, filled with buoyancy of lush vegetation. Have halts to some pools ideal for splashing and swimming like Poco Encantando along the trails. Caves and the reflective azure waters of the pools are fascinating. The Devil’s Pool Waterfall, half an hour from Lencois, is probably the first or last destination to head because of it being the starting point to Chapada.
Iguaçu Falls
It is at the borders between Argentina and Brazil, which has around 375 falls flowing with high intensity. You may google at the falls from an observation bridge known as “Devil’s Throat” and go for canoeing.