Guartelá State Park

Guartelá Canyon is a canyon located in the highlands of the Brazilian Campos Gerais, between the cities of Castro and Tibagi, approximately 203 km northwest of Curitiba, in the east central part of Paraná state. It is considered the 6th largest canyon in the world, and the largest in Brazil, about 30 km long and up to 450 meters tall.

Inside the canyon is Guartelá State Park, established in 1992, formed by an extremely rich ecosystem and numerous natural attractions. There are several waterfalls, rapids, sandstone formations, deep valleys and inscriptions, which can be reached through various trails. Guartelá State Park protects an area of rich natural and archaeological heritage of the region. The site houses a diverse fauna  and flora, including some endangered species.

The beauty and diversity of the region have attracted more and more visitors to the site. Visitors can walk through the trails, visit prehistoric sites, bathe at the natural pools allowed areas, observe the fauna and flora and develop scientific research (with the permission of IAP). There are kiosks located 2,000 meters from the visitors’ center with drinking water, toilets, places of rest and relaxation. It is allowed to have picnics (cold snacks only). There is no cafeteria on site, so it is very important to bring water and snacks.

The park has two tracks: Trilha Básica (Basic Track) and Trilha das Pinturas Rupestres (Rock Paintings Track). The Basic Trail is approximately 5,000 meters long (round trip), medium difficulty, with access to pools of Arroio Pedregulho (bath allowed), the viewpoint of the canyon of Iapó river and the Ponte da Pedra waterfall, which literally means Stone bridge, due to the shape of the rock formation in front of the cascade. The time estimated for the course is 2 – 2,5 hours.

The Rock Painting Trail is guided, 6,000 meters long (round trip), with average level of difficulty. It also has access to pools from Arroio Pedregulho, as well as to the rock paintings (dating from about 7,000 years ago), and to several natural viewpoints overlooking the canyon. Expected duration of this trail is of 4 hours. Besides the trails, you can also practice other activities, such as rafting at the Tibagi river and other adventure sports like rappel and cascading, which can be booked at local agencies.

Visits to the Rock Painting Trail are only allowed with the supervision of a professional guide, which must be scheduled in advance by calling 0800-643-1388 (Tibagi City Hall – Municipal Environment and Tourism).

Tips: Do not forget to bring appropriate footwear and comfortable, light clothing, as well as sunscreen, insect repellent, hat and, of course, a camera. Inside the park, it is not allowed to camp, make barbecues, bring pets, or leave the previously demarcated tracks. It is also prohibited to bathe in unauthorized locations.

Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday and holidays: 8 am to 16:30

Price: Free admission

Not far from the park, there are two waterfalls worth visiting. The first one, called Salto Puxa Nervos is approximately 40 meters high, perfect for practicing cascading (waterfall rappelling). It forms several natural pools and smaller waterfalls. The area is privately owned and there is a fee for the visitation. The second waterfall is Salto Santa Rosa. Formed by the river Santa Rosa, with a fall of 60 meters high, Salto Santa Rosa forms a natural pool with beautiful smaller waterfalls above. It also offers beautiful trails for ecotourism and cottages for rent. The area is also privately owned and it is charged a fee for visitation.

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