Brazil promotes sustainable tourism with the launch of the Caminhos da Ibiapaba trail

Brazil continues to solidify its position as a leading nature tourism destination with the launch of the Caminhos da Ibiapaba trail, a new 180-kilometer long-distance route connecting the states of Piauí and Ceará. This initiative reinforces the country's strategy of integrating environmental conservation with sustainable tourism development.

The route traverses three biomes—Caatinga, Atlantic Forest, and Cerrado—and connects three conservation units: Sete Cidades National Park, Ubajara National Park, and the Serra da Ibiapaba Environmental Protection Area. It is the first long-distance route to cross the Caatinga, an ecosystem unique to Brazil, thus expanding the diversity of experiences within the country's tourism offerings.

Territorial integration and tourism experience

The trail is structured as a complete tourism product, with comprehensive signage, accredited guides, and a network of formally registered accommodations. Along its 13 sections, it crosses municipalities such as Tianguá, Ubajara, and Ibiapina in Ceará, as well as São João da Fronteira, Brasileira, and Piracuruca in Piauí, integrating local communities and promoting community-based tourism.

The route includes natural viewpoints, waterfalls, archaeological sites with rock art, and areas of historical significance, such as 17th-century colonial houses, dams, and old reservoirs. It can be explored on foot or by bicycle, independently, in groups, or with specialized guides, ensuring safety and guidance for visitors.

The route design was optimized to improve accessibility and user experience, prioritizing sections with natural shade and panoramic views. In Ubajara National Park, nearly 40 kilometers were redesigned to avoid urban areas and roads, reinforcing direct contact with the natural environment.

Conservation and local development

The project is coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, together with the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) and the Ministry of Tourism, and is part of the National Network of Long Distance Trails and Connectivity, which currently has 22 certified routes.

In addition to its environmental value, the trail aims to generate a positive impact on local communities by creating jobs and strengthening regional economies. In towns like São João da Fronteira, the initiative has spurred the creation of complementary routes that expand the project's reach and promote the appreciation of natural and cultural heritage.

Global positioning strategy

The launch of Caminhos da Ibiapaba is part of Brazil's international promotion strategy, led by Embratur, which seeks to position the country as a destination that combines biodiversity with positive social impact.

This new route joins other initiatives such as the recently launched Amazônia Atlântica trail, which connects multiple municipalities from the Amazon rainforest to the Atlantic coast. Together, these proposals expand the country's tourism offerings, incorporating experiences linked to the interior of the Northeast and diversifying the product beyond traditional destinations.