The Funicular de Paranapiacaba trail is a route that attracts those who enjoy adventure. The trail runs along an old disused railway line from the district of Santo André to Cubatão. The 12 km route passes through tunnels, bridges and engine rooms, but make no mistake: it is risky and forbidden!
If you’re planning to visit Paranapiacaba, we don’t recommend taking the funicular trail. Click here for safe and interesting tourist attractions to explore in this hidden English village in the interior of São Paulo.
5 reasons not to do the Paranapiacaba funicular trail in São Paulo:
1. Risk of death
The Funicular de Paranapiacaba trail is not forbidden without good reason. As well as being located within an environmental conservation unit, the route is very difficult, with stretches in ruins or exposing hikers to great heights without adequate safety equipment. Every year, at least one death is recorded on this clandestine trail.
2. Fines
As it is a clandestine trail within the conservation unit of the Serra do Mar State Park, crossing it is forbidden. As a result, adventurers who are caught by the local police receive fines ranging from R$1,000.00 to R$10,000.00.
3. Snakes
As this is a region with no more human interference, it is normal for nature to regain its space. People who have ventured along the route claim to have seen many snakes, especially jararacas, which are venomous and very dangerous animals.
4. Bridges
Where once ran the railroad line that connected Paranapiacaba to Cubatão, today it is synonymous with abandonment. Along the way, adventurers have to cross five very high bridges. They may look simple, but the wood used to build them has rotted and the rails are in an advanced state of deterioration.
5. Difficult access for rescue
If the risk of falling through bridges and tunnels in ruins, stretches at risk of landslides and venomous animals doesn’t stop you, be aware that many areas of the trail are located in closed forest. This makes access to help in serious situations even more difficult.
Now that you know all the reasons not to do the Funicular de Paranapiacaba trail, how about getting to know some super cool (and safe) trails in SP? Check out the article below: