The administrative headquarters of Parque Nacional de Ubajara is located in the city of Ubajara on Rodovia da Confiança (CE 187). The park trails, viewpoints, and caves that define the nature experience lie in the wider surrounding region.

Forest Trails with Varying Levels of Difficulty

One route option on the Travessia do Parque Nacional de Ubajara follows the Trilha da Samambaia through humid forest. Along the way, it passes Mirante da Gameleira and Ponte Suspensa. The route is well signposted and has a lower level of difficulty.

The historic Trilha Ubajara–Araticum offers a different experience: it is more than a hundred years old and about 2.5 kilometers long. Its difficulty is moderate to high; the descent is steep and has slippery stones. Comparing the trails lets visitors weigh the Samambaia’s good signage and lower difficulty against the historic character and challenging terrain of the Ubajara–Araticum.

Mirante da Gameleira offers panoramic views of Cachoeira do Cafundó and wide stretches of the Serra, with lush vegetation, deep valleys, and distinctive natural formations. Hikers are allowed there. Cyclists should leave their bicycles in bike racks at the transition points.

Gruta de Ubajara and the Bondinho Ride

Parque Nacional de Ubajara encompasses eleven known caves; Gruta de Ubajara is the only one open to visitors. It is 1,120 meters long in total, about 450 meters of which are accessible to visitors. Access is limited to hikers, who must be accompanied throughout their visit by a guide accredited by the park.

From the visitor center, Gruta can only be reached by Bondinho (cable car); the outbound and return journeys are made using the same mode of transport. Booking an appointment in advance is mandatory to ride the Bondinho. Check the current booking arrangements before traveling. The ride offers views of Atlantic Forest vegetation, regional wildlife and plant life, valleys, and caves. The visitor center also displays a replica of the skull of the fossil bear (Arctotherium brasiliense) and a model of the interior of Gruta.

Waterfalls in the Surrounding Region

The second stage of the Circuito das Cachoeiras leads to Cachoeira do Gavião. The waterfall is about 80 meters high; rapids and cascades provide places to swim, but only in permitted, signposted areas. Cachoeira do Cafundó has a waterfall about 72 meters high and a natural pool suitable for swimming. The swimming spots described here differ: at Gavião, the focus is on rapids and cascades; at Cafundó, it is on the natural pool.

Culture and History of the Municipality

Sítio JK Pousada e Museu is located in the rural area of the municipality of Ubajara. Its collection includes historical objects, photographs, furniture, household utensils, old equipment, and items that illustrate everyday life and the history of the region. Guided tours are offered to residents, students, and tourists.

The national park’s visitor center also complements its nature exhibits with engaging insights: the model shows the interior of Gruta, while the replica skull of Arctotherium brasiliense connects visitors with the region’s fossil history. Together with the collection at Sítio JK Pousada e Museu, these exhibits offer a cultural counterpoint to trails, viewpoints, and waterfalls, with a look at regional history and nature.

Discover more destinations: Jijoca De Jericoacoara, Acaraú, Cruz, Redonda, Baixio, Juazeiro Do Norte, Guaraciaba Do Norte, Acarape

For the broader travel overview: Ceará.