Brazilian Canyons

The Brazilian Canyons Tour is a 7-day adventure and nature itinerary in the south of Brazil. This is a private guided tour, starting in Porto Alegre (POA) or in Florianopolis (FLN) and passing through the national parks in the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grade do Sul. If you are looking for hiking in a place with spectacular landscape – come this way! Visit the large canyons in Aparados da Serra national park, holding some of the most spectacular panoramic views in Brazil. The wide mountains form high edges and abysses, dropping sharply into deep canyons. Several waterfalls adorn the scenery, making it look quite surreal. Choose to hike the numerous trails, either on the top of the mountains or passing through the bottom of the gorges and canyons. At the bottom, there are crystal clear rivers and pools for swimming. Stay at an intimate mountain wooden lodge with a cozy homely atmosphere. The trip is a great choice for couples, groups of friends or active families with teenage children. Breakfast and dinner are included and snacks are packed of the road during hiking trips. You can start either in POA or FLN, and we will adjust the trip depending where you arrive. We can tailor this itinerary to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities.

8 Days – From £1,350 per person

*equivalent in USD, EUR accepted

Itinerary: Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina

Included

Price is per person, based on two people sharing in a double/twin room
Accommodation on Half Board: breakfast & dinner (more hotels HERE)
05 snack boxes during trekking for lunch
All the excursions mentioned in the itinerary
All transfers on a private basis
Entrance & guiding fees
All mandatory local taxes

Excluded

Visa, where applicable
International Flights (See Flights to Brazil)
Domestic Flights
Personal Expenses
Insurance
Tips & Gratuities
Balloon Ride is optional

Flights

International flights are not included in the package price. We give you the freedom to book the flights yourself, use miles and choose your preferred airline, and if you are stuck we can help you find the right connections. Return flights to Brazil start from £800 per person, depending on the connections and time of the year. The starting point is either Florianopolis Airport (FLN) or Porto Alegre Airport (POA) which are very well connected by flight to major Brazilian cities and alto to Buenos Aires.

For families and groups (starting with 5 pax), we can book domestic flights in Brazil, during the high season, and if the trip is part of a more complex itinerary. This is to ensure a seamless travel and no complications.

How to Book

Send us a message on WhatsApp (+44 7 308 449 233) or email us at brazil@boutiquetravelexperts.com to check availability, discuss your preferences and get a quote.

This is a sample itinerary and prices are correct at the time of writing. We can tailor it to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities. More days can be added. Other hotels can be chosen, according to your liking. You can also combine this trip with other sights in Brazil, like the cosmopolitan Rio de Janeiro, the exciting Amazon rainforest, the fascinating Pantanal or the beaches of Bahia. For more travel inspiration check these itineraries.

When to Visit

Best time to visit is from May to August, during winter time. It is rainy outside of this season.

To avoid unpleasant weather surprises, we recommend to check our Brazil Weather Guide to plan your trip in the right season. Click on the month you want to travel in and see the tours which are best for each month of the year.

Day 1 - Arrival in Praia Grande

Today you will be picked up at the airport, either in Porto Alegre (POA) or Florianópolis (FLN) and will be transferred to Praia Grande (3 hours) across a scenic road. Should you come from the side of Florianopolis, there is an optional detour to pass by the winding road of Serra do Rio do Rastro, which offers spectacular panoramic views. An early departure would be required in this case. After check-in at the charming mountain chalet you will have free time to discover the place and enjoy the views. Dinner is included. Overnight at Pedra Afiada Ecological Reserve or upgrade to Morada dos Canyons.

Day 2 - Malacara Canyon

Today trek in the rocky river of Malacara Canyon (4 km / 4 hours round trip /children above 5 y.o.). Cross rivers with rocky beds inside the canyon – a fun walk, offering beautiful views and stops for swimming in natural pools (in summer). Next, take a light guided walk, immersing yourself in the forest, focusing on bird-watching (3 hours). This is an amazing experience. Picnic during trail or lunch at the lodge is included. In the afternoon, take the self-guided trail from the lodge to Jaguar’s waterfall, exploring the lush Atlantic Forest. Refresh yourself in the natural swimming pool. Upon your return, try a relaxing sauna. Dinner included. Overnight at Pedra Afiada.

Day 3 - Itaimbezinho Canyon

Today visit the iconic Itaimbezinho Canyon from the top, with a beautiful panoramic view of the Aparados da Serra. Take a walk to the viewpoints of Cotovelo (3 km) and Vértice (1.5 km). Continue to the historic house Casa da Vó Maria. Stop for a snack in a small bar at the top of the canyon, where you can try the traditional empanadas (included). On your return, spend time at the viewpoints, including the wonderful waterfall located in Indios Coroados Canyon. A mix of good emotions comes from the view of this exuberant place. The round trip takes around 4-5 hours. Upon return to Praia Grande balance the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner included. Overnight at Pedra Afiada.

Day 4 - Fortaleza Canyon

Today walk on top of Serra Geral National Park, one of the largest canyons in Brazil, with wonderful viewpoints and giant waterfalls. Leaving Praia Grande, travel along a dirt road (60 km / 2 hours). Upon arrival at the canyon, follow the Borda Sul trail up to Mirante do Fortaleza. The 5km walk is not difficult and totally worth it. This is one of the most amazing canyons due to its size (30 km) and height (1200 m). Continue to Serra Quebra-Cangalho, Tigre-Preto waterfall and the 5m tall Segredo monolith for more beautiful views. From the top you can see the coast of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. Stop for a home-made lunch in Cambará do Sul. The trip takes around 7 to 8 hours in total. Dinner included. Overnight at Pedra Afiada.

Day 5 - Rio do Boi Trail

After breakfast you will have a full day of exiting trekking through Rio do Boi Trail, inside Itaimbezinho canyon, between very high walls. You will see the canyon from the bottom to the top. The trek takes about 6-8 hours going through natural pools, waterfalls and slides (14 km round trip). The walk goes partly through the forest and partly along the riverbed rocks. Depending on the volume of water, the height of the water can exceed knee height. This is a medium to high degree of difficulty trek. A good physical condition is required. The trail it not permitted to children under 12 years old. A packed snack is included. Upon return to the pousada, relax and prepare for a delicious dinner. Overnight at Pedra Afiada.

Day 6 - Borges Waterfall

Following a short safety briefing at the office, you will be taken to the balloon take-off location at dawn. Fly over Aparados da Serra Canyons valley, enjoying wonderful panoramic views. The flight duration is around 40-60 min. After landing, transfer back to the hotel for breakfast. Later, take a 40 min trail to the beautiful waterfalls of Mampituba, surrounded by the Atlantic Forest. Here, you can swim in the waterfall and the natural pools. Picnic box is included. Upon return to the lodge, spend the afternoon at leisure, relaxing in the hammocks, or discover the area by ATV, go canopy walking or cycling. Dinner is included. Overnight at Pedra Afiada.

Day 7 - Departure

What a wonderful connection to nature this week has been! Your departure is flexible and you can balance the morning and afternoon at leisure. Reflect on the past days and enjoys the views from your chalet. A transfer out to the airport of Florianopolis or Porto Alegre will be organized. Spend some days discovering the beautiful coast of Santa Catarina all the way up to Ilha do Mel in Parana. Then take a beautiful train journey across the Atlantic Forest to Curitiba. Continue on the Southern Beaches program. Furthermore, you can also discover the four chapadas of Brazil: Chapada Diamantina, Chapada das Mesas, Chapada dos Guimaraes or Chapada dos Veadeiros, or visit Roraima in the very north of Brazil.

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