Tree climbing in Florianopolis: Araucaria forest course

Move through the canopy on your own terms, clipped to vertical equipment

Tree climbing at Base Caldas near Florianopolis is a 90-minute activity where you move through acrobatic courses at height using harness, helmet and carabiners, mixing obstacle sequences with moments to observe the forest and fauna. Children from age 3 are welcome; guides speak English and Spanish; suitable for anyone taller than 1.30m and under 110kg.

The experience

Base Caldas sits near Santo Amaro da Empress with views toward Serra do Tabuleiro, the highest mountain on Santa Catarina's coast. The route mixes acrobatic movement (climbing, traversing, descending) with quieter stretches where you watch the araucaria forest and its wildlife. You wear a helmet, seat harness, carabiners and pulley throughout. The guide demonstrates each obstacle and stays with the group as you work through the course. The setup recalls the techniques researchers use to study the canopy, so the movements have a purpose beyond the thrill.

The 90-minute session works for adventurers across ages and fitness levels. Children can participate from age 3, though they must be at least 1.30m tall and sit on an adult's lap during transport if they're very young. The guide speaks English or Spanish, so language is not a barrier. Public transportation reaches the site, and the operator notes that the activity suits all fitness levels: the acrobatic and contemplative sections let you set your own pace through the obstacles.

What’s included

• Helmet, seat harness, carabiners and pulley.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• 90 minutes of acrobatic and contemplative tree climbing among araucaria forest.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 13:30 and 15:30

AgesAdult (7 to 75 years) · Child (3 to 6 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “We are inside the Resort Plaza Caldas, arriving at the hotel, all you have to do is identify yourself and the concierge will explain where the support base is for the start of the activity.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Apuama Rafting

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so non-Portuguese speakers can follow every instruction. The mixed acrobatic and contemplative route also means you're not climbing continuously: quieter sections let you catch your breath and take in the forest.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 6 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What equipment do I wear while tree climbing at Base Caldas?

You wear a helmet, seat harness, carabiners and pulley for the entire 90 minutes. The operator provides all of it. You bring only yourself and comfortable clothes you don't mind moving in at height.

What is the difference between the acrobatic and contemplative sections?

The route mixes obstacle sequences (climbing and traversing at height) with quieter moments where you stop to observe the araucaria forest and watch for fauna. Both use the same equipment. The contemplative sections let you take in the surroundings and Serra do Tabuleiro views.

How do I get to Base Caldas?

Public transportation options are available nearby the site. The operator does not provide transfers, so you'll arrange your own arrival or use local buses to reach Santo Amaro da Empress.