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Parks

Parque Estadual do Guartelá

4.8 · 1,613 reviews
Wild and rugged
Parque Estadual do Guartelá - PR-340, KM 247 - Tibagi, PR, 84300-000, Brazil
Interesting facts
1

The canyon stretches for approximately 30 kilometers in length.

2

The park preserves rock inscriptions created by ancestral populations estimated to be thousands of years old.

3

The Iapó River flows through the canyon, forming several waterfalls and natural pools.

4

The area is geologically characterized by the Furnas Formation, dating back to the Devonian period.

5

The transition zone between two distinct Brazilian biomes results in a high diversity of flora and fauna species.

6

The site is part of the Campos Gerais region, known for its extensive geological formations and escarpments.

Overview

Parque Estadual do Guartelá houses the world's sixth-largest canyon in terms of length, carved by the Iapó River. The landscape features deep sandstone gorges and the transition between Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes. Visitors can view prehistoric rock paintings located at the Abrigo da Pedra da Lajinha. A network of trails leads to natural swimming holes and the Cascata da Ponte de Pedra. The park serves as a significant geological site displaying sedimentary rock formations from the Devonian period. It is located within the Tibagi municipality in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Infrastructure includes a visitor center with basic educational exhibits regarding the local ecosystem. The park acts as a protected area to conserve regional biodiversity and historical archaeological sites.

Photo spot

The main viewing deck at the beginning of the trail provides a panoramic vantage point of the canyon's scale.

Insider tips

Bring a high-quality repellent, as insects are common near the river and forest areas.

Carry plenty of water, as there are no kiosks or water sources along the trail routes.

Schedule your visit early in the day to minimize sun exposure during the hike.

What to avoid

Do not attempt the full trail circuit if you lack adequate physical preparation, as sections are steep and lack shade.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for public access.

Etiquette

Hiking boots with good grip are mandatory for rocky, uneven terrain; leave no trace, as there are no waste collection points on the trails.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
4-6 hours
Best time to visit
Winter months (dry season) offer clearer visibility for canyon views and cooler temperatures for hiking.
Address
Parque Estadual do Guartelá - PR-340, KM 247 - Tibagi, PR, 84300-000, Brazil
-24.570, -50.266
Get directions
Details
Trail DifficultyModerate to High
TerrainSandstone, rocky, and forest paths

Frequently asked

Plan for about 4-6 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Winter months (dry season) offer clearer visibility for canyon views and cooler temperatures for hiking..

The main viewing deck at the beginning of the trail provides a panoramic vantage point of the canyon's scale.

Close by you'll find Cachoeira Ponte de Pedra, City of Tibagi, Square Leopoldo Mercer.