About 25 km, 5 different trails in 3 days in Urubici. If we had more time we would have done more, the city has 82 waterfalls and is investing on tourism. Lots of water, fresh air, plantations, hills, rocks, ups and downs. The group was great, fun people of different ages and professions sharing the passion for nature and hiking.
Day 1 – PEDRA FURADA (Drilled Stone), surrounded by a few legends, is a mystical and sacred place for the Shamanic. It is a dense forest with lots of dark mud. Thank God it did not rain, or else we would slip down the hill. Even so, there were a few falls, scratches, lost sneakers in the mud and torn shorts. There were a lot of loose rocks, ravines and places that, without the help of a rope, would be impossible to get through. The sunny weather, mild temperature (between 10° and 24°C) and good visibility made the walk great. When the sky is clear you can catch sight of the sea towards Garopaba, but all we saw was fog. We finally reached Pedra Furada or Portal – like some people say, this would be the passage to another dimension. We were 1822m above sea level, the highest and coldest point in southern Brazil.
Day 2 – Rio 7 Quedas, Morro Da Cruz e Zona Rural
We had an early start, going up the river and passing by 7 waterfalls with special water – I do not know its characteristics, but it is great! My skin got soft, my hair was shiny and my feet were brand new. We had a swim and enjoyed the view. Coming out of the river trail, we got into the Woods and passed by typical rural houses.
In the afternoon the walk was harder, but the view was breathtaking! Our goal was Morro da Cruz, another drilled stone. The last trail of the day was going back to the hotel, by the road, eating dust and taking pictures – real southern landscape, with araucarias and pine trees. Lots of flowers on the way – and we are still in autumn -, I kept thinking how beautiful it must be in spring.
Day 3 – Cascata Do Avencal
The body aches began to bother (I was told the trail would be easy); climbing huge rocks and tree trunks, in pain and with humidity is really complicated. But it was worthwhile, we got to another great waterfall – the wind was so strong that almost took me away. Exercise for the whole body. The tired although happy faces say everything; it is so nice to hike with friends like these.
Take Note
The trip was organized by Ecocaminhantes.
Where to stay: Urubici Park Hotel. I liked it, I guess it is the best hotel in town, although there must be interesting farm hotels.
Restaurant: A Taberna – cozy and with a delicious “Truta à Portuguesa”. The homemade food at the hotel was also good.
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Translated by Lúcia Maciel
English teacher
