Dunes Park (Parque das Dunas)

The basics

Brazilian locals love to visit Dunas Park for its walking, running, and trekking trails, and it makes a useful destination for travelers looking for a break in their packed schedules of sightseeing and long-haul flights. The scenery ranges from lush Atlantic Forest parkland to coastal sand dunes, with indigenous shrubland areas important for local wildlife preserved by the park itself.

The park also has its own adventure playground, an amphitheater, and exhibition space, where open-air plays and performances are regularly held, and where arts groups show their work year-round. Dunas Park can be explored alone and organically, or by following specially created trails that focus on the local flora and fauna. A research station and arboretum has engaging information about plants and conservation in Brazil, and it has around 50 species of indigenous trees growing in it.

Things to know before you go

• Dunas Park is closed on Mondays.

• The park is popular with locals, making it busy on public holidays and weekends.

• Trails are ideal for active travelers, and they may not be accessible for baby strollers or people who use wheelchairs.

• Take your walking shoes and sunscreen as there are many scenic paths and trails to follow.

• It costs R$1 to enter the park per person and an additional R$1 per person to access the trails.

How to get there

Dunas Park is in the center of the city of Natal, making it easy to find. There are plenty of tour operators offering guided day trips to the park directly from Natal hotels or accommodations. Alternatively, local public transport is regular and reliable, with many bus routes passing directly by the park.

When to get there

Dunas Park is closed every Monday. Opening hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8am-6pm. As the park is very popular with Natal locals for their own recreation, if you are hoping for a more private experience with nature, try to visit during the working hours of the week and avoid Sundays.

Trail running in Dunas Park

Dunas Park’s trails and tracks are ideal for trail running and offer some of the most scenic views of coastal Brazil anywhere in the country. Run amid the natural landscapes and enjoy changing views as you twist and turn through the park. Head to the park restaurant once you’re done and enjoy a coffee and a snack in the sun.