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Anyone who loves being in contact with nature will have come across the app AllTrails when searching for trails, waterfalls or routes to explore at the weekend. But what you may not yet know is that the app is now even more complete: as well as showing you the best trails, it also recommends nearby stays with top marks from travelers. In other words, you can plan the whole experience in one place - from the walk to the rest.

If you like backpacking, day trips or just want to get away from the chaos of the city, let's find out how AllTrails can become your new travel partner.

What is AllTrails?

AllTrails is an app that brings together more than 400,000 trails around the world - from urban routes to routes in the middle of the forest. The idea is to connect people to nature in a practical, safe and organized way.

The app uses GPS, interactive maps, user comments and technical data to show you the best trails near you. You can filter by level of difficulty, route time, type of terrain, whether it's pet friendly, wheelchair accessible, whether it has a waterfall, panoramic views... it's very complete.

But now AllTrails has gone beyond the trail. It realized that those who go exploring usually also want to sleep nearby. That's when it came up with a function that's proving a hit: recommendations for nearby stays based on the ratings of other adventurers.

How does recommending accommodation work?

Simple: when you choose a trail in AllTrails, the app shows you accommodation options nearby which have received the best reviews from the app's own users - people who have been on the trail, stayed there and left real feedback.

The filter prioritizes accommodations with:

  • Rating close to or equal to 5 stars
  • Recent positive comments
  • Proximity to the chosen trail
  • Good security, cleanliness and reception

What's more, AllTrails shows you how long it will take you to get from your accommodation to the start of the trail - which is great for those who want to wake up and get going.

Can I book through the app itself?

Not directly yet - AllTrails redirects you to reliable partners such as Airbnb, Booking and official accommodation websites. But the difference here lies in the curation: you don't waste time looking for places to stayThe app only suggests the places most praised by people with the same profile as you.

If you've used other platforms and been frustrated by poorly rated accommodations or those too far from your route, you'll love this AllTrails feature.

What is the difference in the travelers' score?

What makes the difference is that these evaluations don't come from random touristsbut from people who have already done the same trail you want to do. In other words, the criteria are more specific:

  • If it's a quiet place to rest after the hike
  • If there is a place to store equipment
  • If food is good for restoring energy
  • If you can take a decent hot bath after a hard day's work
  • Whether or not the cell phone signal works (for those who want to disconnect or stay online)

This more practical view of accommodation makes all the difference for those who take ecotourism seriously or just want to have a good all-round experience.

Trails + accommodation: combinations that work

Some examples that are already a hit with AllTrails users:

1# Pedra Bonita Trail (RJ)In addition to the incredible view, the app suggests hostels in São Conrado with top marks from hikers who have been there.

2# Chapada dos Veadeiros (GO)You can find lodgings on the trail with detailed reviews from people who spent the whole day at the waterfalls.

3# Serra do Cipó (MG)The app highlights chalets that have a hearty breakfast, great for those who are going to face a day of heavy hiking.

4# Urubici (SC)For trails such as Morro da Igreja, AllTrails recommends lodgings with a fireplace and a mountain view, all of which are highly rated by the hikers themselves.

5# Ilhabela (SP)The app shows everything from campsites to stylish inns, all just a few meters from the trailheads.

In other words: everything is designed to make your life easier.

Is AllTrails free?

Yes, you can download the app for free and access most of the features without paying anything. But there is also the AllTrails+ version, which costs a monthly fee and gives you access to extra features such as:

  • Offline maps (very useful where there is no signal)
  • Off-route alert
  • Real-time weather on the trails
  • Emergency plan and location sharing

If you go hiking often or are going to venture into more remote places, it's worth considering upgrading. But for occasional use, the free version is enough.

Is it safe to trust the app's recommendations?

Yes, and that's one of AllTrails' great assets. The reviews are made by real users, who usually also leave photos, reports and even warnings about the state of the trail or accommodation. This gives more security and confidence to those planning the trip.

And since everything is collaborative, the community is usually very active - updating routes, informing people of changes in access, alerting them to closed trails or refurbished lodgings, for example.

Can you use it anywhere in Brazil?

Yes, the app has mapped trails all over Brazil. From famous routes to hidden trails that only locals know about. And as the users themselves feed the database, it grows every day.

The recommendation of lodgings with a high rating also works throughout the country. Of course, in places with a greater influx of hikers, such as Chapada Diamantina or Serra da Mantiqueira, there are more options. But even in small towns, the app shows suggestions based on the trails nearby.

See also: Temu or Shein: which app will deliver faster in Brazil in 2025

May 25th, 2025