Long-Distance Hiking Trails of Brazil – Hiking in the Network of Nature Reserves

A long-distance hiking trail or trekking trail is a supra-regional route for long-distance hiking and trekking tours. The word trekking comes from Afrikaans, where the verb "trekken" means "to walk", and from a time when walking involved physical endurance. Long-distance hiking trails are generally characterized by the fact that they lead through different regions and can usually only be mastered in several daily stages. They are often marked and signposted throughout and usually use regional trails as sections.
If you want to experience a special adventure, you should try one of the many long-distance hiking trails in Brazil, especially in the nature reserves, during your Brazilian vacation!

In the state of Rio de Janeiro is located, according to many, the most beautiful long-distance hiking trail in Brazil. Between the cities of Petrópolis and Teresópolis, we penetrate deeper into the Serra dos Órgãos National Park, which takes its name from the shape of its mountain peaks, which look like organ pipes. The area is dotted with waterfalls such as "Véu da Noiva", the "Bridal Veil", and the peak "Pedra do Sino", the "Bell Rock", which is the highest point at nearly 7,463 feet above sea level. After spending the night in a traditional mountain hut or tent camp, you will have the opportunity to witness the spectacular sunrise at the top of Pedra do Sino. On the gentle descent to Teresópolis, you will be able to admire the Atlantic Rainforest in its different vegetation forms. You will cross high fields and a dense and protected forest with rich fauna and flora, waterfalls, and caves.

Located in the state of Maranhão, on the northeast coast of Brazil, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a natural wonder of dunes and lagoons. A unique landscape of sand and blue and green water with a perimeter of nearly 580 square miles, stretching from the coast to deep inland. The fine white sand marks the paradisiacal path through the nature reserve of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. The freshwater lagoons between the dunes form a unique scenario in the world, and it is impossible not to be thrilled when you reach the top of the landscape and realize the immensity of the Lençóis Maranhenses. To get to know the main attractions of the nature reserve, you will need four to five days of travel when hiking this long-distance trail.

The traveler's gaze gets lost in the immensity of the landscape of Chapada dos Veadeiros. The power of the waterfalls and gorges provides visitors with invigorating energy baths.
The region, which includes eight inland municipalities of Goiás, offers the city of Alto Paraíso de Goiás, the village of São Jorge, and Cavalcante as its main tourist attractions. Most of the area's attractions are concentrated in these three places, including Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park and spectacular waterfalls such as Santa Bárbara Waterfall, which has become famous for its Caribbean blue waters. The intense beauty of the Cerrado is enhanced by the golden sun that colors the late afternoons in this region. On days when you tackle one of the long-distance hiking trails in this nature reserve, there will be no shortage of opportunities for swimming. In order to get to know the main waterfalls and attractions of Chapada dos Veadeiros, you should quietly spend four days here.

Camping on a mountain top is one of the most moving experiences in life. In Brazil, one of the best places to do this is on the 6,102-feet Caratuva peak, an icon in the state of Paraná. The long-distance hiking trail leads first over Getúlio Hill and then along the Conquista Trail to the summit. The summit of Caratuva offers a perfect view of the 6,158-feet Paraná, the highest mountain in the southern Brazilian state of Paraná. Be sure to enjoy the sunrise and sunset while hiking along this long-distance trail!

"Ilhabela", the "Beautiful Island", is a paradise near São Paulo that you can reach by ferry. It is a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean where you can discover two of the most famous beaches in Brazil: Castelhanos and Bonete. This long-distance hiking trail connects the two beaches. From the town of Ilhabela, after a hike through the vegetation and waterfalls of the Federal Park, we reach the coast where the two beaches meet. São Sebastião Island is a Brazilian island located on the Atlantic coast of the state of São Paulo. It is the main island of the municipality of Ilhabela, in the Caraguatatuba region, known for its seaside resorts and sailboats. If you like hiking near water and beaches, you should definitely try this long-distance hiking trail in Brazil!

Located on the border between the states of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro, Itatiaia National Park has become known as Brazil's first national park. The wild landscape invites to an exciting hike to the "Pico das Agulhas Negras", the "Peak of the Black Needles", at 9,157 feet of altitude. This is a real adventure that does not require safety equipment such as rope and harness. Agulhas Negras is the fifth highest mountain in Brazil and the right destination for those who love hiking and trekking. The name comes from the channels formed by volcanic activity, which from a distance look like needles.

There would be many more long-distance trails to describe, but this list serves as a "best-of" for those who are planning a Brazil trip of a special kind and enjoy hiking in nature. One of these long-distance trails should be a must for anyone who wants to experience Brazil's nature reserves up close. Be sure to try it out!

Sources: guia.melhoresdestinos.com.br, www.caxambu.tv.br, www.icmbio.gov.br, www.wikiloc.com