Caverna do Diabo: 15 Years of Adventure Safety

What Makes Caverna do Diabo Aventura Stand Out in Brazil?

Located in the Vale do Ribeira region of São Paulo state, the Caverna do Diabo (Devil's Cave) State Park hosts one of Brazil's most safety-conscious adventure tourism operations. Despite its ominous name, visitors find a highly structured, technically rigorous experience built over more than 15 years of field expertise.

When Did the Operation Begin?

Caverna do Diabo Aventura has officially operated inside the park since 2018, but the team's roots go back to 2008, when the same crew conducted ecotourism activities under the name Arapassu Ecoturismo in the same region. By the time the company was formally created, its founders already had a decade and a half of practical, on-the-ground experience guiding visitors through sensitive natural environments.

Who Is Behind the Safety Protocols?

The driving force is Gabriel Hallai, co-founder and visionary behind the operation. His connection with nature started in childhood, on expeditions with his father through the Pantanal and Mato Grosso. By age 14 he was exploring sections of the Serra do Mar on his own. His introduction to caves came in 1997 at PETAR (Alto Ribeira Tourist State Park), exploring cavities not yet open to the public.

A near-miss accident during a vertical cave exploration — which Gabriel chose to sit out due to lack of technical preparation — proved to be a turning point. He dedicated himself afterward to formal training in vertical progression, cave rescue, and risk management, completing more than a dozen specialist courses. Today Gabriel is a rope-access cave rescue instructor for the São Paulo Fire Department (CSALT), a certified Personal Protective Equipment inspector, an auditor of ABNT NBR ISO 21101, and an adventure tourism guide trainer.

How Is the Team Structured?

The operation employs 19 professionals, each with clearly defined roles within the safety framework. Training is continuous and covers visitor guidance, technical rescue, and environmental conservation — ensuring every tour balances adventure with the protection of the Vale do Ribeira's speleological heritage.