Exploring Itaimbezinho and Fortaleza Canyons in Brazil

South Brazil holds landscapes that seem carved by time itself. In the highlands of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, rivers and volcanic rock have shaped vast plateaus and deep canyons. Cliffs rise sharply from the earth, revealing layers of basalt and sandstone that record millions of years of geological history. These are places where the land tells its own story, where stone and water meet in quiet, uncompromising forms that demand attention simply by existing.

The canyons of Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral National Parks are unlike anywhere else in the country. The two most celebrated are Itaimbezinho and Fortaleza, massive gashes in the earth that stretch for kilometers and fall away into dramatic walls of basalt and lush subtropical forest. They are places where geology, history, and human wonder all meet, and walking along their edges is an experience that feels both humbling and uplifting.

We have walked both of them, and though each canyon has its own character and story, we found ourselves especially drawn to Fortaleza. Something about it felt more mysterious, more alive, as if the earth itself was whispering secrets through its cliffs and valleys. But before we share our impressions, let us first understand what makes these canyons so special.

The Geology of the Canyons

The canyons of southern Brazil are part of one of the most impressive geological stories in South America. Millions of years ago, during the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana, enormous volcanic eruptions poured rivers of basalt lava across what is now southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina. These events, known as the Paraná and Etendeka Traps, created one of the largest volcanic provinces on Earth.

Over time, rivers and rainfall began carving into this basalt plateau. The softer layers of rock eroded away while the harder basalt resisted, leaving behind towering walls and deep chasms. What we now see as Itaimbezinho, Fortaleza, and the other canyons are the scars of this ancient natural process.

Unlike the Grand Canyon in the United States, which was carved by a single river, the Brazilian canyons are the result of multiple factors: tectonic movements, volcanic history, and the relentless work of countless streams and waterfalls. This makes them geologically complex and visually dramatic.

Tracing the Past

For centuries, these canyons were known to the indigenous Kaingang and Xokleng peoples, who lived in and around the forests of southern Brazil. To them, these places were not simply landscapes but spiritual entities, woven into stories, rituals, and survival.

The “discovery” of these canyons by outsiders came much later. European settlers in the 19th century, expanding cattle ranching into the highlands, stumbled upon the cliffs. However, it was not until the 20th century that the Brazilian government began to recognize their value. In 1959, Aparados da Serra National Park was created to protect Itaimbezinho, one of the first national parks in Brazil. Later, in 1992, Serra Geral National Park was created, extending protection to Fortaleza and other canyons.

Today, both parks are jointly managed, and together they protect over 30,000 hectares of unique ecosystems, including Atlantic Forest, Araucaria forests, and highland grasslands. They are also recognized by UNESCO as part of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve, highlighting their importance not only to Brazil but to the planet.

Canyon Itaimbezinho: The Icon

Itaimbezinho is the most famous of the Brazilian canyons. Its name comes from the Tupi-Guarani language, meaning “small stone cut,” although the canyon is anything but small. It stretches for about 5.8 kilometers in length, with walls reaching up to 720 meters high in some places.

Walking along its rim is breathtaking. Two main trails, the Trilha do Vértice and the Trilha do Cotovelo, allow visitors to experience its grandeur. The Cotovelo Trail in particular gives sweeping views of the canyon’s winding path, while the Vértice Trail passes several waterfalls, including the impressive Véu de Noiva (Bride’s Veil) waterfall, where a stream plunges directly into the canyon’s depths.

Itaimbezinho is often the first stop for visitors because of its accessibility. Roads lead straight to its visitor center, and the trails are relatively easy, making it ideal for families and casual hikers. Because of this, it tends to be busier, especially on weekends and holidays. Still, the sight of those sheer basalt walls cutting into the earth never fails to astonish.

Canyon Fortaleza: The Wild Giant

Fortaleza, in Serra Geral National Park, is often described as more untamed than Itaimbezinho. Its name means “fortress,” inspired by the way its cliffs resemble the walls of a giant stone citadel. Standing at the rim, you truly feel as though you are looking at nature’s fortress.

Fortaleza is much larger than Itaimbezinho. It stretches for 7.5 kilometers in length and reaches up to 900 meters deep, making it one of the largest canyons in Brazil. The trails here are more rugged, less visited, and more rewarding for those who make the effort.

From the top, you can see not only the canyon itself but also the Atlantic Ocean on clear days, a reminder of how close this highland plateau is to the coast. The Trilha do Mirante trail offers panoramic views that can make you feel like you are standing at the edge of the world. The Trilha da Pedra do Segredo takes you to one of the most curious features in the area: a massive balancing stone that seems to defy gravity.

Pedra do Segredo: The Balancing Stone

Near Fortaleza lies Pedra do Segredo, or the Stone of Secrets. This giant boulder perches precariously on a narrow base, looking as though it could topple at any moment, yet it has stood like this for thousands of years.

Local legends surround it. Some say it hides secrets of the earth, others that it was placed there by gods or ancient peoples. Geologists, of course, explain it as the result of erosion, where softer rock beneath was worn away, leaving the harder stone balanced above.

Viewing Pedra do Segredo is strangely unsettling yet captivating. From a safe distance, the massive boulder seems to defy gravity, balancing impossibly on its narrow base as if it could topple at any moment, yet it has remained like this for thousands of years.

Other Canyons in the Region

Although Itaimbezinho and Fortaleza are the stars, they are not alone. The Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral regions are home to several other remarkable canyons, each with its own beauty.

• Canyon Malacara: Known for its rocky riverbeds and clear pools. Here, you can walk along the bottom of the canyon, hopping between basalt stones.

• Canyon Churriado: Smaller but striking, with steep walls and waterfalls hidden in its depths.

• Canyon Índios Coroados: Remote and less visited, offering a sense of discovery for adventurous hikers.

These lesser-known canyons make the region a paradise for hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves landscapes that stir the imagination.

An Inspiring Journey

Visiting these canyons was one of the most inspiring experiences we have had in Brazil. At Itaimbezinho, we felt a rush of wonder standing at the viewpoints, the waterfalls plunging into the abyss, the cliffs stretching away in both directions. The trails were easy, almost too easy, but that allowed us to slow down and simply take in the vastness.

At Fortaleza, however, we felt something different. The path was rougher, the climbs steeper, the views more expansive. There was a silence that seemed almost sacred, broken only by the wind and the occasional cry of a bird. When we reached the viewpoint and looked across the fortress-like walls, we felt a surge of humility. Here was nature in its rawest form, unpolished and immense.

And when we finally stood before Pedra do Segredo, gazing at that impossible stone, we felt as if we were touching a mystery older than humanity. It was not just geology. It was poetry written in rock.

What the Land Leaves Behind

Both Itaimbezinho and Fortaleza are extraordinary. Each canyon tells a story of fire and water, of time and patience, of human reverence and natural power. Visiting them is more than sightseeing. It is a chance to step into a landscape that humbles and uplifts in equal measure.

We loved both, but if we had to choose, Fortaleza was the one that stayed with us. Something about its vastness, its solitude, and its stone secrets made it feel like more than a canyon. It felt like a teacher, a reminder that the world still holds mysteries too grand for us to fully understand.

If you ever find yourself in southern Brazil, do not miss these canyons. They will change the way you see the country. And perhaps, like us, they will change the way you see yourself.

© All rights reserved