Guadakan Trail receives new signage
The Guadakan Trail, set in the remote and pristine Serra do Amolar region of the Pantanal, is now open to visitors and currently undergoing a full signage and infrastructure upgrade.
Read more: https://pantanalagency.news/listing/pantanal-opens-nature-trails-for-adventure-enthusiasts/
Stretching across areas of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, and even parts of Bolivia, the trail offers an immersive experience through one of South America's most ecologically important landscapes. The Serra do Amolar is recognized by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage Site.
The Guadakan trail was developed by the Instituto Homem Pantaneiro (IHP) as a way to connect travelers with the heart of the Pantanal, blending conservation, local traditions, and biodiversity.
Now, the route is being marked with trail signs, water points, campsites, and rest areas to help visitors navigate the terrain safely. The work includes visual markers along the path and structural improvements for shelter and emergency access.
The mapping of the entire route is also in progress, covering around 60 kilometers across the 80-kilometer mountain range.
The project is part of a broader effort to integrate Guadakan into Brazil’s National Trail and Connectivity Network. According to IHP project manager Isabelle Bueno, the trail is built on three core values: nature-based tourism, conservation, and income generation for local communities.
Beyond ecotourism, the trail serves a critical environmental role. It cuts through priority conservation zones and offers a key route for fire prevention brigades and biodiversity monitoring efforts. Local firefighting teams and community members have received specialized training, including internationally certified courses in remote first aid.
Visitors can explore areas rich in natural beauty and historical significance. The trail passes through sites tied to the Paraguayan War and lands once inhabited by Indigenous groups like the Guató, whose legends help tell the story of the Pantanal’s origins.
The route is divided into four main camp areas, with daily stretches ranging from 6.2 to 14.4 kilometers over steep and rocky terrain. Because of this, the full trail is recommended for experienced hikers. A lighter alternative includes 30 kilometers of hiking and 20 kilometers of canoeing, but guided support is still required for all options.
The trail covers over 13,000 hectares of protected land and is part of a rare ecosystem mix that includes the Amazon, Atlantic Forest, and Pantanal biomes. According to SOS Pantanal, the Serra do Amolar plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the entire region.
Guadakan is also helping generate income for Indigenous and local communities by boosting sustainable tourism and creating new economic opportunities.
The project is supported by the GEF Terrestrial initiative, coordinated by Brazil’s Ministry of Environment with funding from the Global Environment Facility and implementation led by the Inter-American Development Bank and the Brazilian Biodiversity Fund (FUNBIO).