Itatiaia Nacional Park is in Southeast_(Brazil), Brazil.

Landscape

Itatiaia National Park is a ruggedly beautiful region of lush forests, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, alpine meadows, and both primary and secondary Atlantic Rainforest. Though just 70 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, the park covers a broad range of elevations rising to 9100 ft. This range in altitudes contributes to a most diverse variety of habitats from lower elevation forest to alpine meadows surrounded by granite cliffs.

Flora and fauna

This is one of the best opportunities in south eastern Brazil for bird watching.

Climate

Travel to Itatiaia National Park - Visa Requirements

Fees/Permits

Tours and Getting around Itatiaia National Park

Itatiaia National Park tourist attractions and sightseeing

Agulhas Negras and Prateleiras are the highest points in the park, and among the highest points in the whole country. The vegetation gets sparser the higher you go, so don't forget sunblock and a hat. The views are fabulous, especially in the dry season (May-Aug). Prateleiras is an easy climb but Agulhas Negras is a little tougher, and requires some effort, if not actual moutaineering skills. Due to an arson attack a few years ago, which resulted in a huge fire that destroyed most of the area's vegetation (it has since recovered), access is only possible with a registered guide or agency. These can be hired through the local pousadas (small hotels). Agencies usually provide their own 4x4 transport, probably the better option, because access is through a secondary gate very far from the main entrance and the access road is very rough.

Itatiaia National Park city tours

Itatiaia National Park souvenirs and shopping

Itatiaia National Park Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Itatiaia National Park nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

Itatiaia National Park cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

There are small hotels (pousadas) and one large hotel within the park itself. A good small one is Donati, (24) 33521110. Its fairly expensive, but the rate includes all meals, and it is situated in a forest clearing, which makes for unequaled access to the park itself 24 hours a day. Apparently this is only national park in Brazil that has this kind of infrastructure within the park itself.

Lodging

Penedo, which lies at the foot of the Serra da Mantiqueira at an altitude of 600m/2000ft, is the best equipped tourist center in the region. Founded in 1929 by Finnish natural scientists, it lies within the commune of Itatiaia, 3km/2mi north of the town and 170km/106mi north-west of Rio de Janeiro.

Camping

Backcountry

Stay safe

Before visiting Itatiaia National Park read about it. Many books are available:

  • Jorge Pádua, Maria Tereza e Coimbra Filho, Adelmar F. Os Parques Nacionais do Brasil. Instituto de Cooperação Iberoamericana. Madrid. José Olympio Editora, 1989. ISBN 84-85389-19-0, pág. 122 a 129
  • Corrêa, Marcos Sá "Itatiaia - O Caminho das Pedras" São Paulo. Metalivros, 2003. ISBN 85-85371-50-1, 240 pág.
  • Leite, Helton Perillo Ferreira - "Planalto do Itatiaia - Região das Agulhas Negras", Rio de Janeiro. Montanhar / Publit, 2007. Edição parcialmente trilíngue. ISBN 978-85-7773-076-6, 232 páginas.

Get out

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