Trecho 12 - Murimbeca x Cachoeira do Pinga - Caminhos da Ibiapaba

Route

The trail is located in the municipality of Viçosa do Ceará. This section is important because it crosses the intermunicipal boundary, placing the traveler in the territory of one of the oldest and most charming historic towns in the mountains. The route develops entirely within the limits of the Environmental Protection Area (APA) of the Serra da Ibiapaba. The ecological focus of this section is the protection of the headwaters and the intermittent and perennial watercourses that flow along the top of the plateau before cascading into the gorges. Unlike the yellowed dirt roads and gentle agricultural hills seen between Ubajara and Murimbeca, Section 12 presents terrain that progressively becomes more rugged and technical. As it approaches the edge of the plateau, the ground is marked by gravel and sandstone outcrops. The relief features gradual slopes interspersed with sections of steep and winding descents. The vegetation undergoes a rapid transition due to the humidity and proximity to the cliffs: the hiker leaves the open cultivated areas and enters the Altitude Atlantic Forest mixed with transitions of Caatinga in the more exposed spots. The climate in the first half is cool, but the heat begins to rise as the trail loses altitude towards the waterfall complex. The main attraction and endpoint of the section is the Cachoeira do Pinga, with a waterfall that cascades from a massive rocky cliff, forming a natural pool surrounded by dense vegetation. The view of the canyon where it is located is one of the postcards of the Viçosa region. Before the final descent to the waterfall's pool, the trail passes through natural observation points along the ridge of the mountain, offering spectacular panoramic views of the deep valleys.