canyon · Bom Jardim da Serra, SC
Cânion das Laranjeiras
It lies on the edge of the Parque Nacional de São Joaquim (national park), with waterfalls pouring down its cliffs. Access is through the Rincão da Palha and Santa Cândida farms, which charge a fee and require booking.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cânion das Laranjeiras
Cânion das Laranjeiras (canyon) is one of the great canyons of the Serra Geral in Bom Jardim da Serra, at the top of the Serra do Rio do Rastro, in the Serra Catarinense. It lies in the area of the Parque Nacional de São Joaquim (national park), but the rims open to visitors are on farms, on private property.
What impresses are the sheer cliffs that branch out in several arms, with waterfalls pouring down the rock walls and dense forest at the bottom of the valley. Up top, the landscape is high-altitude grassland and araucaria pines, with long views when the weather is clear.
Visits start from two farms: Rincão da Palha, on the north side, and Santa Cândida, on the south side. On the north side, the trail passes Mirante das Araucárias (viewpoint) and follows the cliff edge to a central plateau, where two arms of the canyon meet. Some people also do part of the route on horseback or on 4x4 tours with local agencies.
The walk does not require athletic fitness, but it has muddy forest stretches, open grassland exposed to the wind and passages along the cliff edge, so keep a close eye on children. Fog is frequent in the mountains, and the cold is intense in winter.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow a full morning, counting the dirt road to the farm and the walk along the canyon rim.
Best time
In the morning, when fog is usually lighter, on dry, clear days; in winter the view can be stunning, but the cold and wind are strong.
How to get there
It is in the countryside of Bom Jardim da Serra (SC). From town, take a dirt road to Fazenda Rincão da Palha (north side) or Fazenda Santa Cândida (south side), where the trails to the canyon rims start. Visits require the farm's permission.
Tip
Arrange your visit with the farm before you set out, arrive early to catch the clearest part of the morning, and bring a windbreaker and shoes that can handle mud.
A look at the place
Cânion das Laranjeiras in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cânion das Laranjeiras
Is there an entrance fee at Cânion das Laranjeiras?
Yes. Access is through private farms, which charge a visitor fee.
Do I need to book the visit?
Yes. Entry requires the farm's permission, so arrange your visit before you go.
Is Cânion das Laranjeiras in the Parque Nacional de São Joaquim?
It is in the park area, but the rims you visit are on private farms, reached through Bom Jardim da Serra.
How long does the visit take?
Plan on a full morning, between the dirt road to the farm and the walk along the canyon rim.
Can I bring kids?
Yes, as long as the child can handle walking on muddy, windy ground. The trail runs along cliff edges, so keep them close at all times.