Mirador State Park

Mirador State Park is a large protected area in central-south Maranhão covering more than 430,000 hectares of Cerrado habitat. The landscape includes mountain ranges, elevated plateaus, and the Serra do Itapecuru peak at 660 meters high.

The park was established in 1980 under federal law to protect water sources in the state-owned land. Its creation became part of broader efforts to safeguard large sections of the Cerrado biome.

The park borders territories of the Kanela Ramkokamekrá and Canela Apanyekrá peoples, who have lived in this region for generations. This proximity to indigenous communities shapes how the land is understood and valued by those who visit or study the area.

The park is free to visit but has limited visitor facilities and can be difficult to reach in some areas. Planning ahead and using local guides is recommended to safely explore the terrain.

The park protects the headwaters of the Alpercatas and Itapecuru rivers, which flow through a vast network to the Arraial Bay. These river sources are vital to the region's ecosystem and water supply.