canyon · Cambará do Sul, RS
Cânion Fortaleza
The main attraction of the Parque Nacional da Serra Geral, it has cliff walls 7.5 kilometers long and up to 900 meters high. On clear days, the highest viewpoint takes in the Santa Catarina plain and the Rio Grande do Sul coast, and a trail leads to the Pedra do Segredo.
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 Fortaleza
The Fortaleza Canyon is the main attraction of the Parque Nacional da Serra Geral, in Cambará do Sul, on the border between Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. It's one of the largest canyons in the Aparados da Serra region: the basalt walls stretch for about 7.5 kilometers and drop straight down to the forested valley.
The park is federal and protected by ICMBio (Brazil's national parks agency). Visits are run by a concessionaire, which handles the entrance, the parking lot and the support facilities by the trails.
The trails start from the parking lot. The Mirante trail climbs through the high-altitude grasslands to the highest point on the rim, with a tiring climb on the last stretch. From the top you can see the canyon from end to end and, on clear days, the plain and the coast in the distance. Another, easier trail leads to the Pedra do Segredo, a large rock that seems balanced on a narrow base.
The Mirante trail takes moderate fitness, but there are shorter, flat paths. The edge of the cliffs has no railing along most of the way: follow the signs and keep away from the drop, especially with children. Fog is common and can cover the view in minutes.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Set aside half a day to a full day to do the Mirante trail and the Pedra do Segredo trail at a relaxed pace.
Best time
Dry, clear days in fall and winter usually have the best visibility; go in late morning or early afternoon, when the fog tends to lift.
How to get there
It's in the Parque Nacional da Serra Geral, in Cambará do Sul (RS). You get there by car on the signposted road that leaves the town center toward the canyon; there's no public transportation.
Tip
Buy your ticket in advance on the official website, bring a windbreaker even in summer and check the fog forecast before you head out.
Official website
A look at the place
Cânion Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza
Where is the Fortaleza Canyon?
In the Parque Nacional da Serra Geral, in Cambará do Sul (RS), on the border with Santa Catarina. Access is by car from the town center.
Is there an entrance fee for the Fortaleza Canyon?
Yes, there's an entrance fee and tickets are sold by the concessionaire that runs visits. Check rates and hours on the official website.
Is the Fortaleza Canyon trail hard?
The Mirante trail is moderately difficult, with a more tiring climb at the end. The Pedra do Segredo trail is easier.
What's the best time of year to see the Fortaleza Canyon?
Dry, clear days, more common in fall and winter, give better visibility. Fog can appear in any season.
Can I visit Fortaleza and Itaimbezinho on the same day?
Yes, but it's rushed, because each canyon has its own access road from town. Many visitors set aside a day for each; check the ticket rules on the official website.