Brazil is South America's largest country, offering stunning biodiversity from the Amazon rainforest to iconic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema. Experience vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, spectacular waterfalls at Iguazu, and the rhythm of samba in Rio de Janeiro.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Trilha do Morro Dois Irmãos
The hike to the twin peaks (Dois Irmãos) above Ipanema Beach passes through the Vidigal community and offers one of Rio's most spectacular viewpoints. The summit overlooks Ipanema, Leblon, and Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon.
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2
Pedra do Sino - Serra dos Órgãos
The summit of Pedra do Sino (Bell Rock) is the highest peak in Serra dos Órgãos National Park and one of the finest mountain hikes near Rio. The trail passes through cloud forest, open rock faces, and offers extraordinary Atlantic Forest biodiversity.
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3
Travessia Petrópolis-Teresópolis
Brazil's most famous multi-day trekking route traverses the dramatic granite peaks of Serra dos Órgãos between Petrópolis and Teresópolis. Passing beneath Dedo de Deus (God's Finger) rock tower and through high-altitude Atlantic Forest, it's a Brazilian trekking classic.
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4
Caminhos do Mar - Santos to São Paulo
The historic colonial road built in 1791 connecting the port of Santos to São Paulo passes through Atlantic Forest with waterfalls, colonial stone bridges, and native wildlife. Section from Paranapiacaba to Santo André is most accessible.
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5
Vale do Pati - Chapada Diamantina
The Vale do Pati loop through Chapada Diamantina is considered Brazil's premier trekking experience. The valley of subsistence farms, waterfalls, and dramatic plateau landscapes sees only foot traffic, requiring camping and local guide support.
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6
Pico das Agulhas Negras
Agulhas Negras (Black Needles) is the highest accessible summit in the Mantiqueira Range and one of Brazil's most rewarding alpine hikes. The upper approach crosses exposed quartzite rock above the treeline with views of the Serra da Mantiqueira.
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7
Circuito das Cachoeiras - Bonito
Bonito's iconic crystal-clear rivers and waterfalls are accessible via easy walks through cerrado (savanna) and gallery forest. The Buraco das Araras sinkhole and Rio da Prata snorkel trail are highlights of the region's remarkable water clarity.
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8
Cânion Fortaleza - Aparados da Serra
The Fortaleza Canyon in Aparados da Serra National Park is one of Brazil's most dramatic geological features with 900m walls dropping to the sea. The rim trail offers vertiginous views, and the full canyon descent requires a guide.
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9
Trilha do Corcovado via Floresta da Tijuca
The on-foot approach to Christ the Redeemer through Tijuca National Forest offers a rewarding alternative to the cog train. The urban forest trail passes waterfalls, native wildlife, and historic water reservoirs before arriving at the summit.
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10
Cânion do Rio Peruaçu
This remote limestone canyon system in northern Minas Gerais contains rock art up to 8,000 years old and cathedral-sized cave chambers. The canyon walls are draped with ferns and hidden waterfalls, accessible only with licensed guides.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Brazil.
- Spring
- September to November brings mild temperatures and the end of the dry season in Southern and Southeast Brazil. Atlantic Forest trails are at their greenest after winter, and wildlife is active. Excellent for mountain hiking before summer rains.
- Summer
- December to March is hot and rainy in Southeast Brazil, with afternoon thunderstorms common in mountain areas. Northeast and Amazon hikes are drier during these months. Waterfalls are spectacular but trails can be slippery.
- Fall
- April to June is the ideal hiking season in Southeast Brazil with clear skies, cooler temperatures, and lower humidity. Chapada Diamantina and Serra dos Órgãos are at their best. Northeast Brazil begins rains.
- Winter
- June to August is dry season in Southeast and Midwest Brazil with cool, stable conditions perfect for mountain hiking. Pantanal trails are excellent during dry season. Amazon hiking is better in this period.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Venomous snakes including the lancehead pit viper (Bothrops) are present in all Brazilian ecosystems - wear closed shoes and watch where you step, especially in leaf litter
Hazard: Afternoon thunderstorms develop rapidly in mountain areas between November and March - plan hikes to summit by midday
Hazard: Sun intensity at tropical latitudes is extreme - use SPF 50+, hat, and carry 3+ liters of water per person
Hazard: Ticks and chiggers (bicho de pé) are present in grassland and forest edges - check skin after hikes and treat with tick repellent
Hazard: Trail markings are inconsistent in Brazil and GPS is recommended for longer routes - download offline maps before venturing into remote areas
Hazard: Flash floods in canyon areas can occur during heavy rain - always check forecasts before descending into canyons or river valleys