Aparados da Serra National Park Voyage Tips and guide

Aparados da Serra National Park is in Region of Country.

The park sits on the border between Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, forming part of a dramatic escarpment where the southern Brazilian plateau drops sharply toward the coastal plain. Unlike rainforest national parks, this is a landscape of vast open canyon rims, grasslands, and forested valleys, with viewpoints rather than long-distance trekking routes as the main attraction.

The landscape was formed by massive volcanic lava flows more than 130 million years ago during the breakup of Gondwana. Over time, erosion by rivers carved deep canyons into the basalt plateau, creating formations such as Itaimbezinho and Fortaleza Canyon. The park was later established as a protected area to preserve these unique geological features and surrounding ecosystems.

The defining feature is the immense escarpment system, with vertical basalt cliffs dropping hundreds of meters into narrow forested canyons. Major formations include Itaimbezinho Canyon and Fortaleza Canyon, both characterised by long, straight cliff lines and sheer drops. The upper plateau consists of rolling grasslands, while canyon floors are densely forested with rivers and waterfalls.

Vegetation changes dramatically with altitude. The plateau supports grassland and araucaria pine forests, while the canyon interiors contain humid Atlantic Forest species. Wildlife includes capuchin monkeys, coatis, armadillos, and a variety of bird species such as hawks and toucans. The steep terrain and relatively intact habitat make the area important for conservation of southern Brazilian biodiversity.

The park has a temperate subtropical climate, with cool winters and mild summers. Fog is common along the canyon rims, especially in the mornings and during seasonal weather changes, sometimes reducing visibility at viewpoints. Rain can occur year-round, and conditions on exposed cliff edges can become windy and cold even in summer due to elevation.

The main gateways are:

• Cambará do Sul – The principal access town for Itaimbezinho Canyon. Reached from Porto Alegre in about 4–5 hours by road (RS-020 via Taquara or Serra roads). From Cambará, the park entrance is a short drive along gravel roads.
• Praia Grande (Santa Catarina) – Access to the southern canyon rims, reached via BR-101 from either Porto Alegre or Florianópolis. Roads climb steeply from the coastal plain up to the plateau.

Public transport is limited. Regular intercity buses run from Porto Alegre to Cambará do Sul, but onward access to canyon entrances usually requires taxi or tour transfer.

The park’s signature attraction, with two main rim trails:

• Trilha do Vértice – Short walk to multiple viewpoints over the canyon.
• Trilha do Cotovelo – Longer path along the canyon edge with wide panoramic views.

Both trails are relatively easy but exposed, focusing on viewing platforms rather than hiking difficulty.

Located on the Santa Catarina side, offering even broader views, with cliffs stretching toward the Atlantic lowlands on clear days. Access is similarly via short trails and viewpoints.