Ubajara: Caves, Forest Trails and Waterfalls

Ubajara offers nature experiences with very different character: trails lead through humid forest, viewpoints open up views of the Serra, and waterfalls complement the cave landscape. The wider region offers options for active days as well as cultural discoveries in the municipality. Deciding which of these you want to shape your vacation is a helpful starting point for planning.

Trails with Different Characteristics

On one route option of the Travessia do Parque Nacional de Ubajara, the Trilha da Samambaia passes the Jardim das Samambaias, the Mirante da Gameleira and the Ponte Suspensa. The route runs through humid forest, is well signposted and has a lower difficulty level. Viewpoints, a suspension bridge and a garden provide different stops along the way, rather than focusing on just one destination. The Travessia ends at the park visitor center.

The historic Trilha Ubajara–Araticum, which is more than a hundred years old, is different: It is about 2.5 kilometers long and has a medium to high difficulty level. The descent is steep and has slippery rocks. Comparing the trails makes it possible to assess the well-signposted Samambaia route and the more challenging historic trail according to their respective described features.

Viewpoints and waterfalls also add their own distinctive features. From the Mirante da Gameleira, panoramic views extend to Cachoeira do Cafundó and across much of the Serra, with its lush vegetation, deep valleys and characteristic natural formations. Hikers and cyclists are allowed; cyclists must leave their bikes in bike racks at the crossing points.

The second stage of the Circuito das Cachoeiras leads to Cachoeira do Gavião. Its waterfall is about 80 meters high; its rapids and cascades are suitable for swimming, but only in authorized, signposted areas. Cachoeira do Cafundó has a waterfall about 72 meters high and a natural pool suitable for swimming. The two waterfall destinations therefore differ both in their described features and in the swimming opportunities mentioned.

Cave, Cable Car and Visitor Center

Parque Nacional de Ubajara includes eleven known caves; Gruta de Ubajara is the only one open to visitors. It is 1,120 meters long in total, with about 450 meters open to visitors. From the visitor center, the cave can be reached only by Bondinho (cable car); the outward and return journeys use the same means of transport. Booking a time in advance is mandatory to use the Bondinho. The cave visit is reserved for hikers, who must be accompanied throughout the visit by a guide accredited by the park. Check the current operating and booking rules before your trip.

The ride on the Bondinho offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Forest landscape, valleys and caves, as well as regional wildlife and plant life. The visitor center also features a replica of the skull of the fossil bear Arctotherium brasiliense and a model of the interior of Gruta de Ubajara. Planning a visit to the park therefore involves not only trails and scenery, but also insights into natural history and the cave interior.

Culture in the Municipality of Ubajara

Sítio JK Pousada e Museu in the municipality of Ubajara preserves historical objects, photographs, furniture, household utensils, old equipment and other items that show everyday life and the history of the region. The museum offers guided tours for residents, students and tourists. It also takes part in the municipality’s cultural events, including Distrito Junino de Ubajara, where it displays part of its collection to the public.

When choosing a vacation rental in Ubajara, your preferred vacation activities can help guide you: park trails, viewpoints and waterfalls offer a different focus from museum tours and cultural events. If you plan to visit Gruta, include the required guide and advance booking in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Santa Tereza, Trairi, Icarai, Baixio, Mulungu, Mundaú, Preá, Tianguá

For the broader travel overview: Ceará.