The area of the Itatiaia National Park is divided into two diverse habitats. One is the Atlantic forest with numerous centennial trees that keep the lower part, and the other which is characterized by its mountainous topography with crags and peaks on its highest part.

The mountainous place is ideal for long and amusing hikes in the middle of landscapes of singular beauty. Its altitude varies between 700 and 2787 m.

It is taken to be the first national park in Brazil for the preliminary data concerning its creation goes back to the beginnings of the XX century. The Pico das Aguilhas Mountain, the fifth tallest of the country, is positioned in this natural reserve on the border of Minas Gerais and Sao Paulo.

After a failed project the Biological Station of Rio de Janeiro's Botanic Garden became a National Park in July of 1937, during the administration of President Getulio Vargas, with 12,000 hectares. Its extension was enlarged to encompass 30,000 hectares in 1982.

Flora and fauna

The ecological reserve is conformed by different layers of plants belonging to primitive ecosystems. Its flora is Typical and unique, especially at the high plateau of Itatiaia.

There are 163 specimens of native and endemic flora species, from which 94 grow in the highest part of the massif. Science distinguishes three different vegetation formations in the southern and northern regions and in the higher zones.

The most representative fauna group is that of insects. It is estimated thaqt there are 5,000 species in the Itatiaia area, near 90 of which are endemic to the higher region of the park.

The lower region is richer in mammals, for the shrubs provide a better haven for the mammals. The diversity of birds include the black and white Humming birds, toucans, sparrow-hawks, pigeons and Peach-fronted Conure (Aratinga aurea aurea)

64 toad, frog and tree frog species are catalogued in the park, 24 of them are distributed alongside the valleys, ponds and vegetation areas of the high plateau. The most notable is the Maldonado Redbelly Toad toad (Melanophryniscus moreirae) with a red belly and a black back.

Weather

The southern hemisphere's winter is rough in the high plateau region, where temperatures can go down to 15 grades below zero and thus freeze streams and small ponds.

January is thought of as the hottest month with an average temperature of 13 grades, and July the coldest with an average of 8 grades. Temperatures below zero are often felt in the higher sectors. The rainy season takes place in January and there are severe rains from October to April.

Attractions

Pico das Agulhas Negras Mountain - With its 2787 m altitude, it is the highest point in the park and in the State of Rio de Janeiro as well. Ideal place for mountaineering and trekking.

Museum of the Visitors' Centre - Found in the lower part of the park, it has a series of flora, fauna and geological samples with an interesting scientific significance for the region.

Beautiful Cascade (Cachoeira Poranga) - Poranga means beauty if translated from the Tupi idiom. The cascade is 10 m high and has a 30 m diameter natural pool ideal for swimming.

Blue Lake - An enchanting natural lake formed by the Campo Bello River. It is a safe place for a river bathe with the family.

Maromba's Natural Pool - You will gain vigour the neaded to continue the hike after a freezing bathe in here.

Velo de Novia Cascade (Cachoeira Vu de Noiva) - A delicious view of the waters falling from a 40 m height. It is one of the emblematic sights of the park.

Three Peaks - At 1662 m of altitude, Three Peaks offers a marvellous view of the Paraiba Valley and the pre-cordilleran hills of the Sierra of Mantiqueira. The return trip can be deliciously closed with a bathe at the Bonito River's cascade. Massif of Prateleiras - At 2548 m altitude, it is formed by huge blocks of rock and offers a beautiful vista of the Paraiba valley.

How to get there

If coming from Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, take the Dutra road up to Itatiaia. Continue for 5 more km through an asphalted road up to the park's entrance. The access for Estanteras or Agujas Negras will be acreoo Ingeniero Passos, continuing for 48 km through the BR-354 road bound to Itamonte, and then another 17 km through dirt roads.