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Rio Vermelho State Park: A Coastal Sanctuary

Discover Florianópolis's natural side: trails, rescued wildlife, and diverse ecosystems await at Rio Vermelho State Park.

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Rio Vermelho State Park, located on the east coast of Florianópolis, is a protected area encompassing diverse ecosystems, including restinga, rainforest, and recovering exotic plantations. It offers a green escape with ecological trails and opportunities to observe rescued wild animals.

A brief summary to Rio Vermelho State Park

  • Rod. João Gualberto Soares, s/n, Florianópolis, São João do Rio Vermelho, State of Santa Catarina, 88010-102, BR
  • Visit website
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Bring insect repellent, especially if visiting during warmer months, as mosquitoes can be abundant.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on sandy and potentially uneven trails.
  • Visit between Tuesday and Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm, as the park is closed on Mondays.
  • Take advantage of the guided tours to learn about the rescued animals and the park's ecosystem.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Moçambique Beach for a complete nature experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the center of Florianópolis, take a local bus towards Rio Vermelho. Several bus routes serve the area, with the most common being those heading to Ingleses or Barra da Lagoa. Check the local bus schedules for the most up-to-date timings and routes. The ride typically takes around 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Get off at a bus stop along Rodovia João Gualberto Soares, near the park entrance. From there, it's a short walk to the park's visitor center. Bus fares typically cost around R$4-6 (approximately $0.80-$1.20 USD) [CURRENT_DATE]. Note: Bus schedules can be less frequent on weekends and holidays.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From Florianópolis city center, a taxi or ride-sharing service (such as Uber or 99) is a convenient option to reach Rio Vermelho State Park. The journey typically takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Set your destination as 'Parque Estadual do Rio Vermelho' on the app. The drop-off point is usually at the park entrance off Rodovia João Gualberto Soares. Expect to pay around R$50-80 (approximately $10-16 USD) for the ride [CURRENT_DATE]. Note: Prices may vary depending on the time of day and demand.

  • Driving

    If driving from Florianópolis, take the SC-401 highway north, then merge onto SC-406 towards the east coast. Follow SC-406, also known as Rodovia João Gualberto Soares, until you see signs for Rio Vermelho State Park. The drive is approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. There is parking available near the park entrance. Parking is free. However, during peak season or on weekends, it can get crowded. Consider arriving early to secure a spot.

Unlock the Best of Rio Vermelho State Park

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Discover more about Rio Vermelho State Park

Rio Vermelho State Park, situated on the eastern coast of Santa Catarina Island in Florianópolis, is a 1,532-hectare (3,790-acre) state park created in 2007. The park's boundaries include São João do Rio Vermelho to the north, Lagoa da Conceição to the west, Moçambique beach to the east, and Barra da Lagoa to the south. The park's landscape is a blend of different environments. It features restinga vegetation, dense rainforest, and areas that were modified by exotic plantations and are undergoing restoration. These plantations, consisting of pine and eucalyptus trees, were planted until 1970. Today, efforts are underway to remove these invasive species and restore the native ecosystem. The park is home to 169 native plant species associated with herbaceous, shrub, and arboreal restinga. Visitors can explore the park through ecological trails, including a 1-kilometer trail opened in 2014 that houses rescued wild animals. These animals, victims of mistreatment, include monkeys, hawks, macaws, and parrots. The trail is accessible, with wooden decks for those with mobility issues, and guided tours are available. The park also features a camping site with amenities and a trail leading to Moçambique beach.

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