Discover the impressive Brazilian biodiversity in 6 national parks of Brazil
Ready for an incredible adventure through Brazil’s national parks? Get ready to explore seven destinations that will leave you in awe! Brazil is a vast country, full of natural beauty, and the national parks are true treasures that need to be on your travel list.
Perfect for those who want to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the natural world, they are also essential for the preservation of our biodiversity. Many are home to endemic and endangered species. So, in addition to enjoying breathtaking landscapes, you will also be contributing to environmental conservation.
And don’t think that visiting Brazil’s national parks is only for extreme adventurers. There are options for everyone! Whether you are an athlete who enjoys challenging trails or someone who prefers a more relaxed bird-watching stroll, there’s a perfect park waiting for you.
Read in this post
- ATM24h across Brazil
- Brazil’s National Parks: 6 natural wonders you must visit
- Tips for visiting Brazil’s national parks
- Get to Know Brazil ATM (At All Times)
- FAQ
ATM24h across Brazil
| Where | Location |
|---|---|
| Salvador | See all the points here |
| Rio de Janeiro | See all the points here |
| Recife | See all the points here |
| São Paulo | See all the points here |
Brazil’s National Parks: 6 natural wonders you must visit
Did you know that Brazil has more than 70 national parks? That’s right, there are plenty of options for nature lovers. But don’t worry, we know choosing can be tough. That’s why we’ve selected the 6 national parks in Brazil that will take your breath away with their beauty. Shall we?
1. Parque Nacional de Itatiaia (RJ)
Want to visit Brazil’s first national park? Then you need to check out Itatiaia! Located between Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, this park is a true paradise for mountain and forest enthusiasts. The park is divided into a high part (near the city of Itamonte, MG) and a low part (in Itatiaia, RJ).
The Pico das Agulhas Negras, with its 2,791 meters of altitude, is the spot for adventurers. But don’t worry if you’re not so radical. The park has trails for all levels, refreshing waterfalls, and incredible wildlife.
And the best part: it’s close to both Rio and São Paulo, perfect for a weekend in nature. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a jacket. Up there, the weather is quite cold!
Useful information:
- Best time to visit: April to October, when it rains less
- Don’t miss: The opportunity to camp under the starry sky on the mountain and experience temperatures well below zero degrees.
- Hot tip: Visit the Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s history
- Accommodation: There are charming inns inside and around the park
- Activities: Hiking, climbing, birdwatching, and waterfall swims
2. Parque Nacional do Iguaçu (PR)
Iguaçu National Park is one of Brazil’s most famous national parks, and for good reason. Located on the border between Brazil and Argentina, this park is home to the stunning Iguaçu Falls, one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world.
With 275 waterfalls stretching over nearly 3 kilometers, Iguaçu Falls is a natural spectacle you must see up close. The Devil’s Throat, with its 80-meter height, is truly breathtaking!
But the park isn’t just about waterfalls. The surrounding subtropical forest is home to incredible wildlife. Coatis, toucans, and even jaguars inhabit the area. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a harpy eagle, one of the largest birds of prey in the world.
The park is well-equipped to welcome visitors. There are boat tours that get you very close to the falls (get ready to get wet!), well-maintained trails, and even a visitor center with fascinating information about the region.
Useful information:
- Best time to visit: The park is beautiful all year round, but from December to February, the falls are even more voluminous.
- Don’t miss: The Macuco Safari boat ride, which takes you very close to the falls.
- Hot tip: Arrive early to avoid lines and enjoy the park more peacefully.
- Accommodation: There are hotels for all budgets in the city of Foz do Iguaçu, close to the park.
- Activities: Besides the falls, you can hike, birdwatch, and even take a panoramic helicopter flight (for those who aren’t afraid of heights!).
3. Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina (BA)
Located in the heart of Bahia, this national park in Brazil is a true paradise for nature lovers.
Just imagine: stunning waterfalls, mysterious caves, crystal-clear rivers, and towering mountains. Chapada Diamantina has all that and much more! Morro do Pai Inácio, with its 360° panoramic view, is one of the park’s iconic landmarks.
But what really steals the show are the waterfalls. Cachoeira da Fumaça, with its impressive 380 meters of free fall, is simply otherworldly. For the more adventurous, Gruta Azul and Poço Encantado offer dives into turquoise waters that seem straight out of a fairy tale.
And don’t worry if you’re not an expert hiker. Chapada has options for all fitness levels. From leisurely walks to more challenging trails, there’s something for everyone!
Useful Information:
- Best time to visit: April to October, during the dry season, when the trails are more accessible.
- Don’t miss: The sunset viewed from Morro do Pai Inácio.
- Hot tip: Hire a local guide. They know the best spots and will enhance your experience.
- Accommodation: The town of Lençóis is the perfect base, with accommodation options for all budgets.
- Activities: Hiking, rappelling, cave diving, waterfall baths, and mountain biking.
4. Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros (GO)
Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, in the heart of Brazil, is renowned for its surreal landscapes and mystical energy. It’s no wonder many people consider this place one of Earth’s chakras!
With its ancient rock formations, crystal-clear waterfalls, and fields of wildflowers, Chapada dos Veadeiros seems like a fantasy movie setting. The Vale da Lua, with its natural pools carved into the rocks, is one of the most incredible sights you’ll ever see.
The waterfalls are another spectacle. Cachoeira do Rio Preto, with its 120-meter drop, is breathtaking. And if you’re lucky, you might even see a rainbow forming at the base of the falls!
But Chapada isn’t just about natural beauty. The park plays a crucial role in preserving the Cerrado, one of Brazil’s most threatened biomes. Here, you can find rare species like the maned wolf and the giant anteater.
Useful information:
- Best time to visit: May to September, during the dry season, when the waterfalls are more accessible.
- Don’t miss: A relaxing bath in the warm waters of Cachoeira das Cariocas.
- Hot tip: Bring powerful flashlights for the nighttime star-gazing tour.
- Accommodation: The town of Alto Paraíso de Goiás is the main base, offering options from camping to charming inns.
- Activities: Hiking, waterfall baths, bird watching, meditation, and alternative therapies in nearby towns.
5. Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses (MA)
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is one of the most surreal and fascinating places in Brazil, and indeed the world!
The dunes can reach up to 40 meters in height and stretch across 70 km of coastline. During the rainy season, the depressions between the dunes fill with rainwater, forming thousands of blue and green lagoons. It’s a unique spectacle in the world!
Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita are the most famous, but there are hundreds more to explore. And the best part? You can swim in them! There’s nothing more refreshing than a dip in a crystal-clear lagoon after walking across the dunes.
And don’t think Lençóis is just about sand. The park also features mangroves, restinga vegetation, and even deserted beaches. It’s a true paradise for nature lovers!
Useful information:
- Best time to visit: July to September, when the lagoons are full and the weather is more pleasant.
- Don’t miss: The sunset viewed from the top of a dune. It’s breathtaking!
- Hot tip: Hire a local guide. The park is vast, and it’s easy to get lost in the dunes.
- Accommodation: The town of Barreirinhas is the main base, with options for inns and hotels.
- Activities: 4×4 tours, dune walks, lagoon swims, and boat trips on the region’s rivers.
6. Parque Nacional do Jaú (AM)
This is the largest national park in Brazil in terms of continuous tropical rainforest area and one of the most preserved in the Amazon. Here, you’ll feel like a true explorer!
The park is crisscrossed by the Jaú River and its tributaries, forming a labyrinth of rivers, streams, and lakes. It’s a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Get ready to see pink dolphins, caimans, giant otters, and a multitude of exotic birds.
One of the park’s most incredible attractions is the waterfalls of the Carabinani River. Several waterfalls amidst the dense forest create a spectacle that few have the privilege to see. For archaeology fans, the park holds rock paintings and remnants of ancient indigenous settlements.
But beware: visiting Jaú isn’t for everyone. Access is difficult, and infrastructure is minimal. However, if you’re seeking an authentic Amazon experience, there’s no better place!
Useful information:
- Best time to visit: August to November, during the dry season, when river levels are lower.
- Don’t miss: A nighttime canoe trip to spot caimans and other nocturnal creatures.
- Hot tip: Bring plenty of insect repellent. Amazonian mosquitoes mean business!
- Accommodation: The park only supports camping. Another option is to stay on adapted regional boats.
- Activities: Wildlife and flora observation, boat tours, sport fishing (with permission), and visits to riverine communities.
Tips for visiting Brazil’s national parks
Now that you know some of Brazil’s most incredible national parks, how about some tips to make your visit even more special? Check them out:
Plan ahead
Each park has its own rules and infrastructure. Do thorough research before you go to avoid surprises. Check operating hours, entrance fees, and if you need to schedule your visit.
Respect nature
Remember, you are a guest in the home of thousands of species. Don’t leave trash, don’t feed the animals, and stay on marked trails. The preservation of these paradises depends on each of us!
Hire local guides
Besides providing income for the community, guides know the best spots and will make your experience safer and richer. They are walking encyclopedias of Brazil’s national parks.
Bring the right gear
Comfortable hiking boots, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle are essential items. Depending on the park, binoculars can be a great addition to your backpack.
Pay attention to the weather
Weather can change quickly in some regions. Check the forecast and be prepared. A lightweight waterproof jacket can save your outing!
Respect your limits
Choose trails and activities according to your fitness level. Don’t overdo it! Remember, the idea is to enjoy nature, not to stress yourself.
Capture, but live in the moment
Take photos, of course, but don’t forget to enjoy nature with your own eyes too. Sometimes, the best memory is the one we keep in our hearts.
Learn about the place
Visit the visitor centers. They have valuable information about the park’s history, fauna, and flora. The more you know, the more you appreciate what you see.
Be flexible
Sometimes, a trail might be closed, or the weather might not cooperate. Always have a plan B. After all, in Brazil’s national parks, every corner has something special to offer.
Contribute to conservation
Many parks accept volunteers or donations. How about helping preserve these wonders? Your contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.
Remember: each national park in Brazil is unique and has its own characteristics. Respect the local rules and enjoy every moment of this amazing experience in Brazilian nature. Safe travels!
Get to Know Brazil ATM (At All Times)
At Brazil ATM, we believe that Brazil is a country of unparalleled beauty and fascinating cultural diversity. Our portal, endorsed by the global brand ATM24h, is dedicated to sharing our love for Brazil and inspiring tourists to discover its wonders in a safe and informed way.
We offer accurate, up-to-date, and inspiring information in three languages, ensuring you have everything you need to plan your trip with confidence. From comprehensive travel guides and detailed itineraries to planning tips, our content covers all travelers’ needs.
We aim to provide unforgettable experiences by revealing Brazil’s natural and cultural beauties. Whether exploring popular destinations like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, or discovering hidden treasures like Lençóis Maranhenses and Fernando de Noronha, we are here to help you make the most of your journey.
FAQ
Currently, Brazil has 74 national parks spread across the entire territory. They protect various biomes, from the Amazon to the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado. Read more.
Most national parks charge an entrance fee. The prices vary depending on the park and may be different for Brazilians and foreigners. Some offer free entry on certain days. Read more.
Many parks allow camping, but you need to check the specific rules for each one. Some have designated camping areas, while others may require prior authorization. Read more.
