PETAR - A Cave Explorer's Paradise

The Alto Ribeira State and Tourist Park (PETAR), located in the southern part of São Paulo, Brazil, is a haven for ecotourists and adventure seekers. Spanning over 35,000 hectares, PETAR protects a significant portion of the Atlantic Forest, boasting over 300 caves, along with waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. This rich natural heritage has earned the park recognition as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. PETAR offers a range of activities, including hiking, cave exploration (spelunking), bird watching, and swimming in natural pools. Of the hundreds of caves within the park, a selection are open to the public, each revealing breathtaking geological formations. These caves display a variety of speleothems, including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. The park is divided into different visitor centers (Núcleos), each providing access to a unique set of attractions. The Santana Núcleo is the most visited, offering well-structured access to the Santana Cave, one of the largest in the state. Other notable caves include the Ouro Grosso Cave, Água Suja Cave, and Casa de Pedra, which boasts the highest cave entrance in the world. Visitors are required to be accompanied by a certified guide to ensure safety and preservation of the natural environment. These guides provide valuable insights into the geological formations, local flora and fauna, and the history of the region.