Cânion Itaimbezinho

Useful Information

photography — Cânion Itaimbezinho, Brazil. Public Domain.

Location:	Rodovia RS-429, Km 18, s/n - Praia Grande, Cambará do Sul - RS 95480-000. Aparados da Serra National Park, 170 km from Porto Alegre. From the coast road 101 turn off at Vila Sao Joao, 453 to Praia Grande, left on SC-290, up in serpentines, (-29.1586649, -50.0798947)
Open:	Itaimbezinho: All year Tue-Sun 8-17. Fortaleza: All year Mon, Wed-Sun 8-17. [2025]
Fee:	Adults BRL 96, Children (0-5) free, Seniors (60+) BRL 67.90. Motorcycle BRL 13, Car BRL 20, Van BRL 34, Motorhome BRL 34, Bus BRL 78. [2025]
Classification:	Gorge
Light:	n/a
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Cânion Itaimbezinho, Rodovia RS-429, Km 18, s/n - Praia Grande, Cambará do Sul - RS 95480-000, Tel: +55-54-3251-1277.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1959	Aparados da Serra National Park created.

Description

Cânion Itaimbezinho (Itaimbezinho Canyon) is located in the Southern Plateau, between the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. This area is popularly known as Aparados da Serra (Trimmed Mountains), as it is characterized by extensive escarpments. The northeastern portion consists of basaltic volcanic rocks which belong to the Mesozoic Serra Geral Magmatism. The effusive rocks show the existence of vertical and horizontal joints which provide preferential drainage paths and thus are widened by erosion. Continuous erosion has produced a steep and deeply dissected plateau, with scenic canyons that gradually widen to the alluvial surfaces in front and the coastal plain. In other words, the formation of the present relief is associated with tectonic uplift of the Southern Plateau coupled with continuous fluvial erosion.

The name Itaimbezinho is derived from the Tupi-Guarani language, Itaimbe means “cut rock”. The biggest canyon in Brazil is protected by the Parque Nacional de Aparados da Serra (Trimmed Mountains National Park). Nearly 10 km long and 1.6 km deep, the Itaimbezinho is spectacularly beautiful as well as treacherously deadly. The numerous trails take the visitors on incredible tours, to cliffs and waterfalls. The park has a Visitor’s Center and a guide service.

One spectacular trail is along the Rio do Boi, with numerous waterfalls and the vertical cliffs above. Between July and October is dry season and hiking this trail is generally safe, nevertheless it is wise to keep an eye on the latest forecast. Occasional heavy rains may turn the gurgling Rio do Boi into a torrent. Hikers may get caught by the rising water, in the worst case they may drown. The hike is also possible during the wet season, but it’s even more important to look at the weather forecast. Much less dangerous is the Trilha do Cotovelo (Cotovelo Trail), which follows the canyon’s edge.

Nearby is another park, the Serra Geral National Park, with the Fortaleza Canyon, which is 8 km long, 900 m deep and 1,500 m wide. There are several trail options, including some that take visitors inside rock formations. Guides for those hike may be hired in the Aparados da Serra National Park.

This site is well maintained, while the official highway is a narrow gravel road, the road in the park is two lane and paved. Also, there is a ticket office right at the entrance and a Visitor Center with museum. The prices are high, as you have to pay an entrance fee plus a parking fee, but the entrance ticket is valid for three days over a week after the first visit. We could not find out if it is possible to visit both parks with the same ticket. There are several restrictions, several trails require a guide, pets, drones, and alcohol are not allowed. We strongly recommend good walking shoes, a hat, sun protect, and warm clothes.