National park · Brazil
Aparados da Serra National ParkParque Nacional dos Aparados da Serra
Enter Aparados da Serra National Park for a short canyon walk (Trilha do Vértice) for under 2 h, or a longer rim hike (Trilha do Cotovelo) of 3–4 h; go in spring or autumn to avoid fog and cold winter mornings.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
120 km² (46 sq mi)46 sq mi (120 km²)
approximate
Established
2005
Best months
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Brazil ↗US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa (about US$81 — check) applied for online at the official VFS portal before travel; EU and UK citizens do not. Check your passport with Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before booking.
- Brazil ↗Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many areas, including the Amazon and Pantanal; check with a travel clinic at least 10 days before travel.
- Brazil ↗Keep your phone out of sight in the street and on beaches; phone theft is the most common crime against visitors in big cities.
- Brazil ↗Carnival 2027 runs about 5–10 February (Tuesday 9 February; Salvador from 4 February): book Rio, Salvador and Recife/Olinda months ahead or avoid those dates.
At a glance
- Country
- Brazil
- Area
- 120 km² (46 sq mi)46 sq mi (120 km²)
- Park covers roughly 120 km² of basalt cliffs, canyons and plateau grasslands (official figure from park management).
- Established
- 2005
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Aparados da Serra National Park protects dramatic escarpments where the southern Brazilian plateau drops into deep canyons, featuring the iconic Itaimbezinho and Fortaleza canyons with basalt cliffs, grassland plateaus and Atlantic‑forest valleys, offering panoramic rim walks and diverse wildlife.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2005.
Size and age
120 km² (46 sq mi)46 sq mi (120 km²) · national park since 2005
Park covers roughly 120 km² of basalt cliffs, canyons and plateau grasslands (official figure from park management).
Why go
- View dramatic basalt cliffs and deep canyons from well‑maintained rim trails.
- See the Itaimbezinho and Fortaleza canyons, iconic for their sheer drops and panoramic outlooks.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecAvoid
- JanCold, frequent fog reduces visibility.
- FebCold, foggy mornings.
- MarMild, clearer skies.
- AprSpring, good weather, fewer crowds.
- MayWarm days, low rain.
- JunCool, occasional rain, fog possible.
- JulCoolest month, fog common.
- AugCool, fog and rain.
- SepEarly autumn, clear views.
- OctAutumn, pleasant temperatures.
- NovMild, occasional rain.
- DecCold, foggy.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capuchin monkeys, coatis, armadillosAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Birds such as hawks and toucansAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Itaimbezinho Canyon – Trilha do Vértice | Short loop to multiple viewpoints over the canyon. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Itaimbezinho Canyon – Trilha do Cotovelo | Longer rim trail with panoramic views. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Fortaleza Canyon | Viewpoints on the Santa Catarina side. | Open with entry ticket. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
4 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate for main gate and viewpoints; based on park maps.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (per person) | BRL 30 (≈ US$6) | person | 2026 estimate (check official source). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Pets
- Dogs allowed only on leashes in designated areas.
- Camping
- Not permitted inside the park; use nearby towns for accommodation.
- Fires
- Open fires prohibited; use camp stoves in authorized sites.
Where to stay
Near the park
Cambará do Sul
Guesthouses and small hotels 15 km (9.3 mi) from park entrance.Guesthouses and small hotels 9.3 mi (15 km) from park entrance.
Near the park
Praia Grande (SC)
Lodges and pousadas on the coastal side, 20 km (12 mi) from southern rim.Lodges and pousadas on the coastal side, 12 mi (20 km) from southern rim.
Safety
Fog and reduced visibility low
Steep, exposed cliffs medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Main viewpoint trails have short, level sections; however steep drops limit wheelchair access.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked trails to protect fragile basalt vegetation.
- Take waste with you; no littering.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Aparados da Serra National Park?
The entry fee is about R$30 per person (2026 estimate; verify at the gate).
What are the best hikes in Aparados da Serra National Park?
Trilha do Vértice (1–2 h, easy) for quick views, and Trilha do Cotovelo (3–4 h, moderate) for extended rim scenery.
When is the best time to visit Aparados da Serra National Park?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer clear views and mild weather.
Can I camp inside the park?
No, camping is not allowed; stay in nearby towns.
Is the park accessible from Porto Alegre by public transport?
Yes, regular buses reach Cambará do Sul; a taxi or tour transfer completes the short drive to the park entrance.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Aparados da Serra National Park
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