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Atlantic Forest
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Explore Brazil’s Atlantic Forest through mountain parks, coastal towns, waterfalls, wildlife, historic routes and diverse regional food traditions.

The Atlantic Forest is not an administrative state or province but one of Brazil’s great ecological regions, extending in a broad, interrupted belt along much of the country’s eastern and southern seaboard. Known in Portuguese as the Mata Atlântica, it includes humid coastal forest, mountain ranges, restinga vegetation on sandy shores, mangroves, araucaria woodland and inland seasonal forest. Its territory reaches across 17 Brazilian states, from the Northeast to the far South, so a journey through it is best planned around a particular landscape or national park rather than treated as one compact destination.
Read more about Atlantic Forest
Some of Brazil’s most accessible natural experiences take place within Atlantic Forest remnants. Rio de Janeiro’s Tijuca National Park protects forested mountains within a major metropolis, while Serra dos Órgãos National Park offers demanding trails, granite peaks and viewpoints above the Serra do Mar. Further south, Serra da Bocaina National Park preserves a large mountainous area between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states, with waterfalls, forest paths and historic routes linking the coast to the interior. The Iguaçu region, in Paraná, presents a different expression of the biome, where subtropical forest frames one of the world’s great waterfall systems.
The region’s human geography is equally varied. Historic coastal cities such as Paraty and São Sebastião developed through maritime trade, while Curitiba and its surrounding highlands reflect southern settlement, farming and the distinctive presence of Paraná pine landscapes. Along the coast, fishing communities, port towns and mangrove estuaries exist beside large metropolitan areas including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Curitiba and Florianópolis. The result is not a single regional culture but a meeting of Indigenous knowledge, Afro-Brazilian traditions, Portuguese colonial legacies, immigrant influences and contemporary urban life.
Atlantic Forest travel rewards visitors who allow time for contrasts. A day may combine a forest trail with a colonial town, a waterfall, a beach or a meal based on seafood, cassava, beans, rice, palm products and locally grown fruit. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding because the biome supports a remarkable concentration of endemic species, although wildlife is often heard rather than easily seen. Trails range from short, well-used urban walks to remote routes requiring guides, permits and careful weather planning.
The forest is also a story of loss and recovery. Much of the original vegetation disappeared through centuries of timber extraction, agriculture, mining, roads and urban expansion, yet protected areas, private reserves, ecological corridors and restoration projects continue to safeguard important fragments. Visitors should therefore see the Atlantic Forest not merely as scenery but as a living conservation landscape whose future depends on responsible tourism, respect for local communities and protection of water sources and wildlife.

When is the best time to visit Atlantic Forest?

Best: April, September–October · 24–26°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January28200
February29190
March28180
April (best)26170
May23160
June21150
July21140
August22150
September (best)24160
October (best)26170
November27180
December28190

Getting to and around Atlantic Forest

How to get there

Because the Atlantic Forest crosses a large part of eastern and southern Brazil, access depends on the chosen section. International visitors commonly arrive through airports serving Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Curitiba, Florianópolis, Salvador or Recife, then continue by domestic flight, intercity bus or road. Some forest destinations are close to major cities, such as Tijuca National Park near Rio de Janeiro; others require several hours by road from a regional airport or bus terminal. Confirm the precise park entrance and nearest town before booking, as a protected area may have several access points.

Transportation

Buses and intercity coaches connect the principal cities and many coastal towns, while hired cars are useful for reaching trailheads, waterfalls and dispersed accommodation. Mountain and coastal roads can be winding, congested or affected by heavy rain, so journeys often take longer than distances suggest. Public transport is most practical in metropolitan areas and established tourist towns; it is less reliable for remote park entrances. Taxis or app-based cars may be available in towns but are not guaranteed at trailheads, making return arrangements important. Longer treks may require an authorised guide or local transfer.

Top city travel guides in Atlantic Forest

The cities of Atlantic Forest, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Atlantic Forest

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Atlantic Forest

The Atlantic Forest’s attractions are defined by ecological variety rather than a single landmark circuit. Urban nature is unusually accessible in places such as Tijuca National Park, where forest trails, waterfalls and viewpoints occupy the mountains above Rio de Janeiro. Serra dos Órgãos National Park offers more demanding hiking, dramatic granite formations and high-altitude scenery, while Serra da Bocaina combines Atlantic Forest, rivers, waterfalls and historic routes between the mountains and coast. In Paraná, Iguaçu National Park presents an expansive subtropical forest setting around the Iguaçu Falls. Other protected areas provide opportunities for birdwatching, primate spotting, botanical study, canyon walks and sea-linked excursions through mangroves or coastal forest. Historic towns including Paraty and Antonina add colonial architecture and maritime history to forest itineraries, although the atmosphere and access arrangements vary considerably. Visitors should distinguish between state parks, national parks, private reserves and urban green spaces, since permits, guides, trails and visitor facilities differ. The most rewarding experiences usually combine a well-managed protected area with time in a nearby community rather than attempting to cover several distant fragments in one journey.

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Best landmarks in Atlantic Forest

The Atlantic Forest contains landmarks that express both natural power and Brazil’s layered history. The granite formations of Serra dos Órgãos, including the distinctive Dedo de Deus profile, are among the best-known mountain symbols of southeastern Brazil. Iguaçu Falls, within the Atlantic Forest landscape of Paraná, forms a vast chain of cataracts along the Iguaçu River and is one of the country’s most recognisable natural places. In Rio de Janeiro, the forested slopes and historic structures of Tijuca National Park create a notable meeting of urban life, landscape restoration and protected nature. Paraty’s colonial streets and churches recall the old maritime and gold routes between the coast and interior, while parts of the Serra do Mar preserve the mountain barriers that shaped those journeys. Further south, araucaria-dotted uplands provide a distinctive visual identity unlike the humid coastal forest. These landmarks should be understood as separate destinations across a very large biome, not as stops within one compact sightseeing area; travel times, climate and access conditions differ considerably between them.

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Explore Atlantic Forest on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Atlantic Forest

Food across the Atlantic Forest reflects Brazil’s immense regional diversity rather than one unified cuisine. Coastal towns commonly serve fish, prawns, crab, rice, beans, cassava, plantain and coconut-based preparations, while estuarine areas have traditions shaped by mangrove and river fisheries. Around Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, restaurants range from simple neighbourhood eateries and bakeries to sophisticated dining rooms drawing on ingredients from the wider Southeast. In southern sections, Portuguese, Italian, German, Polish and other immigrant influences appear alongside Brazilian staples, with pinhão, corn, dairy products, cured meats and seasonal mountain produce more prominent in Paraná and Santa Catarina. Farmers’ markets and roadside stalls are useful places to find tropical fruit, sugar-cane juice, preserves, cassava products and regional sweets. In rural and coastal destinations, meal times and choice can be more limited than in the cities, so visitors staying near trails should plan food supplies in advance. Local restaurants and community kitchens can offer more meaningful regional cooking than generic international menus.

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Best bars in Atlantic Forest

Nightlife varies sharply across this vast ecological region. Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Curitiba, Florianópolis and other large cities have extensive choices of bars, live music, cultural venues and late-night restaurants, while historic and coastal towns tend to concentrate evening activity around central squares, waterfronts and restaurant streets. In smaller Atlantic Forest communities, the social centre is more often a neighbourhood bar, traditional boteco, brewery, café or restaurant than a nightclub. Music may include samba, choro, forró, sertanejo, rock and locally organised performances, but programmes and opening arrangements change frequently. Towns near national parks generally become quiet after dinner, making them better suited to early trail starts and conversations than late clubbing. Visitors should use licensed transport after dark in unfamiliar urban areas, avoid displaying valuables and check local advice before walking beyond busy central districts. Craft beer and cachaça are widely encountered, but drinking is not necessary to engage with the region’s evening culture.

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Best nightclubs in Atlantic Forest

Nightlife varies sharply across this vast ecological region. Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Curitiba, Florianópolis and other large cities have extensive choices of bars, live music, cultural venues and late-night restaurants, while historic and coastal towns tend to concentrate evening activity around central squares, waterfronts and restaurant streets. In smaller Atlantic Forest communities, the social centre is more often a neighbourhood bar, traditional boteco, brewery, café or restaurant than a nightclub. Music may include samba, choro, forró, sertanejo, rock and locally organised performances, but programmes and opening arrangements change frequently. Towns near national parks generally become quiet after dinner, making them better suited to early trail starts and conversations than late clubbing. Visitors should use licensed transport after dark in unfamiliar urban areas, avoid displaying valuables and check local advice before walking beyond busy central districts. Craft beer and cachaça are widely encountered, but drinking is not necessary to engage with the region’s evening culture.

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Best shops in Atlantic Forest

Shopping in Atlantic Forest destinations is usually local and practical rather than centred on one regional retail style. Historic towns such as Paraty and coastal settlements offer independent galleries, bookshops, craft stores and studios selling ceramics, textiles, woodwork, jewellery and locally produced art, while larger cities provide extensive shopping centres and specialist food shops. Farmers’ markets are valuable for seasonal fruit, preserves, honey, coffee, cassava products, sweets and other produce from forest-edge farms, although market days differ between municipalities. In southern areas, visitors may encounter pinhão products, regional cheeses, cured foods and crafts associated with immigrant communities and highland landscapes. Near protected areas, choose souvenirs made legally and avoid products containing wild animal parts or plants removed from the forest. Small producers and community enterprises may accept only Brazilian cash or local payment applications, so modest notes are useful. Ask about provenance when buying wood, botanical products or traditional crafts, and favour items that support recognised local makers rather than encouraging extraction from threatened habitats.

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Atlantic Forest essentials

Currency and Payment
Brazil uses the Brazilian real (BRL). Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in cities, larger hotels, national-chain businesses and established tourist centres, although connectivity can be weak in forest areas. Carry some small notes for rural transport, local food stalls, guides, entrance services and community businesses, while avoiding unnecessary large amounts of cash. International cards may require a bank authorisation, and visitors should keep a separate payment method because remote areas may have unreliable mobile coverage or electronic terminals.
Safety
Follow ordinary urban precautions in cities and transport hubs, including keeping valuables discreet and using established transport after dark. In the forest, the more immediate concerns are slippery rocks, steep paths, heat, dehydration, sudden rain, falling branches, insects and becoming lost. Swim only where conditions and local advice indicate it is appropriate, and take particular care around waterfalls and fast rivers. Stay on marked trails, tell someone your route and do not enter remote areas alone. In coastal and metropolitan locations, seek current local advice about neighbourhoods, sea conditions and weather.
Emergency Situations
Brazil’s national emergency numbers apply throughout the Atlantic Forest: call 190 for the Military Police, 192 for the SAMU ambulance service and 193 for the Fire Brigade, which may assist with rescues. Civil Defence can be reached on 199, while 191 is used for the Federal Highway Police on relevant federal roads. Mobile coverage may disappear inside parks, so download maps, carry written accommodation details and tell a responsible person your planned route. For serious incidents in remote protected areas, contact park staff, local rescue services or the nearest police post as soon as communication is possible.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect park rules, private land, Indigenous territories and community guidance, and use only authorised entrances and trails. Do not collect plants, stones or animals, feed wildlife, light fires outside designated areas or leave litter. Ask before photographing people, homes, religious ceremonies or community activities. In towns and churches, modest clothing and quiet behaviour are appropriate, while Brazilian social etiquette generally values politeness and patience. Tipping is not legally compulsory, but a discretionary service charge or tip may be customary in restaurants and for guides when service has been satisfactory.
Local Tips
Base yourself near a specific park or historic town to reduce long daily transfers and to support local accommodation and guides. Early starts are useful for cooler walking conditions and bird activity, but check whether gates or visitor centres have restricted hours. Coastal and mountain weather can differ sharply on the same day, so pack a light waterproof layer. In southern sections, look for araucaria landscapes and regional produce; in southeastern and coastal areas, ask about locally caught fish, cassava-based dishes and seasonal fruit. Brazilian Portuguese is particularly valuable outside major cities.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloOlá[oh-LAH]
GoodbyeAdeus[ah-DEH-oos]
YesSim[sing]
NoNão[now]
Please/You're welcomePor favor[poor fah-VOR]
Thank youObrigado (masculine) / Obrigada (feminine)[oh-bree-GAH-do (masc) / oh-bree-GAH-dah (fem)]
Excuse me/SorryDesculpe[des-KOOL-pee]
How are you?Como você está?[KOH-moo voh-SEH eh-STAH]
Fine. And you?Estou bem. E você?[es-TOH-baym. eh voh-SEH?]
Do you speak English?Você fala inglês?[voh-SEH FAH-lah een-GLEZ?]
I don't understandEu não entendo[eh-oo now en-TEN-do]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o cardápio, por favor[goh-stah-REE-ah jeh vehr oo kar-DAH-pyo, poor fah-VOR]
I don't eat meatEu não como carne[eh-oo now KOH-mo KAR-nee]
Cheers!Saúde![sah-OO-jee]
I would like to pay, pleaseEu gostaria de pagar, por favor[eh-oo goh-stah-REE-ah jeh pah-GAR, poor fah-VOR]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Socorro![soh-KOH-roo]
Go away!Vá embora![vah em-BOH-rah]
Call the Police!Chame a polícia![SHAH-mee ah poh-LEE-see-ah]
Call a doctor!Chame um médico![SHAH-mee oom MEH-jee-co]
I'm lostEstou perdido[es-TOH per-JEE-do]
I'm illEstou doente[es-TOH do-EHN-chee]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Eu gostaria de comprar...[eh-oo goh-stah-REE-ah jeh kom-PRAR...]
I'm just lookingEstou apenas olhando[es-TOH ah-PEN-as oh-LYAN-do]
How much is it?Quanto custa?[KWAN-toh KOOS-tah?]
That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro[EE-so eh MOY-toh KAH-ro]
Can you lower the price?Você pode abaixar o preço?[voh-SEH POH-jee ah-bah-YAR oo PREH-so?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Que horas são?[kee OR-as sow?]
It's one o'clockÉ uma hora[eh OO-mah OR-ah]
Half past (10)Dez e meia[dehz ee MAY-ah]
MorningManhã[mahn-YAH]
AfternoonTarde[TAR-jee]
EveningNoite[NOY-chee]
YesterdayOntem[ON-tem]
TodayHoje[OH-zhee]
TomorrowAmanhã[ah-mahn-YAH]
1Um[oom]
2Dois[doyz]
3Três[trehz]
4Quatro[KWAH-troh]
5Cinco[SEEN-koh]
6Seis[says]
7Sete[SEH-chee]
8Oito[OY-toh]
9Nove[NOH-vee]
10Dez[dehz]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Onde fica um/a...?[ON-jee FEE-kah oom/ah...?]
What's the address?Qual é o endereço?[kwow eh oo en-deh-REH-so]
Can you show me (on the map)?Você pode me mostrar (no mapa)?[voh-SEH POH-jee mee mohs-TRAR (no MAH-pah)?]
When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (ônibus)?[KWAN-doo eh oo PROH-see-mo (OH-nee-boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ...)[oom bee-LYEH-chee (PAH-rah ...)]

History of Atlantic Forest

Indigenous Landscapes Before European Colonisation

For thousands of years, the Atlantic Forest has been shaped by Indigenous peoples including Tupi-Guarani-speaking communities and many other nations with distinct languages, territories and ecological knowledge. Forest plants supplied food, medicine, fibres and materials, while rivers, estuaries and coastal waters supported fishing and travel. Indigenous burning and cultivation altered particular landscapes without producing the large-scale transformation associated with later colonial expansion. Their knowledge remains important to contemporary debates about forest stewardship, although Indigenous communities have faced displacement, violence and continuing pressure on their lands.

Portuguese Coastal Colonisation, Sixteenth Century Onwards

Portuguese settlement developed first along the Atlantic coast, where access by sea connected Brazil to the wider empire. Sugar production, timber extraction, cattle raising and port activity transformed selected parts of the forest, while colonial towns grew around harbours, rivers and strategic routes. The extraction of brazilwood, valued for its red dye, gave the country its name and contributed to early exploitation of coastal forests. Colonial expansion also brought enslaved Africans whose labour and cultural influence became fundamental to the region’s society, economy, religion and cuisine.

Gold, Inland Routes and Historic Settlements

From the late seventeenth century, gold discoveries in the interior redirected roads and commerce through Atlantic Forest mountain passes. Routes connected mining territories in present-day Minas Gerais with ports such as Rio de Janeiro and Paraty, carrying people, goods and official shipments across the Serra do Mar. Towns and religious buildings associated with this period survive in several parts of southeastern Brazil. The movement of miners, traders, enslaved Africans and colonial administrators accelerated deforestation while also creating enduring links between coastal settlements and the inland economy.

Coffee, Railways and Nineteenth-Century Transformation

Coffee cultivation became a powerful economic force in southeastern Brazil during the nineteenth century, especially in the Paraíba Valley and areas west of São Paulo. Forest was cleared for plantations, roads and railways, and wealth from coffee helped finance expanding towns, public buildings and infrastructure. The system depended heavily on enslaved labour until abolition in 1888, followed by the arrival of immigrant workers in many plantation districts. Soil exhaustion and erosion later exposed the environmental cost of clearing steep and fertile forest landscapes.

Industrialisation, Urban Growth and Infrastructure

During the twentieth century, Atlantic Forest areas became the country’s principal zones of industrial and metropolitan growth. Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Curitiba, Porto Alegre and numerous coastal cities expanded through housing, roads, ports, dams and factories. Agriculture, timber production and plantation forestry continued to remove native vegetation, while hydropower and transport corridors divided remaining habitats. The forest’s decline was not uniform: some remote mountain and coastal areas retained substantial cover, while urban fragments became important refuges for wildlife and sources of clean water.

Conservation and the Atlantic Forest Legal Framework

Scientific research and civic campaigns increasingly drew attention to the biome’s exceptional biodiversity and severe fragmentation. National parks, state parks, private reserves and ecological restoration projects expanded, including protected landscapes around Tijuca, Serra dos Órgãos, Serra da Bocaina and Iguaçu. Brazil’s Atlantic Forest Law, enacted in 2006, established additional rules for conserving and restoring remaining vegetation, although enforcement and land-use conflicts remain significant. Today, conservation is closely connected with water security, climate resilience, Indigenous rights, sustainable farming and responsible nature tourism.

Atlantic Forest in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Atlantic Forest, Brazil

Discover the best attractions, landmarks, restaurants, tours, and more with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide to Atlantic Forest. Plan your trip effortlessly!

  • Comprehensive guide to attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich information on each location, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app
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More about the Evendo app

Explore the lush beauty of Atlantic Forest, Brazil with Evendo. Your comprehensive, free travel guide to attractions, landmarks, restaurants, tours, and more. Download now!

  • History and travel essentials for visiting Atlantic Forest
  • Curated local tips to experience the destination like a local
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs
  • Covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Atlantic Forest, Brazil with Evendo, the ultimate travel companion. Dive into the lush greenery of one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, rich with unique flora and fauna. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Evendo has got you covered.

Discover iconic landmarks like the Serra do Mar mountain range and the famous Iguazu Falls. Explore the mesmerizing Tijuca Forest, the largest urban rainforest, or take a stroll through the Jardim Botânico in Rio de Janeiro. For those looking to immerse themselves in local culture, visit the historical city of Paraty with its colonial architecture and bustling markets.

Savor the flavors of Brazil at renowned restaurants such as Mani, known for its innovative cuisine, or dine at Aprazível, offering breathtaking views and delectable dishes. With Evendo, you can easily find the best spots for a night out, from vibrant bars to lively nightclubs.

Planning your trip is a breeze with Evendo's detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Each location comes with images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details. Plus, you can book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. No more searching for what to do or how to get there - everything you need is in one place, making your travel experience seamless and enjoyable.

Don't miss out on hidden gems and local favorites with Evendo's curated local tips. The app's 'Near me' feature ensures you can always find exciting things to do, no matter where you are in the Atlantic Forest. And remember, Evendo is completely free to use, with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

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