
Serra dos Órgãos National Park Bonfim Gate
Explore lush trails, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking views in Serra dos Órgãos National Park's Bonfim Gate.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Dry season, ideal for hiking

Serra dos Órgãos National Park Bonfim Gate
Best Time
Dry season, ideal for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore lush trails, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking views in Serra dos Órgãos National Park's Bonfim Gate.
"Absolutely love this place. So lush and wild. The swim was also amazing!"

🚗 Parking Near the Park
You can't park inside the park. Use nearby private parking lots for your vehicle. :car:
💧 Water & Facilities
There's a water point and toilets at the park entrance. Bring your own water bottle to refill. :droplet:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bonfim Gate Trails
Serra dos Órgãos National Park
Explore diverse hiking paths with stunning waterfalls and lush, wild nature. Trails often loop back, offering varied scenery.

Marvellous Waterfall
Within the park
A truly spectacular waterfall that's a must-see. Perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day.

Panoramic Views
Various viewpoints
Experience breathtaking natural beauty and sweeping vistas that showcase the park's wild and lush landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Difficulty & Preparation
Best Time to Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
First time in Rio De Jainero– should I book trekking guides & stays in advance for Serra dos Órgãos and Ilha Grande?
🚗 Parking Near the Park
You can't park inside the park. Use nearby private parking lots for your vehicle. :car:
💧 Water & Facilities
There's a water point and toilets at the park entrance. Bring your own water bottle to refill. :droplet:
Climbing in Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos
PARNASO - Petrópolis
🥾 Trail Navigation
Trails are well-indicated, mostly one-way up and down from a main path. :hiking_boot:
🗺️ Beginner Trail Advice
For beginners, assess your fitness for longer treks. Consider a guide for complex routes. :hiking_boot: :map:
Itinerary around Rio without flying
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Near the Park
You can't park inside the park. Use nearby private parking lots for your vehicle. :car:
💧 Water & Facilities
There's a water point and toilets at the park entrance. Bring your own water bottle to refill. :droplet:
🥾 Trail Navigation
Trails are well-indicated, mostly one-way up and down from a main path. :hiking_boot:
🗺️ Beginner Trail Advice
For beginners, assess your fitness for longer treks. Consider a guide for complex routes. :hiking_boot: :map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the park's stunning natural beauty, lush landscapes, and refreshing waterfalls, calling it 'amazing' and 'very pretty.' The well-indicated trails and the opportunity for a swim are frequently praised. However, some may find the trails to be primarily out-and-back, and parking requires using external lots.
"What an amazing park. The national park of Serra dos Órgãos is a very pretty park with several hiking trails. The trails are mostly one way up and the same way down, branching from one main trial. There are several pretty water falls. The nature and views are beautiful. At the beginning is a manned information point with toilets, water point and outdoor shower. You can’t park a car in the national park: you have to park your car in one of the private car parkings nearby."
Siegfried B
"Very nice park.
Everything is indicated. Waterfall is marvellous."
remy prevot
"Absolutely love this place. So lush and wild. The swim was also amazing"
Vanessa Mendoza
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bonfim Gate is a primary entrance to Serra dos Órgãos National Park. Access typically involves driving to the park's vicinity. While you can't park inside the park itself, there are private parking facilities available nearby. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or considering a taxi/ride-share service from nearby towns like Teresópolis or Petrópolis is advisable.
No, you cannot park your car directly inside the Serra dos Órgãos National Park at the Bonfim Gate. Visitors are required to use designated private parking areas located close to the entrance.
For reaching the park, driving your own car and using nearby private parking is common. Alternatively, research local bus services that connect to Teresópolis or Petrópolis, and then arrange for a taxi or ride-share to the Bonfim Gate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, entry to Serra dos Órgãos National Park typically requires a ticket or admission fee. It's recommended to check the official park website or contact them directly for the most current information on pricing and how to purchase tickets, as this can change.
Opening hours for national parks can vary seasonally and may be subject to change. It's best to consult the official website of ICMBio (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation), which manages Brazil's national parks, or contact the park directly for the most accurate and up-to-date opening hours for the Bonfim Gate.
While some national parks offer online booking, it's advisable to verify if this option is available for Serra dos Órgãos National Park. Booking in advance can save time, especially during peak seasons. Check the official park website for any online ticketing portals.
Information on discounts, such as for students or seniors, or special passes for frequent visitors, is usually available on the park's official channels. Inquire directly with the park administration or check their website for details on any available concessions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Bonfim Gate offers various hiking trails, often described as one-way up and the same way down, branching from a main path. These trails lead to beautiful natural features like waterfalls and offer stunning views of the park's lush environment.
Some trails are suitable for beginners, but the park also features more challenging routes, like the Petrópolis to Teresópolis crossing. It's important to assess your fitness level and choose trails accordingly. For more demanding treks, consider hiring a guide.
At the beginning of the trails near the Bonfim Gate, you'll find an information point, toilets, a water point, and an outdoor shower. These facilities are helpful for visitors before or after their hikes.
Yes, swimming in the waterfalls is often mentioned as an amazing experience by visitors. The natural pools offer a refreshing way to cool down amidst the beautiful scenery.
While trails are indicated, for longer or more technical hikes, especially the Petrópolis to Teresópolis crossing, it's recommended to go with a guide or at least a hiking partner. This is particularly true for beginners.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers numerous opportunities for stunning photography, from the lush, wild landscapes and panoramic viewpoints to the beautiful waterfalls. Capture the vibrant greenery and the dramatic rock formations.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Consider the direction of the sun when planning your shots of specific viewpoints or waterfalls.
For professional or commercial photography and videography, it's common for national parks to require special permits. It's essential to contact the park administration in advance to inquire about their policies and application procedures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with children, it's advisable to choose the shorter, more accessible trails and to pack plenty of snacks and water. Ensure everyone wears comfortable, sturdy footwear suitable for uneven terrain. While the park is generally safe, always supervise children closely, especially near water bodies and on trails. The information point at the Bonfim Gate can provide guidance on family-friendly routes.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Hikers
For more challenging treks like the Petrópolis to Teresópolis crossing, solo hikers should exercise extra caution. While the trails are indicated, going with a guide or informing someone of your itinerary is highly recommended due to the remote nature and potential technical difficulties. Always carry sufficient supplies and be prepared for varying weather conditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking the Petrópolis to Teresópolis Crossing
For those considering this trek, preparation is key. Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, a reliable backpack, sufficient food and water supplies, appropriate clothing for changing mountain weather, and a first-aid kit. Beginners are strongly advised to assess their physical condition and hiking experience before attempting this crossing. Many recommend hiring a certified guide, especially if you are new to multi-day treks or unfamiliar with the specific route, to ensure safety and navigation.
The best time to undertake this crossing is during the dry season, generally from April to September. This period offers more stable weather conditions, reduced risk of rain-induced landslides, and clearer visibility for the spectacular views. Always check weather forecasts before and during your trek, and be prepared for sudden changes in mountain weather.
Exploring the Bonfim Gate Trails
Many visitors highlight the refreshing experience of swimming in the park's waterfalls, making it a perfect spot to cool off after a hike. The park's natural beauty is a significant draw, with reviewers consistently praising the lush and wild environment and the amazing views it offers. While the trails are generally marked, it's always wise to carry a map or use a navigation app, especially if venturing onto less-traveled paths or planning longer excursions.
Practical amenities at the Bonfim Gate include an information point, restrooms, and a water source, which are convenient for hikers. Remember that parking is not permitted inside the park, so you'll need to utilize the private parking lots situated nearby. This makes the Bonfim Gate an accessible and rewarding starting point for exploring the natural wonders of Serra dos Órgãos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit