Caminhos da Ibiapaba

Route

The trail begins at the National Park of Sete Cidades, in the municipality of Piracuruca, PI. SECTION 1 PARNA SETE CIDADES x BOM JARDIM, with 22 km. This section is marked by the transition between the Cerrado and the Caatinga, offering a unique geological landscape. Rock paintings and the iconic stone cities, such as Pedra do Castelo, Arco do Triunfo, and Biblioteca, are formations sculpted by erosion that resemble monuments and objects, in addition to the Piscina dos Milagres. SECTION 2 BOM JARDIM x PIÇARRA, with 14 km, is a rural transition section very characteristic of the Piauí hinterland, with traditional communities. Depending on the time of year, between May and July, especially, you will cross the beds of streams that, although dry for most of the year, maintain greener and leafier vegetation around. A water supply location. SECTION 4 SACO DOS POLIDÓRIOS x BELMONTE, with 18 km, marks an important transition in the journey, leaving the flatter areas of Piauí and beginning the approach to the foothills of the Serra da Ibiapaba. Rock paintings, Mirante da Transição, and the strong culture and community identity of the locality of Saco dos Polidórios. SECTION 5 BELMONTE x MALHADA DAS PEDRAS, with 16 km, is one of the most authentic and visually impactful sections on the Piauí side, in São João da Fronteira, serving as the last major stage before the final ascent of the Serra da Ibiapaba towards Ceará. There is a view of the wall of the Serra da Ibiapaba, and you walk parallel to the base of the mountain, observing the sandstone cliffs that divide the states of Piauí and Ceará. There are archaeological sites along the route. SECTION 6 MALHADA DAS PEDRAS x SÃO JOÃO DA FRONTEIRA, with 12 km, the trail leaves the foothill areas and approaches urban infrastructure before the climbing challenges of the escarpment. Caminho dos Tropeiro, where the path uses ancient trade routes. SECTION 7 SÃO JOÃO DA FRONTEIRA x SANTO ANTÔNIO DA PINDOBA, with 16 km, here you leave Piauí and officially enter the territory of Ceará, making the ascent of the escarpment of the Serra da Ibiapaba. It is one of the most physically demanding sections, as it involves climbing the mountain, leaving the Piauí plain, at about 200m altitude, to the Ceará plateau, above 700m. SECTION 9 CACHOEIRA DO BOI MORTO x ENGENHO, with 15 km, now in Ceará, is one of the most refreshing and visually rich routes of the entire crossing, as it deeply explores the water resources and agricultural history of the region. The Boi Morto Waterfall Complex is one of the main attractions. It is a natural leisure area with several waterfalls and natural pools formed by the Ubajara River. SECTION 10 ENGENHO x VISITORS CENTER OF UBAJARA NATIONAL PARK, with 14 km, is one of the most emblematic sections of the trail, as it marks the entrance to the most famous Conservation Unit in the region. This is one of the best sections to spot the Bugio, also called Guariba, and the Macaco Prego. The sound of the Guariba echoing through the canyon is one of the most remarkable acoustic experiences of Ibiapaba. SECTION 11 VISITORS CENTER OF UBAJARA NATIONAL PARK x MURIMBECA, with 14 km, is the highlight of the entire crossing. It is a section that requires breath, but rewards with the most dramatic landscapes of the Serra da Ibiapaba. In this section, there is the Cachoeira do Cafundó, the Ubajara Canyon, and the route involves descending and ascending steep slopes, as well as sections with loose stones and roots. SECTION 12 MURIMBECA x CACHOEIRA DO PINGA, with 14 km, is a contemplative and humid section, winding along the slope of the Serra da Ibiapaba in Ubajara. Here, you will find the Cachoeira do Pinga and the Caminho das Águas. SECTION 13 CACHOEIRA DO PINGA x ACARAPE, with 12 km, marks the end of the journey along the ridge and slope of the mountain. It is a farewell section from the altitude, with striking rural characteristics, in Tiangua.