{"id":36959,"date":"2026-07-08T10:14:11","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T13:14:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/?p=36959"},"modified":"2026-09-18T12:35:15","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T15:35:15","slug":"on-the-border-between-two-hubs-of-caminho-da-mata-atlantica-rio-claro-city-brings-together-natural-and-historical-wonders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/en\/on-the-border-between-two-hubs-of-caminho-da-mata-atlantica-rio-claro-city-brings-together-natural-and-historical-wonders\/","title":{"rendered":"On the border between two hubs of Caminho da Mata Atl\u00e2ntica, Rio Claro City brings together natural and historical wonders"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Caminho da Mata Atl\u00e2ntica (CMA) [Atlantic Forest Trail<\/i>]<\/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. Spanning approximately 4,000 km, it is divided into fifteen voluntary planning and coordination hubs, five of which are located in the state of Rio de Janeiro.<\/p>\n

The municipality of Rio Claro (RJ) and its districts occupy a strategic position along the trail, establishing itself as a hub for connection and sustainable tourism. The region links conservation areas between the Serra do Mar and the Vale do Caf\u00e9, serving as a natural corridor that connects mountain landscapes and protected areas.<\/p>\n

Upon completing the N\u00facleo do Caf\u00e9 or continuing along the N\u00facleo Costa Verde, hikers and cyclists encounter mountains, numerous waterfalls, ruins, historic tunnels and a wealth of history throughout the route. The municipality is also part of the Mata Atl\u00e2ntica Bike Route, the cycling tourism version of the trail, recognized in 2025 by Bikepacking as one of the best long-distance bicycle routes.<\/p>\n

“Rio Claro sits at a central point between two well-structured hubs, and can serve as either a starting or ending point for different crossings along the Caminho da Mata Atl\u00e2ntica. It is a stretch 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 many routes available, we have listed those recommended by local volunteers.<\/p>\n

N\u00facleo Vale do Caf\u00e9: finishing point in Rio Claro<\/h2>\n

For those coming from the N\u00facleo Vale do Caf\u00e9, the route covers approximately 226 km and passes through Petr\u00f3polis, Paty do Alferes, Miguel Pereira, Vassouras, Engenheiro Paulo de Frontin, Paracambi and Cacaria, in Pira\u00ed, before reaching the municipality of Rio Claro.<\/p>\n

Access to Rio Claro is via the Serra do Matoso, a stretch defined 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 make use of the facilities at Cl\u00e1udio Cordeiro’s property, which include a restaurant, swimming pool and horseback riding”, recommends Gisele Ferreira, nature tourism guide and CMA hub coordinator between Cacaria (Pira\u00ed), Mangaratiba and Rio Claro.<\/p>\n

The following day, the route continues to the Represa do Barro Branco, along roads that cross farms and offer lunch stops, such as the historic Fazenda Palmeiras, located on the Estrada do Sert\u00e3o. The path continues through the Sert\u00e3o da Boa Vista, passing by the upper section of the Cachoeira do B\u00e1lsamo, already within Rio Claro’s territory. “This is an important support point, with locals who open their homes to receive hikers after the climb up Serra do Matoso, which is quite demanding”, explains Gisele.<\/p>\n

\"Cachoeira<\/p>\n

Cachoeira do B\u00e1lsamo – Photo: Gisele Ferreira<\/p>\n

\"Fazenda<\/p>\n

Fazenda Palmeiras<\/p>\n

From the Cachoeira do B\u00e1lsamo, it is possible to continue along approximately 8 km of paved road to the Parque Arqueol\u00f3gico e Ambiental de S\u00e3o Jo\u00e3o Marcos, where historic ruins stand out amid the landscape. An alternative currently under development is to cover this stretch by boat across the reservoir, departing from Ponta da Caneta to the park, shortening the overall distance.<\/p>\n

Julieta Santamaria, the first person to complete the entire Caminho da Mata Atl\u00e2ntica<\/a>, passed through Serra do Matoso and entered Rio Claro via S\u00e3o Jo\u00e3o Marcos, continuing on to the park. “It is a historic place, home to one of the few open-air museums. The town was evacuated for the construction of the power plant and holds many stories from the era of slavery. It is a very interesting region for learning about Brazil’s past.”<\/p>\n

From Parque S\u00e3o Jo\u00e3o Marcos, there are two options for continuing:<\/p>\n