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Short Trail in Praia Grande Reveals Hidden Natural Pools and Landscapes Formed by Giant Cliffs, Attracting Visitors Seeking Direct Contact with Nature.
In Praia Grande, in the southernmost part of Santa Catarina, a trail of about 2 kilometers takes visitors into the Malacara Canyon and ends at crystal-clear water pools surrounded by cliffs of up to approximately 500 meters high.
The path, opened in the riverbed and through the forest, is located in the Serra Geral National Park and can be traversed in a few hours, always in the company of a licensed guide.
Natural Pools and Landscapes of the Canyons
Along the route, visitors literally walk inside the canyon, following the course of the Malacara River.
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The valley is more open than in other canyons in the region, which allows for a clear view of the rock walls cut by vegetation.
In several stretches, the watercourse widens and forms natural pools with rocky bottoms, where the water is clear and invites swimming on hot days.
These pools are among the most sought-after scenes for those visiting Praia Grande, known as the “city of canyons.”
Even so, the Malacara is usually less crowded than more famous canyons, such as Itaimbezinho and Fortaleza, ensuring a relatively peaceful environment for those seeking direct contact with nature.
During the summer, the pools serve as a sort of reward at the end of the hike: many tourists finish the trail with a prolonged dip in the cold waters that flow down from the mountains.
In winter, most people avoid entering the river, but the view of the steep walls and the dense forest continues to attract groups throughout the year.
Rustic Path and River Crossings
The route to the natural pools is simple, yet rustic, with minimal human interference in the landscape.
There are no walkways, handrails, or structured bridges: the path uses stones, stretches of sand, and parts of the riverbed as reference.
In several spots, it is necessary to cross the watercourse, typically with water at ankle or knee height, depending on the river level.
According to local operators and the UNESCO Global Geopark Southern Canyons, the trail leading to the main natural pools is about 2 km long, classified as a “wet” route, as much of the path is over stones and wet areas.
The average time to complete the tour, including stops for rest and swimming, varies from 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the group’s pace and the river conditions.
Although the route is short and without significant climbs, tourism agencies and inns in the region consider the hike to have a difficulty level between moderate and medium to high, mainly due to the need to walk over loose stones, cross the river multiple times, and maintain balance on uneven terrain.
People with good mobility and some conditioning usually complete the trail without difficulties, but the tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues or who are completely sedentary.
Along the way, small breaks at strategic points for resting, contemplation, and photos are common.
These spots serve as natural viewpoints: from there, it is possible to observe the change in vegetation, the winding shape of the canyon, and the different shades of green of the forest covering the slopes.
Fauna, Flora, and High Cliffs
The Malacara Canyon trail crosses areas of Atlantic Forest and transitions to what is called fog forest, typical of the higher and wetter regions of the Serra Geral.
Walking through the valley, visitors have a chance to see bromeliads, ferns, large fig trees, and other native species that thrive on the slopes and along the riverbanks.
The fauna also tends to attract attention.
Local guides report frequent sightings of birds such as toucans, thrushes, and woodpeckers, as well as small mammals and typical insects of the moist forest.
The constant sound of flowing water blends with the songs of the birds, reinforcing the sensation of isolation from the nearest urban area.
Geologically, Malacara is part of the set of canyons that mark the border between Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.
Touristic and geological surveys indicate that the canyon is about 3.5 km long and walls that can reach up to 700 meters high at some points, although visitors on the main trail only see walls varying from a few hundred meters.
Access to the Malacara Canyon Trail
Access to the trail is made from Praia Grande, a city in Santa Catarina that serves as the gateway to several canyons in the region.
The municipality is approximately 286 km from Florianópolis and a little over 100 km from Criciúma, via state and federal highways, usually traveled by car or organized tours.
The official entrance to the Malacara trail is in the locality of Vila Rosa, in front of the Hotel or Pousada Pedra Afiada, rural area of Praia Grande, a few kilometers from the center.
From there, groups follow a dirt road until the actual start of the hike into the canyon.
As it is a national park area and involves river crossings in an environment subject to sudden water level rises, access is controlled.
Local operators and the park itself require the trail to be done exclusively with the accompaniment of a licensed guide or conductor, responsible for assessing weather conditions, guiding the group, and ensuring safety.
During periods of heavy rain or forecast of storms, guides often cancel outings due to the risk of flash floods, when the river volume increases rapidly.
It is also common to recommend the use of closed shoes with good grip, light clothing, sun protection, and repellent, as well as a small backpack to carry water and snacks.
Nature Tourism in Praia Grande
The Malacara trail is part of the set of attractions that are consolidating Praia Grande as a destination for nature tourism, focusing on hiking, horseback riding, 4×4 rides, and landscape observation activities at high viewpoints.
Alongside other canyons, such as Churriado, Índios Coroados, and Fortaleza, Malacara offers a different experience by allowing access to the valley interior, in constant contact with the river.
Even with the increasing promotion of the region in national itineraries, the trail still tends to receive smaller groups compared to other more famous mountain destinations in the country.
For many visitors, this is precisely the difference: the chance to walk among high cliffs, hear only the sound of water, and finish the route in natural pools of clear water, without large crowds.
Knowing that a relatively short trail can lead you to crystal-clear water pools surrounded by giant canyons that are still sparsely visited, what experience would you seek first when exploring Malacara?
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