Ubajara National Park
Ceará
Ubajara National Park is the smallest national park in Brazil, located in the state of Ceará within the Caatinga biome. Covering approximately 6,271 hectares, it features unique geological formations, including the renowned Ubajara grotto, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years. The park spans the municipalities of Ubajara, Tianguá, and Frecheirinha and sits on the western edge of the Ceará peripheral depression and the Ibiapaba plateau. It hosts a rich mix of flora including remnants of original forests and secondary vegetation, reflecting the transition between humid and dry ecosystems. The park is a sanctuary for various protected species such as the oncilla, cougar, Maranhão red-handed howler monkey, and several endemic frogs. Visitors can explore the grotto via a chairlift or challenging trails, and enjoy waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints, and forest paths. The park supports scientific research, environmental education, and eco-tourism under the administration of the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation. The cave itself extends roughly 1,200 meters with visitor access to about 450 meters of illuminated galleries. The park also features three main trails- Ibiapaba, Samambaia, and Araticum - and notable natural landmarks like Morro do Céu and Pedra de Itagurussu. The name 'Ubajara' derives from indigenous origins, often translated as 'Lord of the Canoe,' linked to local legends about a native chief inhabiting the grotto. This blend of natural beauty, ecological importance, and cultural history makes Ubajara National Park a unique destination in Brazil's protected areas.
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Tip: Visitors should arrange tours of the Ubajara grotto in advance, as visits are supervised by environmental authorities. The best time to visit is during the cooler months from January to June when temperatures are milder and rainfall is higher, enhancing the lushness of the park. Access to the grotto is available by a chairlift or a steep 7 km hiking trail, so visitors should prepare accordingly. While the chairlift offers a quick and scenic descent, the trail provides an immersive experience through the park's diverse flora and waterfalls. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups; check with the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation when booking. Note that the park's cable car has been non-operational for some years, so verify current access options before visiting.
Interesting facts
- •The Ubajara grotto features stalactites and stalagmites that grow at a rate of about one centimeter every three years.
- •The park is the smallest of Brazil's 35 national parks, yet it encompasses a rich diversity of ecosystems including remnants of Atlantic Forest and Caatinga.
- •The name 'Ubajara' is of indigenous origin and is commonly translated as 'Lord of the Canoe,' connected to a local legend of a chief living in the grotto.
- •The park shelters endangered species such as the oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) and the Maranhão red-handed howler monkey (Alouatta ululata).
- •The grotto extends about 1,200 meters underground, but visitors can only access approximately 450 meters of illuminated galleries.
History
Ubajara National Park was established on April 30, 1959, initially covering 4,000 hectares.
Its boundaries were modified in 1973 and again in 2002, expanding to over 6,200 hectares and encompassing the municipalities of Ubajara, Tianguá, and Frecheirinha.
The park was created to protect the unique geological formations, including caves with paleontological and archaeological significance, as well as the area's ecological systems.
The Ubajara grotto has been known since the early 18th century when Portuguese explorers searched unsuccessfully for silver in the region.
Over time, the park's limits and conservation status evolved under federal decrees, reflecting growing recognition of its environmental and scientific importance.
Place Guide
Ubajara Grotto
A spectacular limestone cave featuring extensive stalactite and stalagmite formations shaped over thousands of years. Visitors can access about 450 meters of the cave's illuminated galleries, which include various chambers named after the shapes of their rock formations. The grotto also contains a subterranean river and is mostly restricted to researchers beyond the visitor area.
Ibiapaba Trail
One of the park's main hiking trails, offering a 7 km steep path to the grotto entrance. The trail passes through diverse vegetation, streams, and waterfalls, providing an immersive natural experience.
Mirante (Lookout Point)
A panoramic viewpoint located on the edge of the Chapada, overlooking the Gameleira stream and surrounding forest. It offers visitors stunning vistas of the park's landscape and ecological diversity.
