Where can you find the most beautiful hikes in Brazil?

Brazil is home to some stunning landscapes, offering a variety of breathtaking hikes across its vast and diverse geography. From tropical rainforests to mountain ranges, there are numerous hiking destinations for nature lovers.

1. Chapada Diamantina National Park (Bahia)

• Why it's special: Known for its dramatic plateaus, waterfalls, caves, and canyons, Chapada Diamantina is often referred to as a hiker’s paradise. The park offers diverse trails, ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks.
• Top hikes:
• Fumaça Waterfall: One of the tallest waterfalls in Brazil, cascading 340 meters. The hike offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and takes about 6 hours round-trip.
• Vale do Pati: This is a multi-day trek (3-5 days) through lush valleys, rivers, and caves, considered one of the most beautiful long-distance hikes in Brazil.

2. Pico da Bandeira (Espírito Santo/Minas Gerais)

• Why it's special: Pico da Bandeira is the third-highest mountain in Brazil, located in the Caparaó National Park on the border between the states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais. The views from the summit at 2,892 meters are breathtaking, and on clear days, you can see for miles in all directions.
• Top hike: The trek to the summit can be done from either side of the park, with the Minas Gerais route being more popular. The hike takes around 6 to 8 hours round-trip, and many hikers start in the early hours to catch the sunrise from the peak.

3. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Maranhão)

• Why it's special: Known for its surreal landscape of vast white sand dunes interspersed with turquoise lagoons, Lençóis Maranhenses offers a one-of-a-kind hiking experience. The lagoons fill up during the rainy season (June to September), creating a magical desert-oasis environment.
• Top hike: The trek through the dunes to Lagoa Bonita is a popular day hike, but for a more immersive experience, a multi-day trek from Santo Amaro to Atins will take you deeper into this otherworldly environment.

4. Pedra da Gávea (Rio de Janeiro)

• Why it's special: For those in Rio de Janeiro looking for a challenging day hike with epic city views, Pedra da Gávea is a must. This massive monolith is one of the tallest coastal cliffs in the world, offering stunning vistas over the city, the ocean, and nearby mountains.
• Top hike: The hike to the summit is steep and includes a section of light rock climbing near the top. The entire hike takes about 6-7 hours round-trip, and the reward is one of the best views of Rio de Janeiro.

5. Ilha Grande (Rio de Janeiro State)

• Why it's special: Ilha Grande, an island off the coast of Rio, is famous for its unspoiled beaches, lush forests, and secluded coves. It’s a popular destination for both beach lovers and hikers. The island is car-free, so hiking is the best way to explore its natural beauty.
• Top hikes:
• Pico do Papagaio: A challenging 6-hour hike to the summit, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the island and the Atlantic Ocean.
• Lopes Mendes Beach: A relatively easy 2-3 hour hike through tropical forest that leads to one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, Lopes Mendes.

6. Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (Goiás)

• Why it's special: Chapada dos Veadeiros is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its dramatic landscapes, including waterfalls, canyons, and plateaus. The region is rich in biodiversity and offers some of the most scenic hikes in Brazil.
• Top hikes:
• Canyon and Cariocas Waterfalls: A 12 km round-trip hike that takes you through striking rock formations and beautiful waterfalls.
• Almécegas Waterfalls: A shorter 4 km hike to one of the park's most stunning waterfalls, great for swimming and relaxation after the hike.

7. Serra dos Órgãos National Park (Rio de Janeiro State)

• Why it's special: Located about an hour from Rio de Janeiro, this park is famous for its rugged mountains and towering granite peaks that resemble organ pipes. The park offers both short and multi-day hikes through the Atlantic Forest.
• Top hikes:
• Pedra do Sino: This is the park’s highest peak, and the two-day hike offers incredible views of the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range and surrounding areas.
• Traversia Petrópolis-Teresópolis: One of the most famous long-distance hikes in Brazil, this 30 km trek (2-3 days) connects the cities of Petrópolis and Teresópolis and takes hikers through stunning ridgelines, cloud forests, and waterfalls.

8. Monte Roraima (Roraima State)

• Why it's special: Monte Roraima, located at the triple border between Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana, is one of the most mysterious and awe-inspiring hiking destinations in South America. This flat-topped mountain, or tepui, rises dramatically from the surrounding jungle and is often shrouded in clouds.
• Top hike: The trek to Monte Roraima is a multi-day expedition (6-8 days) that begins in Venezuela. The hike includes steep climbs, river crossings, and incredible views from the summit, which is known for its unique rock formations, endemic plants, and ethereal atmosphere.

9. Serra da Mantiqueira (Minas Gerais/São Paulo/Rio de Janeiro)

• Why it's special: The Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range spans three states and is known for its cool climate, pine forests, and stunning views. This area is popular for hiking, especially for those seeking a retreat from the bustling cities.
• Top hikes:
• Pico das Agulhas Negras: Located in Itatiaia National Park, this is the fifth-highest peak in Brazil at 2,791 meters. The hike is challenging, with some sections requiring light rock climbing.
• Pico do Itapeva: A more accessible hike with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, perfect for a day trip.

10. Serra do Cipó National Park (Minas Gerais)

• Why it's special: Serra do Cipó offers a range of trails through unique landscapes, including waterfalls, caves, and high-altitude grasslands. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, particularly its bird species and rare plants.
• Top hike: The hike to Cachoeira do Tabuleiro, Brazil’s third-highest waterfall, is one of the most rewarding in the region, with a 273-meter cascade surrounded by stunning cliffs and vegetation.

Brazil’s diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities for hiking, whether you’re looking for tropical rainforests, mountainous adventures, or unique desert landscapes. Each region offers its own unique beauty and challenges, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.