Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Campos do Jordão State Park, located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, encompasses an area of dense Atlantic Forest within the Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range. The park preserves rare and native plant species, including valuable coniferous Araucaria forests, and serves as habitat for several bird and mammal species characteristic of the highland tropical environment. Established in 1941, the park covers rugged terrain with elevations ranging up to approximately 1,800 meters (5,900 feet), offering ample opportunities for nature observation and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy extensive hiking trails winding through dense forest and open clearings, picnic areas, and viewpoints showcasing panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountain valleys. The park is popular for birdwatching, as it hosts a variety of endemic, rare, and migratory species. Historically, the area benefited from early conservation efforts to protect the Atlantic Forest ecosystems from deforestation and fragmentation. Recreational activities include hiking, ecological tours, and environmental education programs. The park's location near the city of Campos do Jordão—a notable mountain resort town—allows for easy access and accommodations. Visitors often combine outdoor exploration in the park with cultural and gastronomic experiences in the urban area. The park’s cooler highland climate offers pleasant weather throughout much of the year, especially attracting visitors during the warmer months of Brazil’s winter season in June and July.
