Serra Ricardo Franco State Park, State park in Mato Grosso, Brazil
Serra Ricardo Franco State Park spans a plateau in Mato Grosso where cerrado grasslands gradually transition into Amazon rainforest. The protected area covers more than 158,000 hectares and contains numerous waterfalls and natural water sources throughout its territory.
The protected area was established in 1997 through a government decree to safeguard the region's natural resources and water systems. This official designation made it a key part of Brazil's broader conservation efforts in the region.
The park shares a border with Bolivia's Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, forming an international conservation zone. This cross-border arrangement allows diverse South American ecosystems to thrive and move naturally across the landscape.
Visitors can access the Namorados waterfall trail, which features marked paths and natural pools. The remaining park areas require permits and are managed for conservation purposes, so plan to focus on the accessible sections.
The Jatoba waterfall plunges 248 meters, making it the highest waterfall in the state. This dramatic cascade remains largely unknown to casual visitors since it sits in a less accessible area of the park.
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