Parque Geológico do Varvito, Geological park in Itu, Brazil.
Parque Geologico do Varvito displays thin bands of clay and silt that accumulated year after year in ancient lakes and river systems. These parallel layers allow visitors to read the geological record from a distant time.
The site operated as a stone quarry that supplied slabs for paving until it was transformed into a geological park in 1995. This conversion protected the formations from further extraction and opened them to science and education.
Schools and researchers visit to study the rock formations and learn how landscapes develop over immense time periods. The exposed walls tell a story that remains visible today.
The park opens on several days of the week and welcomes visitors at no cost, with guided tours available. Wear suitable footwear, as the paths are cut into stone and can become slippery when wet.
Each layer formed from glacial melt and sediment discharge that followed seasonal patterns over millions of years. These recurring patterns remain frozen in the rock.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
