Itatiaia National Park: Brazil's Natural Crown Jewel
Discover Brazil's first national park: Itatiaia, where stunning landscapes, diverse trails, and rich biodiversity await in the heart of Serra da Mantiqueira.
Established in 1937, Itatiaia National Park is Brazil's oldest national park, gracing the border of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. A haven of biodiversity, it offers stunning landscapes from lush Atlantic forests to mountainous terrains, complete with cascading waterfalls and the towering Pico das Agulhas Negras.
A brief summary to Itatiaia National Park
- Estrada do Parque Nacional, Km 8,5, Itatiaia, State of Rio de Janeiro, 27580-000, BR
- +55243352-1292
- Visit website
Local tips
- Weekends can get crowded, especially on popular trails; visit during the week for a more peaceful experience.
- Bring appropriate footwear for hiking, as the terrain can be varied, from smooth paths to rocky ascents.
- Consider visiting during the dry season (May to August) for the best views from the higher elevations.
- The park is divided into upper and lower sections; plan your visit based on your interests, whether it's waterfalls or mountain views.
Getting There
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Car
From Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, take the Presidente Dutra Highway (BR-116) to Itatiaia (exit 318). Continue for 5.5 km on BR-485 to the park entrance. From Mata dos Cocais, follow the BR-354 highway for approximately 30 kilometers until you see signs for Itatiaia National Park. Continue onto Estrada do Parque Nacional; the entrance is at Km 8.5. Parking costs approximately R$ 10.00 per vehicle.
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Public Transport
From major cities like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, take a bus to Itatiaia. From Itatiaia, take a local bus or taxi to the park entrance. Alternatively, take a bus from Mata dos Cocais to Itatiaia; bus schedules may vary. Upon arrival in Itatiaia, take a taxi or ride-sharing service to the park entrance at Estrada do Parque Nacional, Km 8.5. Expect to pay around R$ 30.00 for the taxi ride.
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Taxi/Ride-sharing
From Mata dos Cocais, a taxi or ride-sharing service to Itatiaia National Park takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is around R$ 70.00 to R$ 90.00. Confirm the drop-off point at Estrada do Parque Nacional, Km 8.5.
Discover more about Itatiaia National Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Serra da Mantiqueira Environmental Protection Area
9.0 km
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Parque Estadual da Serra do Papagaio
26.5 km
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Mantiqueira Mountains
42.2 km
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Conceição Beach
92.9 km
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Achaia Cave
93.3 km
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Praia do Amor
93.7 km
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Cachoeira da Feiticeira
96.7 km
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Ilha Grande State Park
97.6 km
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Ilha grande _ Angra dos Reis
98.9 km
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Ilha Grande Hiking
99.0 km
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EU S2 ILHA GRANDE
99.0 km
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Praia do Canto
99.4 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Pico das Agulhas Negras
2.3 km
Ascend to Rio de Janeiro's highest point in Itatiaia National Park for breathtaking views and challenging hikes amidst unique rock formations.
Pedra do Altar
3.2 km
Hike to Pedra do Altar in Itatiaia National Park for panoramic views from one of Brazil's highest accessible peaks.
Flowers Waterfall - Itatiaia National Park
3.9 km
Discover the serene beauty of Flowers Waterfall in Itatiaia National Park, a perfect spot for a refreshing escape into nature.
Pico das Prateleiras
4.5 km
Hike to the summit of stone shelves in Itatiaia National Park for panoramic views and a thrilling rock climbing experience.
Monkeys Waterfall
4.8 km
Discover the enchanting Monkeys Waterfall in Itatiaia National Park, a serene escape into Brazil's lush Atlantic Rainforest and vibrant wildlife.
Waterfall Slide
5.1 km
Experience the thrill of nature at Itatiaia's Waterfall Slide, a unique and exhilarating natural waterslide nestled in Brazil's oldest national park.
Maromba
6.8 km
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Itaporani Waterfall
6.9 km
Discover the serene beauty of Itaporani Waterfall in Itatiaia National Park, a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Brazil.
Cachoeira Veu da Noiva
7.2 km
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Cachoeira da Maromba
7.5 km
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Abrigo Água Branca do Parque Nacional do Itatiaia
7.5 km
Explore the breathtaking Abrigo Água Branca in Itatiaia National Park, a serene escape filled with stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Cachoeira do Santuário
8.3 km
Discover Cachoeira do Santuário in Itatiaia National Park: a hidden gem with cascading waters, serene trails, and breathtaking views.
Visitor Center (Museum of Flora and Fauna)
9.9 km
Discover Itatiaia National Park's biodiversity at the Visitor Center: Exhibits, trails, and stunning views await!
Cachoeira Três Bacias
10.7 km
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Rapids Park
11.9 km
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Essential places to dine
Babel Restaurante
6.9 km
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Zucchine Ristorante
7.9 km
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Restaurante Due Fratelli
8.1 km
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Bistrô das Meninas
8.2 km
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Restaurante Gosto com Gosto
11.4 km
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Restaurante Jardim Secreto - Penedo RJ
13.0 km
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Casa da Picanha Penedo
14.9 km
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Graal Itatiaia
16.4 km
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Laurinho - Restaurante e Balneário
21.2 km
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Restaurante Dona Ines
21.5 km
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Nó Cozinha
30.6 km
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Tia Iraci - Restaurante e Hospedagem - Vale do Matutu
30.8 km
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Butiquim do Bistrô
30.8 km
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Pousada e Restaurante Lírio do Vale
32.3 km
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Churrascaria Mineira
32.6 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Shopping Aldeia dos Imigrantes
11.7 km
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Kahvila cafés especiais - Cafeteria em Penedo
14.4 km
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Terras da Finlandia Shopping
14.4 km
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Shopping Vale dos Duendes
14.5 km
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Única - Arte para você
14.5 km
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Shopping Roda d’Água
14.5 km
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Arte Velas
14.6 km
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Casa do Papai Noel - Pequena Finlândia
14.6 km
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Fuê Gelateria Natural
14.6 km
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Fabrica de Chocolates
14.6 km
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Chocolate do Papai Noel
14.6 km
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Mini World Miniaturas Ltda
14.7 km
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Shopping Azul
14.7 km
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LE GARDEN POUSADA BOUTIQUE
15.3 km
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Dr. Coffee - Cafeteria em Penedo
15.3 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar e Restaurante do Escorrega
5.1 km
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Quintal de Casa
6.0 km
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Morrison Rock Bar
6.8 km
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Restaurante Renascer
8.0 km
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Restaurante Marioca
8.1 km
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Purpuris Forneria
8.1 km
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House Beatles Visconde de Mauá
11.4 km
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Cerveja Vale do Pavão
11.7 km
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Bar do Miguelzinho
12.0 km
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Vernissage, agora é LOAZÔ RESTÔ
12.0 km
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Pub Penedo
14.0 km
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Cantinho Mineiro da Tia Lili
14.2 km
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Restaurante Jazz Village
14.4 km
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Guela Seca Penedo
14.5 km
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Rei das Trutas
14.5 km
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