New trail enhances biodiversity and traditional knowledge in the Serra das Andorinhas
With approximately 20 km in length, the route connects natural attractions of the Serra dos Martírios/Andorinhas and the Araguaia Environmental Protection Area (APA)
The Serra dos Martírios/Andorinhas State Park, in São Geraldo do Araguaia, southeastern Pará, is preparing for a new chapter in its conservation and public use history, with the official implementation of a long-distance trail already recognized by the Brazilian Trail Network. The crossing of the Andorinhas Mountains will have approximately 20 km in length and will connect natural attractions of two Conservation Units (UCs): the State Park and the Araguaia Environmental Protection Area (APA).
The trail, which follows the technical standards of the Trail Signage Manual of the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), crosses sections of preserved Amazon rainforest and cerrado, offering visitors a unique experience of contact with biodiversity, geological formations, and the traditional way of life of the region.
Among the attractions along the route are the Andorinhas Cave, the largest cave in the Park, and the waterfalls of Visagem, Espelho, and Caldeirão. The signage, made with stencil and spray paint, follows the visual standard of the Brazilian Trail Network, with the iconic yellow and black footprint, now accompanied by the swallow symbol.
Management of the long-distance trail
According to Júlio Meyer, manager of the Administrative Region of Belém of Ideflor-Bio and president of the Brazilian Trail Network, the initiative combines conservation, sustainable tourism, and cultural appreciation. “The crossing of the Andorinhas Mountains symbolizes the most modern trail management in Brazil. It connects ecosystems, strengthens the sense of belonging of local communities, and generates new opportunities for community-based tourism, all with respect for biodiversity and local culture,” he emphasized.
Attractions - One of the trail's differentiators is the community support along the route. Overnight stays are planned in the Araguaia APA community, where visitors have access to typical foods from family farming, such as açaí and cupuaçu, in addition to visiting flour houses and Agroforestry Systems (SAFs) supported by Ideflor-Bio. This integration between natural heritage and cultural heritage strengthens the protagonism of traditional populations and expands income opportunities for the families involved.
The manager of the Araguaia Administrative Region of Ideflor-Bio, Laís Mercedes, emphasizes the role of the trail as a tool for environmental education and conservation. “This project demonstrates how public use can be aligned with environmental protection. The trail values our biomes, promotes the observation of fauna and flora, and enhances the visitor's perception of the importance of conservation units for ecological balance,” she stated.
Biodiversity - In addition to natural riches, the crossing allows for the observation of characteristic species of the cerrado and the Amazon rainforest, such as cajuí, mangaba, piquiá, and animals like deer, king vultures, and occasionally, the jaguar, a symbol of the ecological balance of the region. The route can only be undertaken with the accompaniment of guides certified by the Institute, which ensures safety, organization, and greater appreciation of the activity.
For the president of Ideflor-Bio, Nilson Pinto, the implementation of the trail represents a strategic advance in the State's conservation policy. “We are investing in low-impact infrastructure that connects landscapes, knowledge, and people. This trail reaffirms Pará's commitment to strengthening UCs as living, accessible, and essential spaces for sustainable development,” he highlighted.
The expectation is that the Andorinhas Mountains crossing trail will become a reference destination for ecotourism in the Amazon, increasing the flow of visitors in a planned manner and contributing to the strengthening of the Serra dos Martírios/Andorinhas State Park as one of Pará's environmental icons.
