São Francisco de Paula National Forest

Sao Francisco de Paula National Forest is a protected woodland in southern Brazil that mixes native Atlantic species with zones of planted exotic trees. The roughly 1,600-hectare area displays different vegetation types across rolling terrain.

The woodland was established in 1968 by the National Pine Institute as a conservation area for natural resources and sustainable management. This creation reflected broader efforts to protect remaining Atlantic Forest lands in the region.

The forest functions as a research hub where scientists study the Atlantic Forest ecosystem and share their findings about local biodiversity. Visitors encounter researchers working in the field and gain insight into ongoing conservation efforts that shape how people understand this region.

Two maintained nature trails offer ways to explore the forest, with staff-guided tours available to explain the woodland ecology. The visit works best during drier months when the paths are more passable.

Several rare animal species live within the forest and show the diversity of Atlantic Forest wildlife found nowhere else nearby. Some of these creatures depend almost entirely on protected areas like this one for their survival.