Here you can find out more about the most famous and most visited sights of the PETAR region. Some of them have no restrictions for visiting and are of easy access. On the other hand there are other areas where visiting is restricted to experienced persons in the art of cave exploration and preservation.
CAVES
Água Suja Cave
Located in the Núcleo Bethary, it is an obligatory visit for those who are willing to learn more about speleology (the study of caves). It is the gallery of a perennial river, with big abysses, landslides and lots of thrills, where the entire route is done in an underground river. Easy access through a trail following the Bethary river banks.
Minimum duration: 3 hours
Lambari de Baixo Cave
Located in the Núcleo Ouro Grosso, over 1 km (0.62 mile) far from Pousada das Cavernas Inn, this cave adds excitment to river crossing and small mountain climbings It might be the most amazing cave and the easiest to get access for those who are willing to begin in the underground world of caves.
Minimum duration: 2 hours.
Casa de Pedra Cave
Located in Ribeirão Valley, it is the biggest portico of all the brazilian caves (more than
200 m = 656 feet). The trail has sights of beautiful rainforest. The thack ends on the main entrance of the cave, whose size amazes most visitors.
Just for experienced people.
Minimum duration: 8 hours.
Couto Cave
Located in the Núcleo Bethary it is an interesting option for a espeleologic walk. Archeological sites, galleries of underground rives, waterfalls and porticos. The Couto cave is near Morro Breto Cave. Easy access, no restrictions.
Minimum duration: 3 hours.
Laje Branca Cave
Located in Lajeado Valley, this cave is reached by a trail through native and dense rainforest. In the cave we find dunes and typical cave fauna. Its portico (the second biggest of the region) is also the best option for rappel (abseil). Just for experienced people.
Minimum duration: 3 hours.
Morro Preto Cave
Located in the Núcleo Bethary it has archeological sites, salons and abysses. The entrance is of great visual impact. This cave has a junction with Couto Cave. In the past traces of pre-historical life were found in the Morro Preto cave. Easy access, no restrictions.
Minimum duration: 3 hours.
Ouro Grosso Cave
Located in the Núcleo Ouro Grosso, it is the most thrilling cave in the area. Its entrance is small and it has almost 100% of its trail following the course of an underground river. Some passages of this cave are only possible with the use of ropes.
Cave just for experienced people.
Santana Cave
Located in the Núcleo Bethary. It is the most important and most beautiful cave of PETAR National Park. It has almost 6 km (3.8 miles) of underground galleries richly embellished with many speleothems*. Easy access, no restrictions. This cave has guides in the Petar National Park head office kiosk.
Duration: 2 hours.
*Speleothems are cave features created after the underground chamber has been formed. They are a result of slow-moving water, usually containing calcium carbonate, which has been dissolved from the limestone where the cave was formed. When this water enters the cave, a chemical change causes the calcium carbonate to precipitate (harden), creating all manner of cave formations and features .
WATERFALL
Andorinhas Waterfall
In the entrails of the Bethary Valley, one of the most beautiful trails of the whole rainforest. Crystal clear waters, chutes, natural gardens, cave entrances, calcareous canyons and two huge waterfalls what makes the effort of this hiking worthwhile.
Minimum duration: 4 hours.
Betharizinho Waterfall
In the entrails of the Bethary Valley, one of the most beautiful trails of the whole rainforest. Crystal clear waters, chutes, natural gardens, cave entrances, calcareous canyons and two huge waterfalls what makes the effort of this hiking worthwhile.
Minimum duration: 4 hours.
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU?
- small rucksack for hiking
- 2 pairs of sneakers with gripping sole
- impermeable jacket
- clothes that can be wetted (wet hikings)
- bathing suit
- lantern (a good one) with extra batteries
- canteen/ photographic camera
- insect repellent
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