Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Serra, Espírito Santo, Brazil
1. Trail of the Seven Lakes
A stunning trail offering seven pristine lakes surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation.
- Diverse Landscapes: Offers a variety of terrains, from dense forests to rocky outcrops.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for spotting local wildlife such as capuchin monkeys and toucans.
- Spectacular Views: Boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the Serra Escarpment.
2. Serra do Rio Doce Trail
A challenging multi-day hike through dense rainforest leading to stunning waterfalls.
- Adventure and Solitude: Ideal for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to a diverse range of wildlife, including jaguars and giant otters.
- Remote Waterfalls: Ends at the remote and magnificent Cachoeira do Rio Doce waterfall.
3. Vassouras National Park Trail
A moderately difficult trail offering diverse landscapes from rainforest to cloud forest.
- Cloud Forest Exploration: Allows exploration of the unique and enchanting cloud forest ecosystem.
- Biodiversity Hub: Is a biodiversity hotspot, home to numerous species found nowhere else on earth.
- Panoramic Views: Provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys.
4. Itabira Ecological Trail
A scenic trail through lush green hills and forests offering opportunities for birdwatching.
- Birdwatcher's Paradise: Ideal for bird enthusiasts with over 300 species recorded.
- Historical Significance: Passes through areas rich in mineral resources, once a major source of minerals for the world.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of rolling green hills and pristine forests.
5. Trail of the Crystal Waters
A challenging trail leading to crystal-clear water pools nestled in the heart of the Serra.
- Refreshing Swimming Holes: Allows hikers to swim in crystal-clear natural pools.
- Adventurous Terrain: Involves some challenging terrain and rock scrambling.
- Majestic Waterfalls: Ends at the majestic Cachoeira da Fumaça waterfall.
6. Serra dos Aimorés Trail
A long-distance trail offering diverse landscapes from rainforest to grassland.
- Long-Distance Trekking: Ideal for those seeking a multi-day, long-distance trek.
- Biodiversity Haven: Passes through the Serra dos Aimorés Biosphere Reserve.
- Scenic Highlands: Offers breathtaking views of the Serra highlands and valleys.
7. Trail of the Lost City
A historical trail leading to the ruins of a pre-Columbian city.
- Historical Discovery: Provides an opportunity to explore ancient history and archaeology.
- Challenging Terrain: Involves challenging terrain, suitable for experienced hikers.
- Ruins Exploration: Allows exploration of the well-preserved ruins of a pre-Columbian city.
8. Serra da Bocaina Trail
A challenging trail through dense rainforest leading to the highest peak in Espírito Santo.
- Mountain Peak Challenge: Ideal for experienced hikers seeking a challenging mountain ascent.
- Biodiversity Reserve: Passes through the Serra da Bocaina National Park, a biodiversity hotspot.
- Panoramic Summit Views: Offers breathtaking panoramic views from the summit of Pico do Tucano.
9. Trail of the Giant Trees
A trail through a dense forest showcasing some of the world's largest trees.
- Giant Tree Sightings: Allows sightings of giant araucaria angustifolia (Paraná pine) trees.
- Historical Significance: These trees are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Atlantic Forest.
- Natural Wonder: Offers a glimpse into the natural wonder and beauty of the Atlantic Forest.
10. Trail of the Thunderous Waterfalls
A trail offering multiple stunning waterfalls in a lush, tropical setting.
- Waterfall Galore: Features numerous cascading waterfalls.
- Lush Tropical Setting: Passes through a lush, tropical rainforest setting.
- Swimming Opportunities: Offers opportunities for swimming in the refreshing natural pools.
11. Serra do Brazil Trail
A long-distance trail offering diverse landscapes from rainforest to grassland.
- Long-Distance Trekking: Ideal for those seeking a multi-day, long-distance trek.
- Biodiversity Haven: Passes through the Serra do Brazil National Park, a biodiversity hotspot.
- Scenic Highlands: Offers breathtaking views of the Serra highlands and valleys.
12. Trail of the Hanging Bridges
A trail featuring suspension bridges offering panoramic views of the rainforest.
- Panoramic Views: Offers panoramic views of the lush, tropical rainforest.
- Hanging Bridges: Features multiple hanging suspension bridges.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Provides opportunities for birdwatching in the dense rainforest.
13. Trail of the Mystical Cave
A trail leading to a mysterious cave with legends and historical significance.
- Historical Legends: Associated with local legends and historical tales.
- Cave Exploration: Allows exploration of the mysterious, hidden cave.
- Challenging Terrain: Involves challenging terrain, suitable for experienced hikers.
14. Trail of the Colossal Stone
A trail leading to a massive stone formation with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Geological Wonder: Offers a glimpse into the geological wonder of the colossal stone.
- Panoramic Views: Provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Challenging Terrain: Involves challenging terrain, suitable for experienced hikers.
15. Trail of the Glowing Waters
A trail leading to a unique lake where the water glows at night due to bioluminescent organisms.
- Natural Phenomenon: Offers an opportunity to witness a natural phenomenon.
- Nocturnal Hike: Requires a night hike to experience the glowing waters.
- Remote Location: Located in a remote, pristine area of the Serra.