Rio Cajari Extractive Reserve

Rio Cajari Extractive Reserve is a protected area spanning over 500,000 hectares of Amazon rainforest, featuring dense forest zones, open cerrado fields, and wetland areas along waterways. The landscape shifts between different forest types that together form one continuous ecosystem.

The reserve was established in 1990 as a protected area and grew from territories previously used for rubber extraction that were part of larger commercial projects. This shift from extraction zones to a conservation area marked a change in how the land was managed.

Local communities gather Brazil nuts and açaí berries while practicing sustainable fishing, maintaining knowledge passed down through generations. These activities shape how people live and interact with the forest each day.

The reserve is reachable via Federal Highway BR-156, which runs through the northern section and connects to the state capital nearby. The best time to visit is during the drier season when paths and waterways are more accessible.

Visitors can spot tapirs, monkeys, and giant river otters that inhabit the forest areas, along with over 150 bird species that move throughout different parts of the woods. The wildlife here reflects the health of the ecosystem and its many different habitats.