Santa Maria Madalena, Administrative municipality in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil.
Santa Maria Madalena is a municipality in Rio de Janeiro state in southeastern Brazil, situated in a mountainous region. The area contains sections of a major protected forest zone with diverse habitats and natural spaces for research and recreation.
The municipality was established as an independent administrative division in 1862 and has remained part of Rio de Janeiro state since then. This creation reflected a period of administrative reorganization across southeastern Brazil.
The local people have deep connections to the mountain landscape and its natural resources, shaping how they live and work in this region. You can see this relationship in their daily practices and how they interact with the land around them.
The best way to explore the area is on foot or by car, as the terrain is hilly and forested with various natural paths. Be prepared for muddy or uneven ground depending on the season, especially during rainy periods.
The area is set at an elevation that distinguishes it from the surrounding lowlands, creating different climate zones and plant communities within its borders. This highland setting gives the landscape its distinctive appearance and supports diverse ecosystems.
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