Brazil’s New Transcarioca Trail is 110 Miles of Wonder

As of this month, the Transcarioca trail is the largest urban trail in South America, running through the Atlantic Forest and Rio de Janeiro for 110 miles.

Transcarioca stretches from Sugar Loaf Mountain and includes 25 different areas and passes through 10-plus neighborhoods and seven parks.

The trail got its start in the 1980s, and was inspired by trails from all around the world, including the Appalachian Trail. Though the start was slow, Transcarioca’s first section was completed in 1998, before the project paused. Following, volunteers came together to put together the course over the next two decades.

If you decide to hike the Transcarioca, you’ll need 12 days to do the entire thing, but there are sections marked for beginners and advanced hikers, and some are significantly shorter. For example, the short path connecting Mesa do Imeprador and Vista Chinesa is easy for even children, and gives great views of the mountains, beaches and Christ the Redeemer.

More experienced hikers who give the entire trail a go will find wild and secluded beaches, steep climbs, waterfalls, jungle and more.

Do keep in mind — it is recommended hikers on the trail leave valuables at home and travel in groups. Don’t worry about camping, though; the 25 different “legs” of the trail can all be done within a day or less, so you can head out to the trails in the day and be back in the city to stay in a hotel. In fact, much of the trail is accessible via public transportation.

Trail access is entirely free, but a local tour can be purchased if you don’t want to go the self-guided route.