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Canion Fortaleza - Parque Nacional da Serra Geral

The rim walk above Santa Catarina's most cinematic canyon, 900 metres straight down to the coastal plain.

Where
Urubici
Time needed
Full day
Tickets
R$25
Vertical cliff edge of Canion Fortaleza with green plateau above Vertical cliff edge of Canion Fortaleza with green plateau above

What to expect at Canion Fortaleza - Parque Nacional da Serra Geral

Canion Fortaleza is a seven-kilometre-long, 900-metre-deep canyon in the Parque Nacional da Serra Geral, on the border between Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. From the plateau above at 1,100 metres, sheer basalt walls drop nearly a kilometre to the coastal plain below, and on a clear day you can see all the way to the Atlantic 40 kilometres east. It matters as the single most dramatic landscape accessible in Santa Catarina, and a critical anchor of the state's slow, nature-first tourism identity.

The visit is a walk along the canyon rim from the ranger station. The main trail is 7 km round trip and takes 3-4 hours; four viewpoints (Mirante da Fortaleza, Pedra do Segredo, Cachoeira do Tigre Preto, Cachoeira dos Venancios) hang directly over the edge. The Pedra do Segredo view is the postcard shot — a leaning finger of rock with the drop-off behind it. Cachoeira do Tigre Preto is a 100-metre waterfall that plunges off the plateau into the canyon; in winter it sometimes freezes at the top. The trail is well marked, generally flat, and safe for anyone with normal fitness.

Best from April to September for clear cold air and long visibility; summer often has cloud sitting inside the canyon by 10:00. Come on a weekday — the park caps daily visitors at 1,500. Book nothing, but do check the ICMBio website the night before for closures (fog and heavy rain shut it). Bring layers, water and lunch — there is no cafe inside. Cambara do Sul town, 20 km away, is the accommodation base; Urubici in Santa Catarina is longer but more atmospheric.

Plan your visit TicketsR$25 Time neededFull day WhereUrubici Opening hours Wed-Sun 9:00-17:00 Closed Mondays and Tuesdays Last entry 14:00 Hotels near Canion Fortaleza - Parque Nacional da Serra Geral

Questions about Canion Fortaleza - Parque Nacional da Serra Geral

How much is Canion Fortaleza?

R$25 per person park fee.

Is there ever free entry?

No. Fee applies every day the park is open.

How long is the visit?

A full day counting the drive; 3-4 hours on the trail itself.

Any closed days?

Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Also closes for fog or fire risk with no notice.

Do I need to book?

No booking. Check ICMBio Parque Nacional Serra Geral page the night before for closures.

How do I get there?

Car only — no public transport. From Urubici 2.5 hours, from Cambara do Sul 90 min via unpaved road.

Where to stay

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