Serra da Canastra National Park, National park in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Serra da Canastra National Park is a protected area in Minas Gerais, Brazil, spanning six municipalities and characterized by high plateaus covered in dense grassland. The terrain drops into deep valleys where streams run through gorges and tumble over rock ledges in several locations.
The government established this protected area in 1972 to preserve the source region of the São Francisco River and the mountain ecosystems. Decades later, authorities expanded the management zone and integrated neighboring areas into the conservation network.
The region takes its name from the basket weave that Portuguese settlers recognized in the mountain shapes, a pattern still echoed in local handicrafts. Farms outside the protected boundaries produce the mild aged Canastra cheese using traditional methods passed down through generations and sold across the province.
Several trails run through the terrain and lead to viewpoints over the valleys and waterfalls that flow most strongly during the rainy season. Visitors should start early to avoid midday heat and bring plenty of water along with sun protection.
The protected area shelters rare species such as the Brazilian merganser, which breeds only in clear streams and is critically endangered worldwide. Birdwatchers often travel long distances to see this shy waterfowl in its natural habitat.
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