
Cambará do Sul Aparados da Serra
Explore the dramatic Itaimbezinho and Serra Geral canyons, Brazil's answer to the Grand Canyon, offering stunning vistas and rich biodiversity.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds

Cambará do Sul Aparados da Serra
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the dramatic Itaimbezinho and Serra Geral canyons, Brazil's answer to the Grand Canyon, offering stunning vistas and rich biodiversity.
"A tropical version of the Grand Canyon, a must-see with unparalleled natural beauty."

Pack for All Weather 🌦️
Be ready for sun, rain, and fog. Layers are essential, even in warmer months.
Don't Miss the Pastéis! 🥟
Look out for local vendors selling delicious homemade pastéis, a delightful snack.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Itaimbezinho Canyon
Aparados da Serra National Park
A breathtaking, tropical Grand Canyon with dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation. A true natural wonder.

Serra Geral National Park
Adjacent to Aparados da Serra
Explore more dramatic canyons and diverse wildlife, offering a less crowded, wilder experience.
Canyon Footpaths
Various trails within the parks
Wander along well-maintained paths offering spectacular viewpoints and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Weather Watch is Key
Access Fees & Donations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for All Weather 🌦️
Be ready for sun, rain, and fog. Layers are essential, even in warmer months.
Don't Miss the Pastéis! 🥟
Look out for local vendors selling delicious homemade pastéis, a delightful snack.
Check Park Status ℹ️
Information centers can be outdated; confirm trail conditions and accessibility beforehand.
Consider a Guide 🚶
For deeper insights and access to less-traveled areas, hiring a local guide is recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for All Weather 🌦️
Be ready for sun, rain, and fog. Layers are essential, even in warmer months.
Don't Miss the Pastéis! 🥟
Look out for local vendors selling delicious homemade pastéis, a delightful snack.
Check Park Status ℹ️
Information centers can be outdated; confirm trail conditions and accessibility beforehand.
Consider a Guide 🚶
For deeper insights and access to less-traveled areas, hiring a local guide is recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking, unique beauty of the canyons, often comparing them to the Grand Canyon. However, some express concerns about entrance fees and the unpredictable weather, which can sometimes lead to fog obscuring the views.
"Amazing place, but be mindful of the weather. I've been told that the winter is the best season to visit. If you visit during the summer you might end up only seeing fog like I did. 🙃"
Luciano Lingnau
"Very beautiful views even with fog. The best part was the little house that sells homemade pastel!"
Sopaipilla
"This park is for the rich, not for normal people, to whom it should be accessible! The greed is disgusting.
With all the taxes wasted in Brazil, there was not money left to make national heritage accesible to the general public? Whoever is responsible for this absurd entrance fee and commercial industrialization of national heritage should be ashamed, and the state lawmakers should do something. In Rio de Janerio, National Parques are for free. Poor or rich, anyone can enter for free. In Rio Grande do Sul, all parks are difficult to enter (registration processes for national forests are stupidly beaurocratic, and extreme fees for national parks). Its beyond absurd, especially considering how much nature has been destroyed.
Never seen anything like in Rio Grande do Sul before. Not in Brazil and not in any other country. Basically no forest or park where people can just go for free without paying fees or registrating 3 days in advance through beaurocratic application forms, having to wait for approval. Absurd and unjust. Its a disgrace!"
Linnart Felkl
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Cambará do Sul is by car or bus from major cities like Porto Alegre or Florianópolis. From Cambará do Sul, local buses or taxis can take you to the park entrances. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring both Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral National Parks.
Yes, it's possible to visit using local buses to Cambará do Sul and then arranging local transport or tours to the parks. However, having a car significantly enhances the experience and allows for easier access to different viewpoints and trails.
These parks are adjacent, but accessing different points can require driving. If you don't have a car, consider booking a guided tour that covers both parks, as they often handle the transportation logistics.
Regular bus services operate from Porto Alegre and Florianópolis to Cambará do Sul. It's advisable to book your bus tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Roads leading to Cambará do Sul are generally paved and in good condition. However, some internal park roads or access routes to specific viewpoints might be unpaved and can be rough, especially after rain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees can vary and some visitors have expressed concerns about them. It's important to check the official park websites or inquire locally for the most current pricing. Donations are also encouraged as government funding is limited.
While advance booking might not always be mandatory, it's a good idea to check park regulations, especially during busy periods. Some national parks in Brazil have complex registration processes, though this seems less common for these specific parks.
Information on discounts is not widely publicized. It's best to inquire directly with park authorities or check their official websites for any available concessions.
Park opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to confirm the current operating hours before your visit, as they may differ for different sections or trails.
Parking fees are typically included in the entrance fee or are minimal. However, it's always wise to confirm this upon arrival at the park entrance.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Itaimbezinho Canyon is the star attraction, with viewpoints like 'Mirante do Canyon' offering spectacular vistas. The 'Trilha do Velo' trail leads to a waterfall.
Yes, local guides can be hired in Cambará do Sul. They offer valuable insights into the flora, fauna, and geology, and can lead you to less-known spots.
Keep an eye out for monkeys, various bird species, and other native fauna. While sightings are not guaranteed, the parks are rich in biodiversity.
There are a variety of trails, from easy, flat paths to more challenging hikes. The main viewpoints are usually accessible via relatively easy walks.
Facilities can be basic. Some areas have picnic spots, and there might be small kiosks selling snacks. However, the information center and picnic areas are noted as needing updates.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon light offers the most dramatic shadows and colors, enhancing the canyon's grandeur. Be mindful of fog, which can create atmospheric shots but obscure details.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the canyons. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Drone usage in national parks is often restricted or prohibited to protect wildlife and maintain the natural environment. Always check the specific park regulations before flying a drone.
Include a person or a recognizable object in your frame to give a sense of scale. Shooting from different elevations can also emphasize the depth and height of the canyon walls.
Beyond the main canyon views, look for waterfalls, unique rock formations, and the diverse plant life. The changing weather can also create dramatic photographic moments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Canyons: Itaimbezinho & Serra Geral
Adjacent to Aparados da Serra is the Serra Geral National Park, which provides a more rugged and less-developed experience. It features its own dramatic canyons, including the Canyon Fortaleza, known for its expansive views and diverse ecosystems. Exploring Serra Geral often involves more adventurous hikes and a greater chance of encountering wildlife in a more pristine setting.
Both parks are crucial for preserving the unique Atlantic Forest biome and its endemic species. The geological formations are a testament to the region's volcanic past and ongoing erosion processes. Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly and respect the natural environment to ensure its preservation for future generations.
Navigating Weather and Best Viewing Conditions
Many locals and experienced travelers recommend visiting during the winter months (June to August) for the best chance of clear skies and unobstructed views. The air is crisper, and the sunlight tends to be clearer, illuminating the canyon walls in a spectacular fashion. However, be prepared for colder temperatures during this season.
Even on foggy days, the atmosphere can be uniquely beautiful, creating a mystical and dramatic landscape. Some visitors have found that even with fog, the experience can still be rewarding, especially if they find local vendors selling delicious snacks like pastel. Ultimately, flexibility and a positive attitude are key to enjoying the natural beauty, regardless of the weather.
Community Insights on Park Access and Value
However, it's also highlighted that the government's support for these parks is limited, making donations and entrance fees crucial for their maintenance and operation. This perspective suggests that the fees are not just for profit but are essential for conservation efforts.
Despite these concerns, the overwhelming consensus is that the natural beauty of the canyons is unparalleled and absolutely worth visiting. The advice is to be prepared for the costs and to view them as contributions to preserving these magnificent natural heritage sites.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit