Desengano State Park, State park in northern Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Desengano State Park is a conservation area in northern Rio de Janeiro spanning roughly 21,400 hectares across three municipalities with mountains, peaks, and thick Atlantic Forest vegetation. Elevation ranges from around 200 meters to about 1,760 meters, with river valleys and waterfalls scattered throughout the terrain.
The State Environmental Institute established this park in April 1970, marking Rio de Janeiro's first officially protected conservation area. The creation reflected growing concern about preserving Atlantic Forest ecosystems and set a foundation for environmental protection efforts across the region.
The park sits alongside communities whose families have lived in these mountains for generations, maintaining knowledge about the forest and its rhythms. You notice their presence in trails, settlements, and how people move through this landscape today.
The park has several marked hiking trails with designated entry points, and many lead to waterfalls such as Vernec and Bonita. Different trails demand varying fitness levels, so it helps to learn about your options before starting out.
Researchers have documented over 400 bird species inside the park, including more than 280 species that live specifically in the high-altitude alpine meadows. This zone offers conditions rarely found elsewhere in the region and draws birds you would not encounter in lower elevations.
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