A new ecotourism and adventure route is now part of the map of long-distance trails in Brazil, connecting the states of Piauí and Ceará in a 180-kilometer route. Fully signposted and structured, the “Trilha Caminhos da Ibiapaba” crosses areas of Caatinga, Atlantic Forest, and Cerrado, promoting immersion in natural landscapes and archaeological sites, as well as boosting community-based tourism in the region.
Divided into 13 sections, the route encompasses the municipalities of Tianguá, Ubajara, and Ibiapina in Ceará state, as well as the cities of São João da Fronteira, Brasileira, and Piracuruca in Piauí state. The route connects three important conservation units: the Sete Cidades National Park (PI), the Ubajara National Park (CE), and the Serra da Ibiapaba Environmental Protection Area (APA), located between the two states.
“Trilha Caminhos da Ibiapaba” is one of 22 trails approved by the National Network of Long-Distance Trails and Connectivity (RedeTrilhas), a public policy coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA) and the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism. It is the first long-distance trail to cross the Caatinga biome.
According to the Minister of Tourism, Gustavo Feliciano, the initiative reinforces the sustainable development strategy in the region. “The launch of the Caminhos da Ibiapaba reinforces the federal government’s commitment to a tourism model that combines experience, conservation, and productive inclusion. The trail consolidates the Northeast as a benchmark in sustainable tourism, generating opportunities, stimulating local entrepreneurship, and promoting regional development in a planned and responsible manner,” he stated.
Along the route, which can be traveled on foot or by bicycle, visitors will find viewpoints, waterfalls, and archaeological remains. The signage follows the national standard, identified by yellow and black markings, ensuring guidance for both independent adventurers and those who choose to be accompanied by local guides. The route already has tour operators, visitor guides, and a network of registered accommodations as partners.
Lodging and gastronomy businesses were mapped and invited to join the project, receiving official identification plaques. According to Fabiana Oliveira, general coordinator of Tourism Products and Experiences at the Ministry of Tourism, the proposal expands the offer of responsible experiences in the country. “Long-distance trails like the Caminhos da Ibiapaba strengthen local production chains, stimulate community-based tourism, value heritage, and increase the visibility of destinations aligned with good conservation practices,” she highlighted.
The project’s technical coordinator, Thiago Beraldo, highlighted the initiative’s socioeconomic impact. “Beyond the environmental importance, it’s essential that initiatives like these also generate social and economic value for the owners of private areas located along the route and for the communities encountered along the way,” he stated.
The implementation of the route was conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Municipal Administration (IBAM), in coordination with local governments and with support from the GEF Terrestrial program, an initiative of the Ministry of the Environment (MMA) financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The Brazilian Biodiversity Fund (FUNBIO) acts as the executing partner, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as the implementing agency.
The process of building the route involved rural residents and landowners, reclaiming historical paths associated with the old muleteers and traveling salesmen. With the support of environmental managers, sections were redefined to prioritize shaded areas and natural viewpoints. “It’s a complete crossing, with natural and cultural elements and diverse possibilities for use, reviving the culture of the muleteers and traveling salesmen who helped build the history of the Northeast,” stated Pedro da Cunha e Menezes, Director of Protected Areas at the Ministry of the Environment.
Among the highlights is the reconfiguration of almost 40 kilometers within the Ubajara National Park, replacing routes that previously passed through highways with paths nestled in natural areas. In São João da Fronteira (PI), the engagement of the population resulted in the creation of a complementary route, the São João da Fronteira Trail, a shorter route that passes through carnauba palm trees and rock paintings, expanding the options for different types of visitors.
For Carla Guaitanele, general coordinator of Public Use and Environmental Services at ICMBio, the trail strengthens the conservation strategy associated with social participation. “With this initiative, ICMBio advances in its mission to conserve nature with people, offering visitors the opportunity to discover and fall in love with the landscapes, geological monuments, and preserved fauna and flora of the Serra da Ibiapaba, as well as to experience the culture and hospitality of the local communities, which offer various support points along the trail,” she commented.
According to Rodolfo Marçal, the manager responsible for the GEF Terrestrial program at FUNBIO, the proposal integrates environmental and social agendas. “Trilha Caminhos da Ibiapaba” project is a commitment to environmental conservation as an engine for an economy that includes local communities as protagonists of social transformation,” he observed. He added: “The proposal is for the program to support the implementation of other equally strategic routes in the other two target biomes of the program, the Pampa and the Pantanal.”
Source: brasil247.com