Nature
It contains more than 30,000
hectares of pure beauty
» Itatiaia
Itatiaia, an ecological sanctuary
A visit to Itatiaia National Park means
coming into contact with some of the most spectacular settings
and natural views in Rio de Janeiro. It contains more than 30,000
hectares of pure beauty: large cliffs, rocky formations together
with dense native forest, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. It’s
a paradise for hikers and climbers who also enjoy watching –
or studying – the many different species of birds.
The park offers activities for visitors with all types of interests
and fitness levels. In the Lower Part you can see waterfalls
like the Véu de Noiva (Bride’s Veil) on the Campo
Belo river, the Maromba pool, or the Último Adeus (Last
Farewell) viewpoint. Specialized guides, who usually work for
the hotels within the park or on the adjoining highways, can
guide groups over more than 150 trails, including the Pedra
da Tartaruga (Turtle Rock), Pedra da Maçã (Apple
Rock) or Pico das Agulhas Negras (Black Needle Peak), the highest
point in the state at more than 2,700 meters.
Location and how to get there
The park is in Itatiaia city, 155 Km from Rio de Janeiro. Access
to the Lower Part is at Km marker 318 on Via Dutra (BR-116)
in Itatiaia. The Upper Part is reached via Rodovia Rio-Caxambu,
at Km marker 330 on Via Dutra, in Engenheiro Passos. Contact
telephones: (24) 3351-1461 and 3352-7001.
Visitation
In spite of the lower temperatures, climbing the peaks is best
done in the dry season, from May to August. In summer, constant
rain makes the rocks very slippery, so it is recommended that
visitors only frequent the lower part at that time.
Night time activities
The hotels have game rooms and leisure activities, and usually
offer dinner in the evenings.
Websites
http://www.itatiaia.rj.gov.br
http://www.ibama.gov.br/parna_itatiaia/
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