National Parks in Brazil

There are 72 national parks in Brazil covering areas of 25 states and 1 federal district. The majority of national parks are in Bahia (10), followed by Minas Gerais (8), Amazonas (7) and Paraná (7). The oldest national park is Itatiaia National Park, established in 1937. The newest parks are Guaricana National Park and Serra do Gandarela National Park, established in 2014, and Acari National Park which was declared a national park in 2016.

Eleven national parks are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and three national parks are listed as Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO. 

Brazil’s national parks demonstrate the state’s great diversity and beauty. From beaches and waterfalls to forests and mountains, national parks in Brazil are a prime example of nature’s jaw-dropping artistry. therefore, one of the good reasons why visit Brazil.

The following guide presents a list of all national parks in Brazil sorted by each state. You will also find a Brazil national parks map at the end for easier navigation.

National Parks in Brazil by State

Brazil has many diverse national parks spread throughout 25 out of 26 states and 1 federal district. The majority of national parks are located in the northeastern and southeastern states of Brazil. Some national parks are spread through two or more different states. 

Here is a list of national parks sorted by the state in alphabetical order.

Acre (1)

Serra do Divisor National Park

Serra do Divisor National Park was established in 1989. It is situated on the westernmost point of Brazil, covering an area of around 8,430 square kilometers. This is also where the highest peak of the state Acre is, reaching an altitude of 609 meters. In addition, the park has a series of waterfalls, the only ones in Acre. Around them is a beautiful forest mostly made of bamboo and palm trees. The protected area can be accessed by boat from Cruzeiro do Sul along the river Moa. Once there, you will be surrounded by fascinating rainforest-covered hills and rock formations. Furthermore, parts of the park are still populated. It is estimated that there are around 1200 families in the area.

Amapá (2)

Cabo Orange National Park

Cabo Orange National Park was established in 1980 in order to protect flora, fauna and natural beauty. It is situated in the northern part of Brazil and it is the only Amazon rainforest on the coastline. As a result, its faunal and floral species are a lot different than those found in inland areas. Furthermore, the park covers an area of approximately 6,190 square kilometres and it is accessible by boat from Oiapoque, the northernmost point in Brazil. Cabo Orange National Park is an astonishing combination of both the jungle and the coast. In addition, there are numerous activities available at the park such as boat and canoe trips as well as rafting. The nearest city is Macapá.

Tumucumaque Mountains National Park

Tumucumaque Mountains National Park was established in 2002. The park is located in an uninhabited region in the north of the Amazon rainforest, on the border with French Guiana and Suriname. It covers an area of 38,874 square kilometers which makes it the world’s largest tropical forest national park. Moreover, the park is a habitat for numerous species that are not found anywhere else in the world. Some of the rare species that live here are jaguars, sloths, aquatic turtles, harpy eagles and primates. All of the park’s tourism happens in the Amapari region and Oiapoque region. Activities in the park include swimming in the rivers and observing animals and plants. The nearest city is Serra do Navio.

Amazonas (7)

Acari National Park

Acari National Park was established in 2016 which makes it the newest national park in Brazil. It covers an area of 8,964 square kilometers and it is spread over the municipalities of Apuí (11.77%), Borba (59.55%) and Novo Aripuanã (28.68%) in the southeast of Amazonas. The park is situated in the Amazon biome and managed by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation. The nearest town is Apuí.

Amazônia National Park

Amazônia National Park was established in 1974. It is located in the north of Brazil, in the watershed of the Tapajós River. The park covers an area of approximately 10,000 square kilometers. The area is very biodiverse and it is a habitat for many rare and endangered species of animals such as giant otter, Amazonian manatee and giant anteater. Because the river is essentially making a barrier, some animal and plant species can be seen on one bank of the river, but not on the other. The easiest way of getting to the park is to take a bus from Itaituba to Jacareacanga and ask the driver to stop at the park entrance.

NOTE: Before visiting the park, you must obtain permission from IBAMA/ICMBio. You can find their office in Itaituba.

Anavilhanas National Park

Anavilhanas National Park was established in 1981 and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. It is located in the north of Amazonas and it includes a huge river archipelago in the Rio Negro. The park covers an area of 3,505 square kilometers and more than 60% of it is fluvial. Furthermore, it contains over 400 islands, 60 lakes, numerous river channels and narrow paths that cross the blackwater-flooded forests. Anavilhanas National Park is home to many rare and protected species such as pink river dolphin, gray river dolphin, manatee, jaguar, giant armadillo, tapir and bush dog. Activities in the park include walks in the jungle, canoeing, piranha fishing and boat trips. The nearest city is Manaus.

Jaú National Park

Jaú National Park was established in 1980 and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. It covers an area of 22,720 square kilometers which makes it one of the largest protected areas in Brazil. It is named after the gilded catfish, just like the main river of the park. The park is a habitat for numerous protected species such as margay, jaguar, giant otter and Amazonian manatee. The nearest city is Manaus.

Juruena National Park

Juruena National Park was established in 2006 and it covers an area of more than 19,000 square kilometers. The majority of the park is situated in the Amazon biome. The park is known for its majestic beauty that paints a beautiful picture of numerous small waterfalls, rivers and forests. However, it is quite tricky to get there as there are no cities nearby. The best option is to get a plane from one of the bigger cities or a helicopter from Apiacás.

Nascentes do Lago Jari National Park

Nascentes do Lago Jari National Park was established in 2008 and it covers an area of over 8,000 square kilometers. The park is a part of the Amazon biome and it protects one part of the Amazon rainforest located on the highway. It also protects the basin of the river Jari which is a tributary of the Purus River. The nearest city is Tapauá.

Pico da Neblina National Park

Pico da Neblina National Park was established in 1979 and it covers an area of 22,500 square kilometers. It is named after the highest peak in Brazil, located exactly in this park. Pico da Neblina reaches an altitude of 2,995 meters. Furthermore, the park includes partly flooded lowlands surrounding the Rio Negro which create a contrast to the high mountains and, of course, breathtaking views of the scenery. Apart from the park being home to many protected plant and animal species, it is also home to many different indigenous people. Some of them are Tucano, Tuyuca, Baniwa, Baré and Warekena. The nearest city is São Gabriel da Cachoeira.

Bahia (10)

Abrolhos Marine National Park

Abrolhos Marine National Park was established in 1983 and it covers an area of 688 square kilometers. It is located in the Abrolhos Archipelago. There are 5 islands in the archipelago but only one of them is open to visitors- Siriba. The surrounding waters are crystal clear and, although the island’s vegetation is low, it has a large variety of underwater flora and fauna, including flourishing coral formations. Regarding activities, everyone’s favorite is, of course, scuba diving. The nearest city is Caravelas where you can get a boat to Abrolhos.

Alto Cariri National Park

Alto Cariri National Park was established in 2010 which makes it one of the newest national parks in Brazil. It covers an area of 182 square kilometers and belongs to the Atlantic Forest biome. The eastern side is dominated by montane rainforest, while the west is dominated by semi-deciduous forest. In addition, its hilltops discover many species of bromeliads, orchids, cactuses and ferns. The nearest city is Eunápolis.

Boa Nova National Park

Boa Nova National Park was established in 2010 and it covers an area of 142 square kilometers. It is a part of the Atlantic Forest biome and the average temperature is 23 °C. Its altitudes vary from 440 to 1,111 meters. Also, the area is known for being home to numerous bird species. So far 437 of them are recorded which makes this park a popular destination among foreign birdwatchers. The nearest city is Boa Nova.

Chapada Diamantina National Park

Chapada Diamantina National Park was established in 1985 and it covers an area of 1,520 square kilometers. Due to its incredible scenery, it is one of the most beautiful national parks in Brazil. It belongs to the Caatinga biome. The park is situated on a plateau, bounded by cliffs. In the mountain parts, the altitudes go as high as 2,000 meters. The highest peak of Bahia,  Pico do Barbado, is located in the park. Also, the parks’ name has historical significance because gold and diamonds were often found in this range. It has diverse flora and fauna and, therefore, it is home to many endangered species, mostly birds such as the white-necked hawk, Chaco eagle and an ochre-marked parakeet. There is a few towns nearby: Igatu, Mucugê, Andaraí, Palmeiras and the capital of Chapada Diamantina – Lençóis.

Descobrimento National Park

Descobrimento National Park was established in 1999 and it covers an area of 211 square kilometers. The park is located in one of the richest tropical forest regions and is one of the wealthiest in terms of biodiversity. Due to its scientific importance, it is a part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Furthermore, the park is a part of the Atlantic Forest biome and is home to many protected species such as cougar, ringed woodpecker, black-headed berry eater and banded cotinga. The nearest city is Cumuruxatiba.

Grande Sertão Veredas National Park

Grande Sertão Veredas National Park was established in 1989 and it covers an area of 833 square kilometers. It is a part of the Cerrado biome and it is dominated by forests, savannah, cerrado and dense cerrado. Its name comes from the Portuguese word ‘veredas’ which means ‘paths’. That refers to its numerous and extensive streams which often form oxbow lakes or large rivers. Also, it is home to many endangered species such as maned wolf, jaguar, cougar, ocelot and colocolo.

Monte Pascoal National Park

Monte Pascoal National Park was established in 1961 and it covers an area of 225 square kilometers. It is a part of the Atlantic Forest biome and it is also a part of the Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, the park’s name has historical significance. It refers to Monte Pascoal mountain which was the first land seen by Pedro Álvares Cabral, a Portuguese explorer. In addition, the park is home to many protected species such as the jaguar, cougar, giant armadillo and white-necked hawk. The nearest city is Porto Seguro.

Nascentes do Rio Parnaíba National Park

Nascentes do Rio Parnaíba National Park was established in 2002 and it covers an area of 7,298 square kilometers. It is a part of the Cerrado biome and it is home to protected species such as the jaguar, cougar and giant armadillo. One of the most famous animals in the area are intelligent capuchin monkeys. Unfortunately, the park is closed to the public. However, it is possible to visit with advance permission from the park authorities. The nearest city is Gilbués.

Pau Brasil National Park

Pau Brasil National Park was established in 2000 and it covers an area of 115 square kilometers. It is a part of the Atlantic Forest biome, located between two rivers – Frades and Buranhém. The terrain is mostly flat with elevations up to 150 meters, but it is cut with deep gullies that carry streams that drain the area. Also, it is home to protected species such as jaguar, cougar, harpy eagle and an ochre-marked parakeet. The nearest city is Porto Seguro.

Serra das Lontras National Park

Serra das Lontras National Park was established in 2010 and it covers an area of 113 square kilometers. It is a part of the Atlantic Forest biome. The park contains a great variety of flora and fauna. The higher forest is famous for its epiphytes and a great diversity of orchids. In addition, it is home to numerous protected animal species, some of them threatened with extinction. Some of the protected mammals in the area are maned sloth, golden-headed lion tamarin, Golden-bellied capuchin and cougar. The nearest city is Buerarema.

Ceará (2)

Jericoacoara National Park

Jericoacoara National Park was established in 2002 and it covers an area of 200 square kilometers. The park is most famous for Jericoacoara Beach, listed by The Washington Post as one of the Top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. It is also a popular place for windsurfing, sailing and sandboarding. The name Jericoacoara comes from the indigenous language Tupi and it means “lair of the turtles”. Furthermore, the village of Jericoacoara, also called Jeri, is a very touristy place with numerous activities for visitors. The nearest city is Fortaleza, located about 300 km east. 

Ubajara National Park

Ubajara National Park was established in 1959 and it covers an area of only 62 square meters which makes it the second smallest national park in Brazil. It is a part of the Caatinga biome. The main attraction is the eponymous grotto which contains fascinating stalactite and stalagmite formations found in a series of 9 chambers made out of limestone. What’s more, this nature’s wonder reaches half a kilometer into the hill. In addition, there are numerous waterfalls in the park and 3 of them are more than 70 meters high. Some of the best panoramic views of this spectacular landscape can be seen in a cable car that will take you to the grotto. The nearest city is Ubajara. 

Distrito Federal (1)

Brasília National Park

Brasília National Park was established in 1961 and it covers an area of 300 square kilometers. It is a part of the Cerrado biome. Due to its diverse vegetation, the park is declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Besides the rich flora, Brasília National Park also has rich fauna. Some of the species found in the park are maned wolf, capybara, jaguar, puma and black howler monkey. The most famous attractions in the park include caves, creek flows and pools formed from water wells. The water in the park is said to have healing properties. The park is located in Brasília which makes it the largest park in the world situated in an urbanized area.

Espírito Santo (1)

Caparaó National Park

Caparaó National Park was established in 1961 in order to protect the Caparaó Mountains. One of the highest mountains in Brazil, Pico da Bandeira, is located within the park. Pico da Bandiera is known for some of the most beautiful sunset views. Furthermore, the park is a part of the Atlantic Forest biome and it covers an area of 318 square kilometers. Vegetation in the park varies depending on the altitude. While tropical rainforest is dominant in the lower parts of the park, as the altitude goes up, vegetation goes from the high-altitude forest with brushwood to open fields among the rocky outcrops. Most tourists visit during the winter months. The nearest city is Manhuaçu, and the entrance to the park is in Pedra Menina.

Goiás (2)

Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park

Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park was established in 1961 and it covers an area of 600 square kilometers. Since 2001, the park has been a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its extraordinary natural beauty, but primarily for its magnificent waterfalls that range from 80 to 120 meters. The park also includes stunning scenic canyons with high walls and deep valleys. Besides that, this fairytale-like place is home to many near-extinct species such as pampas deer, marsh deer and maned wolf. The nearest city is Alto Paraiso de Goias.

Emas National Park

Emas National Park was established in 1961 and it covers an area of 1,318 square kilometers. Since 2001 it has been enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a part of the Cerrado biome and a typical example of the cerrado ecosystem with predominant grasslands and gallery forests. Its wildlife includes, among others, the giant anteater, the maned wolf, giant armadillo and pampas deer. 

Maranhão (3)

Chapada das Mesas National Park

Chapada das Mesas National Park was established in 2005 in order to protect natural ecosystems of great ecological relevance and breathtaking beauty. It covers an area of 1,600 square kilometers. The park is a part of the Cerrado biome and a unique example of untouched cerrado vegetation. On top of that, its main attractions include waterfalls and sandstone cliffs with rock carvings. The nearest city is Carolina.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park was established in 1981 and it covers an area of 1,550 square kilometers. The park’s coast stretches for 70 km and provides some of the most beautiful and unique views in the world. In addition, the coastline interior is made of wavy, swept, sand dunes that create rainwater lakes during the rainy season. The most popular activities include surfing, canoeing and horseback riding. The nearest cities are Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro do Maranhão.

Nascentes do Rio Parnaíba National Park

*The park is shared between the states Bahia, Maranhão, Piauí and Tocantins.

Mato Grosso (3)

Chapada dos Guimarães National Park

Chapada dos Guimarães National Park was established in 1989 and it covers an area of 330 square kilometers. It is a part of the Cerrado biome and it has typical savannah vegetation. The park’s aesthetic is very recognizable as it includes red sandstone cliffs at the end of plateaus, canyons, caves and waterfalls. What’s more, there are over 40 archaeological sites within the park and they include cave paintings and fossils. The nearest city is Cuiabá.

Juruena National Park

*The park is shared between the states Amazonas and Mato Grosso.

Pantanal Matogrossense National Park

Pantanal Matogrossense National Park was established in 1971 and it covers an area of 1,350 square kilometers. It is a part of the much larger Pantanal Biosphere Reserve which is the largest tropical wetland in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists are attracted to the park because of its diverse flora and fauna which includes more than 2,000 different flora species, 236 species of mammals and 463 species of birds. It is a perfect destination for all nature and wildlife lovers. The nearest city is Corumbá.

Mato Grosso do Sul (3)

Pantanal Matogrossense National Park

*The park is shared between the states Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul.

Serra da Bodoquena National Park

Serra da Bodoquena National Park was established in 2000. It covers an area of 764 square kilometres and belongs to the Cerrado biome. The most famous attractions in the park are its waterfalls. Boca da Onça waterfall is particularly popular amongst tourists. It is 156 meters high which makes it the highest waterfall in Mato Grosso do Sul. The nearest city is Bonito.

Ilha Grande National Park

Ilha Grande National Park was established in 1997 and it covers an area of 788 square kilometers. The park is situated between the two streams of the Paraná River. Due to its geographical position, vegetation includes mainly wetlands and floodplains. Furthermore, the park is crammed with small beaches, lakes and lagoon waters. Therefore, main activities include swimming on the banks of the Paraná River and fishing (certain areas are restricted for fishing). The nearest city is Guaíra,

Minas Gerais (8)

Caparaó National Park

*The park is shared between the states Espirito Santo and Minas Gerais.

Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park

Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park was established in 1999 and it covers an area of 568 square kilometers. It belongs to both Cerrado and Caatinga ecoregions. The park is famous for its limestone caves and is one of the most impressive speleological sites in the region. Its karst caves are a true nature’s work of art. Not only are they impressive in size, but they also have huge paintings inside the walls that date around 10,000 years back. The nearest city is Januária.

Grande Sertão Veredas National Park

*The park is shared between the states Bahia and Minas Gerais.

Itatiaia National Park

Itatiaia National Park was established in 1937 which makes it Brazil’s oldest national park. It covers an area of 300 square kilometers and belongs to the Atlantic Forest biome. It is predominantly rocky and mountainous with altitudes from 540 to 2,791 metres. The highest peak is the Black Needles peak. Thus, there is no surprise that the main activities in the park include hiking and rock climbing. On the other hand, lower parts of the park are famous for numerous natural pools and waterfalls. The nearest cities are Itatiaia and Resende.

Sempre Vivas National Park

Sempre Vivas National Park was established in 2002 and it covers an area of 1,245 square kilometres. It is a part of the Cerrado biome. The park is mainly known for its diverse vegetation and many endemic fauna species. Also, it is home to many protected species such as the maned wolf, cougar, ocelot and giant armadillo. The nearest city is Bocaiúva.

Serra da Canastra National Park

Serra da Canastra National Park was established in 1972 and it covers an area of 2,000 square kilometers. It belongs to the Cerrado biome. The park is situated on the watershed between two rivers – São Francisco and Paraná. It is known for its scenic beauty that includes dramatic cliffs with an altitude up to almost 1,500 meters and waterfalls that go as high as 186 meters. On top of that, viewpoints can be accessed by car because there is a 60-kilometers long road that cuts through the highest parts of the park. The nearest city is Passos.

Serra do Cipó National Park

Serra do Cipó National Park was established in 1984 and it covers an area of 310 square kilometers. It belongs to the Cerrado biome. The park is best known for its astonishing waterfalls surrounded by mesmerizing nature. Besides that, it has great biodiversity which includes over 1,600 flower species. Furthermore, there are 4 mountain ranges in the park – Serra da Cabeça do Boi, Serra Alto do Palácio, Serra da Lagoa Dourada and Serra da Moreninha. Regarding activities, some of the most popular ones are abseiling, canyoning, hiking and horseback riding. The nearest city is Itabira.

Serra do Gandarela National Park

Serra do Gandarela National Park was established in 2014 which makes it one of the newest national parks in Brazil. It covers an area of 313 square kilometers and belongs to the Atlantic Forest biome. The park has more than 100 caves and is home to numerous protected animal species such as chaco eagle, cougar, margay and maned wolf. In addition, the park encompasses alpine meadows, mountains, plateaus, rivers and waterfalls. The nearest city is Belo Horizonte.

Pará (5)

Amazônia National Park

*The park is shared between the states Amazonas and Pará.

Jamanxim National Park

Jamanxim National Park was established in 2006. The park is located in the north of the country and it covers an area of 8,597 square kilometeres of the Amazon rainforest. It belongs to the Amazon biome. The average temperature is 28 °C and the terrain is mainly flat because most of the park is situated in the Jamanxim-Xingu depression. The nearest city is Itaituba.

Rio Novo National Park

Rio Novo National Park was established in 2006 and it covers an area of 5,382 square kilometers. Although this is where the Cerrado and the Amazon forest meet, the park belongs to the Amazon biome. Its name comes from the main river that flows through the park, also called Rio Novo. The terrain is mostly flat because the southern part of the park lies in the Jamanxim-Xingu depression and the western part is on the Parauari-Tropas plateau. However, the highest altitudes (500 – 650 meters) can be found in the southwest where a part of the park is situated on Serra do Cachimbo, a low mountain range. The nearest city is Itaituba.

Serra do Pardo National Park

Serra do Pardo National Park was established in 2005 and it covers an area of 4,473 square kilometers. The park is situated in the north of Brazil and it belongs to the Amazon biome. In the past, it was often used for the extraction of rubber, and timber and for feeding cattle. It suffered a lot of deforestation as well. However, the park maintained about 95% of its natural vegetation. The park is popular for its scenic beauty which includes rivers, mountains and diverse vegetation. The nearest city is Altamira.

Tumucumaque Mountains National Park

*The park is shared between the states Amapá and Pará.

Paraná (7)

Campos Gerais National Park

Campos Gerais National Park was established in 2006 and it covers an area of 215 square kilometers. The park is located in the south of Brazil and it is a part of the Atlantic Forest biome. The terrain varies from slopes, canyons and hills to caves, underground drains and depressions. Moreover, the park’s vegetation includes mixed forest and grassland areas. The nearest city is Ponta Grossa.

Guaricana National Park

Guaricana National Park was established in 2014 which makes it one of the newest national parks in Brazil. It covers an area of 493 square kilometers and it belongs to the Atlantic Forest biome. The terrain is mainly mountainous because the park lies on a mountain range. However, it is cut by deep valleys. As a result, the elevation contrast provides some of the best panoramic views because the mountains rise up to 1,000 meters above the plateau. The nearest city is Guaratuba.

Iguaçu National Park

Iguaçu National Park was established in 1939 which makes it the second oldest national park in Brazil. It has been a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. The park covers an area of 1,852 square kilometers. It is located in the south of Brazil and it shares a border with Argentina. Iguaçu is one of the most popular and most visited national parks in South America. Its name comes from the river Rio Iguaçu. In fact, around 50 square kilometers of the river’s length makes up the Iguaçu Falls, the most famous attraction of the park. Between 150 and 300 waterfalls (depending on the Iguaçu river flow) form an incredible 2,700 meters wide semicircle. Some of the waterfalls go as high as 72 meters. Undoubtedly, there is no view that can top that one. The nearest city is Foz do Iguaçu.

Ilha Grande National Park

*The park is shared between the states Mato Grosso do Sul and Paraná.

Ilhas dos Currais Marine National Park

Ilhas dos Currais Marine National Park was established in 2013 and it covers an area of 1,360 square kilometers. It is an archipelago that belongs to the Coastal marine biome. The archipelago consists of 3 islands – Grapirá, Três Picos and Filhote. In addition, the park is an important nesting site for birds such as brown booby, magnificent frigatebird and black-crowned night heron. However, most tourists visit the park for diving. There are approximately 44 fish species found in the park and the visibility in the water is from 0 to 10 meters. Nonetheless, when visiting the park, tourists must be careful not to impact the environment. The nearest city is Pontal do Paraná.

Saint-Hilaire/Lange National Park

Saint-Hilaire/Lange National Park was established in 2001. It covers an area of 245 square kilometers and belongs to the Atlantic Forest biome. The terrain of the area varies. While the southwest part is relatively flat with altitudes below 150 meters, the north and the south have are mainly mountainous so the altitudes go up to 1,500 meters. The highest peak is Morro Grande at 1,500 meters. Moreover, the park is home to numerous protected species including cougar, red-tailed amazon and fasciated tiger heron. The nearest city is Paranaguá.

Superagui National Park

Superagui National Park was established in 1989 and it covers an area of 210 square kilometers. It belongs to the Coastal marine biome. Since 1991 the park has been enlisted as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and in 1999 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A part of the park is situated on the mainland and a part of it encompasses 4 islands –  Superagüi, Peças, Pinheiro and Pinheirinho. What’s more, the park is very popular because of its various attractions which include bays, deserted beaches, sandbanks, estuaries and plentiful Atlantic Forest formations. Mangroves are especially interesting because of their unusual roots. They are trees or shrubs that appear like they are standing on stilts above the water. The nearest city is Paranaguá from where you can get a ferry to the park.

Pernambuco (2)

Catimbau National Park

Catimbau National Park was established in 2002 and it covers an area of 623 square kilometres. It is located in the east of Brazil and belongs to the Caatinga biome. The park attracts tourists due to its stunning beauty which includes amazing canyons, more than 2,000 caves, and 28 areas registered with pre-historical cave paintings. The most famous cave painting is on Pedra da Concha, dating around 6,000 years back. The nearest city is Tupanatinga.

Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park

Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park was established in 1988 and since 2001 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers an area of 112 square kilometers and belongs to the Coastal marine biome. The park is known for its crystal clear sea, golden sand beaches and breathtaking sunsets. Besides astounding natural beauty, most tourists are attracted to the park because of diving in these unreal surroundings. What’s more, the water visibility is normally around 30 meters but can go up to 50. Furthermore, the park is a natural sanctuary for sea turtles, but there are also dolphins and multicolored coral reefs. The nearest cities are Natal and Recife. From there you can get a plane to the Fernando de Noronha Airport. 

Piauí (4)

Nascentes do Rio Parnaíba National Park

*The park is shared between the states Bahia, Maranhão, Piauí and Tocantins.

Serra da Capivara National Park

Serra da Capivara National Park was established in 1979 and it covers an area of 979 square kilometers. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 to protect the prehistoric artefacts and paintings. Scientific studies have shown that the mountain range in the park was inhabited in the pre-Columbian Era. Therefore, the park is considered the largest and the oldest area containing prehistoric sites in Americas. The nearest city is São Raimundo Nonato.

Serra das Confusões National Park

NP Serra das Confusões was established in 1998 and it covers an area of 8,234 square kilometers. The park belongs to the Caatinga biome. The terrain is relatively flat but the lower parts are rugged and contain rocky outcrops with small caves and springs of water. It is home to many protected species such as jaguar, cougar, giant armadillo and Brazilian three-banded armadillo. The nearest city is São Raimundo Nonato.

Sete Cidades National Park

Sete Cidades National Park was established in 1961 and it covers an area of only 62 square kilometers which makes it one of the oldest and smallest national parks in Brazil. It belongs to the Caatinga biome. Although the park is quite small, its beauty is great. The biggest attractions are geological monuments which include bizarre rock formations. Some believe that these rock formations are the remains of seven cities from the past, after which the park is named. Besides that, the main attractions include pre-historic cave paintings and inscriptions. The nearest city is Piracuruca.

Rio de Janeiro (5)

Itatiaia National Park

*The park is shared between the states Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro.

Jurubatiba Sandbank National Park

Jurubatiba Sandbank National Park was established in 1996 and it covers an area of 148 square kilometers. It is located in the southeast of Brazil and belongs to the Coastal marine biome. The terrain is predominantly flat and includes 18 lakes. The park is spread across 3 municipalities- Quissamã, Carapebus and Macaé. The nearest city is Campos dos Goytacazes.

Serra dos Órgãos National Park

Serra dos Órgãos National Park was established in 1939 which makes it the second oldest national park in Brazil. It covers an area of 110 square kilometers and belongs to the Atlantic Forest biome. The park is known for its picturesque beauty which makes it seem like a fairytale place. Furthermore, there are 10 peaks reaching over 2,000 meters. The most famous one is called God’s finger (Dedo de Deus) because it resembles an index finger pointing at the sky. In addition, the park has incredibly rich vegetation that includes around 360 species of orchids and over 100 species of bromeliads. The nearest city is Guapimirim.

Tijuca National Park

Tijuca National Park was established in 1961 and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012. It covers an area of only 39 square kilometers which makes it the smallest national park in Brazil. However, it is an urban national park, located in the mountains of the city of Rio de Janeiro. That means that the park is a very touristy place with lots of activities and guided tours. The most popular attraction is the colossal sculpture of Christ the Redeemer which is practically Rio de Janeiro’s trademark. Other famous attractions include the Cascatinha Waterfall and the murals of the Mayrink Chapel. 

Serra da Bocaina National Park

Serra da Bocaina National Park was established in 1974 and it covers an area of 1,318 square kilometers. It belongs to the Atlantic Forest biome and is spread over the territory of two countries – Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The main office is located in São José do Barreiro (State of São Paulo). Furthermore, the highest peak is Pico do Tira o Chapéu with an altitude of 2,088 meters. Additionally, the park has great biodiversity including flora species such as trumpet trees, palm trees and bromeliads, and fauna species such as sloths, monkeys, amphibians and birds. The nearest city is Paraty.

Rio Grande do Norte (1)

Furna Feia National Park

Furna Feia National Park was established in 2012 which makes it one of the newest national parks in Brazil. It covers an area of only 85 square kilometers which makes it one of Brazil’s smallest national parks as well. The park is famous for its large cave system containing more than 200 caves. Moreover, the most popular attraction is a 766 meters long cave. The park also has a rich flora and fauna that includes 105 species of plants and 135 species of animals. The nearest city is Mossoró.

Rio Grande do Sul (3)

Aparados da Serra National Park

Aparados da Serra National Park was established in 1959 and it covers an area of 102 square kilometers. It is located in the very south of Brazil and belongs to the Atlantic Forest biome. The park has diverse relief and rich biodiversity. It is situated at the crossing of coastal forests, grasslands and Araucaria moist forests. In addition, the park has developed ecotourism so the main attractions include hiking and mountain bike trails to the canyons. The nearest city is Cambará do Sul.

Lagoa do Peixe National Park

Lagoa do Peixe National Park was established in 1986 and it covers an area of 344 square kilometers. It belongs to the Coastal marine biome. The park is quite unique as it includes open sea, brackish and fresh water lagoons, wetlands, beaches, and dunes. Thus, the main activities include horseback riding and observing the wildlife. Furthermore, locals say that this is the only place on Earth where the Sun both rises from the sea and sets in the sea. Just imagine the views of sunrises and sunsets from the park! The wildlife in the park is very rich and includes flamingos, spoonbills, fur seals, sea-lions and whales. The nearest city is Porto Alegre.

Serra Geral National Park

Serra Geral National Park was established in 1992 and it covers an area of 173 square kilometers. It belongs to the Atlantic Forest biome. The park is situated on the southeastern part of the Paraná Plateau. It is famous for its dense rainforests and cascading waterfalls. The main attraction is the Forteza canyon which is easily accessible and provides breathtaking views. The nearest city is Criciúma.

Rondônia (4)

Campos Amazônicos National Park

Campos Amazônicos National Park was established in 2006 and it covers an area of 8,760 square kilometers. It is located in northwest Brazil and belongs to the Amazon biome. The terrain is mostly flat and laced with easy, meandering rivers. It is home to many protected animal species, including numerous cats such as oncilla, margay and jaguar. The nearest city is Machadinho d’Oeste.

Mapinguari National Park

Mapinguari National Park was established in 2008. It covers an area of 15,624 square kilometers which makes it one of the biggest national parks in Brazil. The terrain includes river terraces, floodplains and meander traces. Although the terrain is predominantly flat (pediplan), altitudes range from 51 to 256 meters. The nearest city is Porto Velho.

Pacaás Novos National Park

Pacaás Novos National Park was established in 1979 and it covers an area of 7,658 square kilometers. It is located in the Amazon biome. The park encompasses a mountain range after which it is named and altitudes vary from 100 to 1,230 meters, with Pico Tracoá being the highest peak. The nearest city is Guajará-Mirim.

Serra da Cutia National Park

Serra da Cutia National Park was established in 2001 and it covers an area of 2,836 square kilometers. It belongs to the Amazon biome and has a very rich biodiversity. There are around 250 bird species, 24 lizard species, 14 snake species, 2 alligator species, 41 amphibians species and 143 fish species. The nearest city is São Francisco do Guaporé.

Roraima (3)

Monte Roraima National Park

Monte Roraima National Park was established in 1989 and it covers an area of 1,160 square kilometers. It is located in the northernmost part of Brazil. The park is known for its exceptional natural beauty. It is named after Mount Roraima, one of many flat-top mountains in the area. What’s more, on top of Mount Roraima there is the Marco da Triplice Fronteira monument. It is a place where the borders of Brazil, Venezuela and Guyana meet. The nearest city is Boa Vista.

Serra da Mocidade National Park

Serra da Mocidade National Park was established in 1998 and it covers an area of 805 square kilometers. There is a mountain complex in the northwest and the altitudes vary from 100 to 1,700 meters above sea level. Moreover, the park includes small meandering streams, rivers with distinctive chemical and biological properties, alluvial floodplains, upland forests and wetlands. The nearest city is Caracaraí.

Viruá National Park

Viruá National Park was established in 1998 and it covers an area of 2,159 square kilometers. It is located in the northern part of Brazil and belongs to the Amazon biome. The park encompasses an extensive sandy plain which holds an alluvial megafan. The soils are poor in nutrients and have no economic value. However, they have exceptionally high biodiversity. As a result, it is estimated that there are around 5,000 plant species in the area and so far more than 2,000 have been identified. The nearest city is Caracaraí.

Santa Catarina (5)

Aparados da Serra National Park

*The park is shared between the states Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina.

Araucárias National Park

Araucárias National Park was established in 2005 and it covers an area of 128 square kilometers. It belongs to the Atlantic Forest biome. The park is situated on the Campos Gerais, a gently descending plateau. The altitudes vary from 805 to 1,218 meters and the average temperature is 17 °C. In addition, it is home to many protected species including maned wolf, ocelot and helmeted woodpecker. 

São Joaquim National Park

São Joaquim National Park was established in 1961 and it covers an area of 493 square kilometers. It is located in the southeast of Brazil and belongs to the Atlantic Forest biome. The terrain is mountainous and includes canyons, caves and hills coated in native forest. Due to the cold climate (average temperature is 12 °C), wildlife is not too rich. Besides hiking, the park is a popular place for alpinism. The nearest town is Urubici.

Serra do Itajaí National Park

Serra do Itajaí National Park was established in 2004 and it covers an area of 573 square kilometers. It belongs to the Atlantic Forest biome. The park is located in the southeast of the state of Santa Catarina. Regarding activities, the most popular ones include hiking and bike trails. Furthermore, tourists are attracted to the park because of its natural beauty which includes forests, rivers and waterfalls. The nearest city is Brusque. 

Serra Geral National Park

*The park is shared between the states Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina.

São Paulo (1)

Serra da Bocaina National Park

*The park is shared between the states Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

Sergipe (1)

Serra de Itabaiana National Park

Serra de Itabaiana National Park was established in 2005. The park covers an area of only 79 square kilometers which makes it one of the smallest national parks in Brazil. It is situated in the southeastern part of the country and it belongs to the Atlantic Forest biome. However, the terrain is quite steep but the surroundings are breathtaking. Besides hiking, the main activities include bathing in rivers and under waterfalls. The nearest city is Itabaiana.

Tocantins (2)

Araguaia National Park

Araguaia National Park was established in 1959 and it covers an area of 5,623 square kilometers. It is located in central Brazil and belongs to the Amazon biome. Although it is an inland park, it is situated on Bananal Island. It is considered the biggest inland river island in the world. The park has great biodiversity which includes plant species such as piassava and buriti palms, cow trees and genipaps. Moreover, there are numerous species of birds as well as other animals among which reptiles such as the anaconda, spectacled caiman and black caiman. The nearest city is Novo Santo Antônio in the state of Mato Grosso. 

Nascentes do Rio Parnaíba National Park

*The park is shared between the states Bahia, Maranhão, Piauí and Tocantins.

Brazil National Parks by Size

The total size of all national parks in Brazil is over 255,169 square kilometers (around 63 million acres) which is almost 30% of the total area of Brazil. The biggest national park is Tumucumaque Mountains National Park, with a territory of over 38,8 thousand square kilometers. The smallest national park is Tijuca National Park covering an area of only 39 square kilometers, which is a thousand times smaller than the biggest national park. The following list includes the 10 largest national parks in Brazil. 

1.  Tumucumaque Mountains National Park
2. Jaú National Park
3. Pico da Neblina National Park
4. Juruena National Park
5. Mapinguari National Park
6. Amazônia National Park
7. Acari National Park
8. Campos Amazônicos National Park
9. Jamanxim National Park
10. Serra do Divisor National Park

Entrance to National Parks in Brazil

Almost a third of Brazil’s total area is classified as protected areas, with national parks included. Some of them charge entrance fees which range from approximately € 6 to € 23. However, many of them do not charge entrance fees and are available throughout the whole year. Also, keep in mind that a lot of national parks in Brazil are not open to visitors because they lack a management plan and public use plan. Besides that, some of them are declared as national parks primarily for the conservation of nature, ecosystems and biodiversity.

Map of Brazil National Parks

National Parks in Brazil FAQs