{"id":104,"date":"2026-07-31T14:39:26","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T14:39:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demo.nitailabs.com\/?p=104"},"modified":"2026-07-31T16:40:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T16:40:00","slug":"on-the-border-between-two-nuclei-of-the-atlantic-forest-trail-rio-claro-brings-together-natural-and-historical-beauties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/demo.nitailabs.com\/?p=104","title":{"rendered":"On the border between two nuclei of the Atlantic Forest Trail, Rio Claro brings together natural and historical beauties"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Atlantic Forest Trail (CMA)<\/a> is a long-distance trail that crosses the states of Rio de Janeiro, S\u00e3o Paulo, Paran\u00e1, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul. With approximately 4,000 km in length, it is divided into fifteen planning and voluntary coordination hubs, five of which are in the state of Rio de Janeiro.<\/p>\n

The municipality of Rio Claro (RJ) and its districts occupy a strategic position on the Trail, establishing itself as a connection point and sustainable tourism destination. The region links conservation areas between the Serra do Mar and the Coffee Valley, functioning as a natural corridor that connects mountain landscapes and protected areas.<\/p>\n

Upon completing the Coffee Hub or continuing through the Costa Verde Hub, hikers and cyclists find mountains, numerous waterfalls, ruins, historic tunnels, and plenty of history along the route. The municipality also integrates the Atlantic Forest Bike Route, the cycling tourism version of the Trail, recognized in 2025 by Bikepacking as one of the best long-distance cycling routes. <\/p>\n

“Rio Claro is at a central point between two well-structured hubs, and can be a starting or ending point for different crossings along the Atlantic Forest Trail. It is a section that combines history and nature like few others in the state of Rio de Janeiro,” explains Chico Schnoor, one of the CMA coordinators.<\/p>\n

Among the various routes to explore, we list those recommended by volunteers in the region.<\/p>\n

Coffee Valley Hub: finishing point in Rio Claro<\/h2>\n

For those coming through the Coffee Valley Hub, the route is approximately 226 km and passes through Petr\u00f3polis, Paty do Alferes, Miguel Pereira, Vassouras, Engenheiro Paulo de Frontin, Paracambi, and Cacaria in Pira\u00ed, until reaching the municipality of Rio Claro.<\/p>\n

Access to Rio Claro is via Serra do Matoso, a section marked by natural landscapes, trails, and viewpoints. “There, it is possible to stay at S\u00edtio Pousada Beija-Flor, which preserves remnants of an old farm, and take advantage of Cl\u00e1udio Cordeiro’s facilities, featuring a restaurant, swimming pool, and horseback riding,” recommends Gisele Ferreira, nature tourism guide and coordinator of the hub between Cacaria (Pira\u00ed), Mangaratiba, and Rio Claro of the CMA.<\/p>\n

The next day, the route continues to Barro Branco Reservoir, via roads that cross farms and offer lunch stops, such as the historic Fazenda Palmeiras, located on Estrada do Sert\u00e3o. The path continues through Sert\u00e3o da Boa Vista, passing by the upper part of B\u00e1lsamo Waterfall, already in Rio Claro territory. “This is an important support point, with residents who open their homes to welcome hikers after climbing Serra do Matoso, which is quite demanding,” explains Gisele.<\/p>\n

\"Cachoeira<\/p>\n

B\u00e1lsamo Waterfall \u2013 Photo: Gisele Ferreira<\/p>\n

\"Fazenda<\/p>\n

Fazenda Palmeiras<\/p>\n

From B\u00e1lsamo Waterfall, it is possible to continue for approximately 5 miles on paved road to the S\u00e3o Jo\u00e3o Marcos Archaeological and Environmental Park, where historic ruins stand out amid the landscape. An alternative under development is to do this section by boat across the reservoir, departing from Ponta da Caneta to the park, shortening the route.<\/p>\n

Julieta Santamaria, the first person to traverse the entire Atlantic Forest Trail<\/a>, passed through Serra do Matoso and entered Rio Claro via S\u00e3o Jo\u00e3o Marcos, where she continued to the park. “It is a historic place that houses one of the few open-air museums. The city was abandoned for the creation of the hydroelectric plant and holds many stories from the slavery era. It is a very interesting region to learn about Brazil’s past.”<\/p>\n

From S\u00e3o Jo\u00e3o Marcos Park, there are still two continuation options:<\/p>\n