Trails Park (Parque das Trilhas)
Considered Guaramiranga’s star attraction, Parque das Trilhas is a natural reserve set amid 282 acres (114 hectares) of Atlantic Forest. A network of hiking trails, a swimming lake, and activities that range from ziplining to kayaking make it one of Fortaleza’s most popular day trip destinations.
The Basics
If you love the outdoors, you’ll be in your element in Parque das Trilhas. General admission tickets offer access to all of the park’s walking routes, which range from 30-minute nature trails to 2-hour hikes. Look out for exotic birds, wild orchids, and butterflies along the way and then cool off with a swim in a natural pool.
For even more fun, purchase an Adventure Pass, which lets you walk across a suspension bridge, ride a zipline across a lake, and enjoy kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. The park also offers guided hikes, night tours, and ecological workshops, all of which are conducted in Portuguese.
Things to Know Before You Go
Parque das Trilhas is great destination for families; there are activities to suit both younger kids and teenagers.
The park has basic accommodation, a restaurant, and gift shops.
Wear shoes suitable for hiking and bring a swimsuit, hat, and sunscreen.
The park is not easily accessible for travelers using wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Parque das Trilhas is located in Guaramiranga, 62 miles (100 kilometers) southwest of Fortaleza or a 2-hour drive. Buses run to Guaramiranga village from Fortaleza, from where it’s a 10-minute walk or 5-minute taxi drive to the park. There’s free parking outside the park.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Throughout the year, the park is open on weekends from 9am-4pm. Outside of these times, it’s possible for groups to visit by prior reservation. Although the hiking trails are mostly shaded by trees, it’s worth making an early start to avoid the midday heat.
Exploring Ceará’s Natural Landscapes
From sandy beaches to ancient forests, the natural landscapes of Ceará provide plenty of scope for outdoor activities. Don’t miss the Sete Cidades National Park, renowned for its unique rock formations and caves; the sand dunes and lagoons of Jericoacoara; and the red cliffs of Canoa Quebrada. If you’re a keen hiker, head to the Serra das Confusoes, where you might spot howler monkeys and jaguars, or venture off-road on a 4WD tour of Lencois Maranhenses.
- José de Alencar Theater (Theatro José de Alencar)
- Cumbuco Beach
- Museum of Ceara (Museu do Ceará)
- Metropolitan Cathedral
- Ceará Tourism Center (Emcetur)
- Fortaleza Central Market (Mercado Central de Fortaleza)
- Nossa Senhora de Assuncao Fort
- Fortaleza Beach Park
- Meireles Beach (Praia do Meireles)
- Futuro Beach (Praia do Futuro)
- Morro Branco
- Lagoinha Beach (Praia de Lagoinha)
- Canoa Quebrada