The Iguaçu National Park opened the Cataratas Bike Trail a year ago, an 11.6-kilometer paved route that allows visitors to explore sections of Atlantic Forest by bicycle, as an alternative to the buses that travel along the BR-469 highway.Bike rentals —available in different wheel sizes, electric versions and with gears— start at R$ 50 ($10) for two hours or R$ 70 ($14) for a full day. Every 2 kilometers, boxes with red and white flags indicate emergencies involving cyclists or bicycles, since mobile phone service may fail in the area.
The bike trail intersects with four other routes: the São João circuit, which can only be done on foot; the Canafístula trail; the Bananeiras path, with a viewpoint overlooking the Iguaçu River; and the Poço Preto path. The latter, unpaved and with denser vegetation, covers 18 kilometers and charges an additional entrance fee starting at R$ 160 ($31)
There are three support stations —at the visitor center, on the Bananeiras path and next to the viewpoint of the waterfall walkways— where bicycles can be returned. Visitors who choose to continue the walk to the falls on foot should pay attention to the park’s maximum allowed visiting hours.
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