Come Check Out Brazil's Natural Beauty: Top 22 Hiking Trails

Brazil has some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in Latin America! Whether you're an avid hiker or a nature enthusiast, these Brazil hiking trails promise adventure and awe-inspiring views! Other popular hiking destinations include Nicaragua, Mexico, and most of the USA.

We at Competitours know a thing or two about planning a trip abroad, including amazing mystery trips!  Without further ado, below are the top 20 hiking trails in Brazil that should be on every outdoor lover's bucket list:

Brazil's Top 22 Hiking Trails

1. Pedra da Gávea Trail – Rio de Janeiro

A bucket-list hike for thrill-seekers, Pedra da Gávea towers over Rio at nearly 850 meters. The final stretch involves a bit of scrambling—but the 360° views of the city, beaches, and rainforest make it unforgettable.

2. Pati Valley – Chapada Diamantina

Tucked deep in Bahia’s wild heart, the multi-day Pati Valley trek takes you through canyons, waterfalls, and remote mountain villages. It’s an immersive adventure into one of Brazil’s most captivating national parks.

3. Agulhas Negras – Serra dos Órgãos

For serious climbers and weekend warriors alike, this trail in the Serra dos Órgãos range is pure granite drama. Steep ascents, jagged peaks, and lush valleys create a stunning contrast just hours from Rio.

4. Pico da Bandeira – Espírito Santo/Minas Gerais

Brazil’s third-highest peak is surprisingly accessible. Camp near the summit and catch sunrise above the clouds—this sacred spot sits on the border of two states and delivers jaw-dropping tranquility.

5. Itatiaia National Park – Agulhas Negras Trail

Brazil’s first national park offers alpine-like hiking amid tropical biodiversity. The trail to Agulhas Negras Peak is steep and rocky but rewards with expansive views and a high-altitude experience rare in Brazil.

6. Lençóis Maranhenses – Barreirinhas

Hiking across sand dunes filled with crystal lagoons feels like walking on another planet. The trail across this surreal desert-meets-oasis landscape is best tackled from June to August when the rain-fed pools are at their peak.

7. Trilha do Ouro (Gold Trail) – Paraty to Cunha

Step back in time on this historic path once used to transport gold. The preserved cobblestone route winds through rainforest and past waterfalls, offering a perfect mix of culture and nature.

8. Serra da Capivara – Piauí

More than just a hike—this is a journey through prehistoric time. The trails here pass ancient rock art sites, red cliffs, and open savanna, making it Brazil’s most archaeologically rich trekking experience.

9. Atalaia Trail – Fernando de Noronha

This protected trail limits daily hikers, keeping its beaches and marine life pristine. Snorkel with sea turtles and walk past volcanic cliffs—all while gazing at one of Brazil’s most beautiful coastlines.

10. Monte Roraima – Roraima State

An expedition-level trek to the top of this “lost world” tepui takes you across three countries. Strange rock formations, rare plants, and clouds rolling across a tabletop summit make this a dream for the truly adventurous.

11. Pico do Papagaio – Ilha Grande

A steep but scenic climb to one of Ilha Grande’s highest points, this trail winds through thick Atlantic Forest before opening up to surreal views of rainforest, sea, and distant mountain peaks.

12. Itaimbezinho Canyon – Aparados da Serra

Easy-to-access rim trails offer huge scenic payoffs. With waterfalls cascading into the abyss and cliffs blanketed in mist, Itaimbezinho feels like Brazil’s answer to Yosemite—without the crowds.

13. Vale do Matutu – Aiuruoca

This tranquil mountain valley in Minas Gerais is home to gentle trails, spiritual retreats, and ice-cold waterfalls. Perfect for hikers who want beauty without the bustle.

14. Cachoeira do Tabuleiro – Serra do Cipó

Hike to Brazil’s third-tallest waterfall through savanna, rivers, and rocky outcrops. The dramatic drop of Tabuleiro is matched only by the dramatic trail views along the way.

15. Caverna do Diabo Trail – PETAR

This southern São Paulo park is known for caves, rivers, and jungle hikes. The Devil’s Cave trail brings you through subterranean wonders and then out into one of Brazil’s best-preserved forests.

16. Vale do Catimbau – Pernambuco

Underrated and otherworldly, this semi-arid region boasts sandstone towers, ancient rock carvings, and wide-open skies. Hikes here are quiet, wild, and filled with geological drama.

17. Trilha Transcarioca – Rio de Janeiro

This 180-km long-distance trail connects Rio’s urban jungle to its natural one. Hike through Tijuca Forest, climb to iconic viewpoints, and experience a side of Rio most visitors never see.

18. Caminho do Itupava – Paraná

Walk the 17th-century stone path through lush Atlantic Forest from Curitiba to the colonial town of Morretes. Rich in history and rainforest ambience, this trail is great for a moderate day hike with major vibes.

19. Mirante do Gavião – Jalapão

Jalapão is a frontier for nature lovers, and this hike to the “Hawk’s Lookout” delivers golden hour magic over dunes, plateaus, and buriti palm groves. You’ll feel like the only person on Earth.

20. Pico Paraná – Paraná

At 1,877 meters, this is the highest peak in southern Brazil—and a badge of honor for serious hikers. Rugged, remote, and often mist-covered, this trail is both mentally and physically demanding.

21. Serra do Cipó National Park – Minas Gerais

Serra do Cipó is a spectacular national park known for its unique combination of rocky landscapes, waterfalls, and biodiversity hotspots in the Brazilian Cerrado biome. Hiking here offers routes of varying difficulty, from easy walks to challenging climbs over granite peaks. 

Trails like the Circuito da Cachoeira feature multiple waterfalls, natural pools perfect for swimming, and abundant endemic plants and animals. The park is also a hotspot for birdwatchers, with species such as the Brazilian merganser and the Hyacinth macaw. Serra do Cipó’s rugged terrain and stunning scenery make it a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

22. Chapada Diamantina – Vale do Pati Trek

Considered one of Brazil’s best multi-day treks, the Vale do Pati in Chapada Diamantina National Park is often called the “most beautiful trek in Brazil.” The trail winds through deep valleys, past crystal-clear rivers, hidden waterfalls, and vast plateaus. Hikers experience diverse ecosystems ranging from cerrado vegetation to lush Atlantic rainforest patches. 

Along the way, small traditional villages provide a glimpse into local culture and hospitality!!

The trek is moderately challenging and typically takes 3 to 4 days to complete, culminating at Mirante da Fumaça, a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the iconic Fumaça Waterfall—one of Brazil’s tallest waterfalls. This trail offers an unforgettable combination of natural beauty, physical challenge, and cultural immersion.